Worker at Jerusalem Biblical Zoo killed in attack by leopard

An employee at the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo was killed on Friday after being attacked by a Persian leopard that had exited its enclosure.

The victim, 26-year-old Uriel Nuri, was rushed to Hadassah Hospital in Ein Kerem in critical condition after paramedics found him unconscious, with severe injuries to his neck and upper body as a result of the attack.

In a statement, the zoo said the leopard had managed to exit its enclosure and reach the surrounding courtyard.

The statement added that the incident occurred during preparations for an enrichment activity featuring the leopard, which took place as part of a behind‑the‑scenes tour for visitors at the zoo.

“A leopard managed to exit the leopard house into the inner yard and attack one of the zoo staff who was preparing the activity. At no point was there any physical danger to visitors, who stood protected behind a glass window,” the zoo said.

“With the assistance of the Israel Police, we are now conducting a thorough investigation to understand how the leopard managed to get into the yard. Our thoughts are with [Nuri] and his family.”

Police are currently investigating whether a technical malfunction in the door to the enclosure allowed the leopard to escape, the Ynet news site reported. Some witnesses to the incident were reportedly treated for anxiety.

The zoo closed its doors until further notice following the attack.

In a Facebook post last month during Israel’s war with Iran, Nuri wrote about his dedication to his work even during times of emergency and posted a photo of himself feeding a leopard.

Two Persian leopards were brought to Israel in January from a zoo in the Czech Republic.

Last year, a crocodile at the zoo bit a worker, seriously injuring him. A security guard then shot the crocodile, which eventually succumbed to its wounds.