A worker at Jerusalem’s Biblical Zoo, Israel, has died after being attacked by a tiger that escaped its enclosure during a behind-the-scenes tour on the morning of Friday, August 1.
Uriel Nuri, 36, suffered severe upper body injuries and was rushed to the trauma unit at Hadassah University Hospital-Ein Kerem. Despite extensive medical efforts, he was pronounced dead.
“After prolonged resuscitation attempts, the medical team was forced to declare him dead,” said Hadassah Medical Center. “Our staff is supporting his family during this difficult time and shares in their grief.”
The zoo confirmed the incident in a statement, explaining that the attack happened while staff were preparing a routine enrichment activity for the tigers, with visitors watching safely behind protective glass.
“The tragic event occurred this morning during a routine preparation for the tigers’ enrichment as part of a behind-the-scenes tour for visitors,” the zoo said. “A tiger managed to escape from its enclosure into the inner courtyard and attacked a zoo employee involved in the activity. At no point were visitors at any physical risk, as they remained protected behind glass.”
The zoo, now closed to the public, is cooperating with Israeli police investigating how the tiger escaped. According to Israeli newspaper Haaretz, investigators are examining whether a door to the enclosure may have become loose.
Nuri, head of the carnivores team, was known for sharing videos of his work on social media. The zoo expressed deep sorrow, saying, “Our pain is immense, and our hearts go out to Uriel’s family.”
Situated in southwest Jerusalem, the 62-acre zoo houses dozens of animal species, focusing on animals mentioned in the Bible and critically endangered wildlife, including the Sumatran tiger. Last year, a crocodile at the zoo seriously injured another worker.
