Uriel Nuri Killed in Leopard Attack at Jerusalem Biblical Zoo
The 25-year-old employee at Jerusalem’s Biblical Zoo was critically injured after being mauled by a leopard, in the second serious animal attack on staff in less than a year.
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Uriel Nuri, a 25-year-old employee at the Tisch Family Zoological Gardens, commonly known as the Biblical Zoo, was critically injured after being attacked by a leopard on Friday morning.
The incident marks the second animal attack on a zoo worker in recent months, raising concerns about safety protocols at the popular attraction.According to Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel's national emergency service, the attack occurred shortly before 10:00 a.m. local time. Paramedics responded to a distress call at 09:55 reporting that a worker had been mauled by a leopard within the zoo premises.
The victim was found unconscious with severe wounds to his neck and was immediately provided on-site medical treatment before being rushed to Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center in critical condition.
Israel Police confirmed the attack, noting that the employee is in critical condition.
Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center said while medical staff fought to save his life, unfortunately they were not able to and were forced to declare his death.
This is not the first such mishap at the Biblical Zoo. On August 18, 2024, a 45-year-old veteran zookeeper was seriously injured by a crocodile during routine maintenance. A security guard shot the reptile, likely saving the worker's life, though the crocodile later died. The injured employee underwent major surgery and was hospitalized in serious condition.
The Biblical Zoo, renowned for its focus on animals mentioned in the Bible and conservation efforts, attracts thousands of visitors annually. It recently welcomed rare Persian leopards as part of an international breeding program aimed at preserving the endangered species, with the animals arriving in February 2025 after war-related delays.
Authorities are investigating the leopard attack to determine if any safety measures were breached.
UPDATE: Uriel Nuri, a staff member at the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo, was named as the victim who tragically died after being attacked and bitten by a leopard during routine maintenance near the enclosure. Emergency responders were unable to save him. “May his memory be a blessing,” the zoo said in a statement.