Jerusalem zoo worker killed by Leopard

A zoo worker in Jerusalem died after being attacked by a leopard who had escaped from his enclosure.

Uriel Nuri died of the injuries he suffered during a “backstage” for visitors on Friday morning, the Biblical Zoo of Jerusalem said.

The zoo said that he was working with Israeli police to investigate how the Big Cat escaped in the courtyard where the 36 -year -old was working.

The site is currently closed to visitors.

Mr. Nuri was emergency to the trauma unit of Hadassah University Hospital-Ein Kerem for an urgent treatment after having undergone many upper body injuries.

“After prolonged resuscitation efforts, the team was forced to declare it dead,” said Hadassah Medical Center.

“The hospital staff accompanies their family during this difficult period and shares their sorrow.”

Located in the southwest of Jerusalem, the biblical zoo said on its website that it presents great cats, including tigers, lions and cheetahs.

Mr. Nuri was at the head of the Carnivore team, according to his Instagram page, where he published videos on his work.

In a statement, the zoo said: “The tragic event occurred this morning, while during a routine activity to prepare the leopards for enrichment, which took place as part of a back -to -back visit for visitors to the zoo, a leopard managed to escape the activity of leopard in the interior courtyard and to attack one of the zoo employees who were preparing the activity.

“At no time was there no physical danger for visitors, who stood protected behind a window.

“With the help of the Israeli police, we are now chewing a complete investigation to understand how the leopard managed to escape in the courtyard.”

The Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that the zoo investigates the question of whether the cage door has detached.

The zoo added that “staff pain is immense” and “our hearts go to the family of Uriel”.

Last year, a crocodile was killed after he bit a worker, leaving him serious injuries that required hospital treatment.

The 62 acres zoo is home to dozens of animal species. As its name suggests, its particular accent is on the animals that appear in the Bible, as well as on the endangered species of the whole world.