Tragedy struck at the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo on Friday morning, August 1, when a tiger fatally attacked a staff member during a behind-the-scenes tour.
The victim, 36-year-old Uriel Nuri, suffered severe injuries to his upper body after the tiger escaped from its enclosure into an inner courtyard. He was rushed to the trauma unit at Hadassah University Hospital-Ein Kerem, where, despite extensive medical efforts, he was pronounced dead.
“After prolonged resuscitation efforts, the medical team was forced to declare him dead,” Hadassah Medical Center said in a statement. “Our staff is supporting the family during this difficult time and shares in their grief.”
According to the zoo, the incident occurred as staff were preparing a routine enrichment activity for the tigers, which was being observed by visitors from behind a secure glass window.
“In the course of the routine enrichment preparations, carried out as part of a behind-the-scenes tour, a tiger escaped its enclosure into a staff-only area and attacked one of our team members,” the zoo confirmed. “At no time were visitors in danger, as they remained behind protective glass.”
The zoo, now temporarily closed to the public, is cooperating with Israeli police in a full investigation. According to Haaretz, investigators are looking into whether a malfunction or unsecured door may have allowed the tiger to escape.
Nuri, who led the zoo’s carnivores team, frequently shared insights into his work on social media and was deeply admired in his field. In a statement, the zoo expressed profound sorrow: “Our pain is immeasurable. Our hearts are with Uriel’s family during this heartbreaking time.”
Situated in southwest Jerusalem, the 62-acre zoo is known for housing animals referenced in the Bible as well as endangered species like the Sumatran tiger. This incident follows a similar one last year when a crocodile at the zoo seriously injured another employee.
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