Tragedy at Jerusalem Zoo: Worker Killed by Escaped Tiger

A tragic incident unfolded at the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo when Uriel Nuri, the head of the carnivores team, was killed by a Sumatran tiger that escaped its enclosure during a behind-the-scenes tour on Friday morning. The zoo confirmed that the incident happened while preparing for an enrichment activity for the tigers. Nuri, aged 36, suffered severe upper body injuries and was rushed to Hadassah University Hospital-Ein Kerem for immediate medical attention. Despite extensive resuscitation efforts, he was pronounced dead at the hospital.

After the attack, the zoo has closed its doors to visitors while working closely with the Israeli police to investigate how the tiger was able to escape into the courtyard where Nuri was working. The zoo emphasized that at no time were visitors in danger, as they were safely behind a glass barrier. Reports indicate that investigators are looking into the possibility that a door to the tiger's enclosure had become loose, allowing the big cat to escape.

The zoo expressed its deep sorrow over the incident, highlighting the immense pain felt by the staff, and extended condolences to Nuri's family. This tragic occurrence follows a previous incident last year when a worker was seriously injured by a crocodile that required hospitalization. The Jerusalem Biblical Zoo spans 62-acres and is dedicated to showcasing both biblical animal species and endangered creatures from around the globe.