Jerusalem Zoo Worker Killed by Escaped Leopard

Uriel Nuri, a 36-year-old zoo worker and leopard trainer, died after being mauled by a leopard that escaped its enclosure at the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo during routine feeding and tour preparations. The leopard managed to exit its habitat and reach the inner courtyard, reportedly due to a technical malfunction with the enclosure door. Nuri suffered severe neck and upper body injuries and was pronounced dead after extensive resuscitation efforts at Hadassah-University Medical Center. Visitors were not in physical danger at any time, as they were protected behind glass. The zoo has closed to the public and is cooperating with an ongoing police investigation. This incident follows a previous serious animal attack involving a crocodile and raises concerns about safety protocols at the major Jerusalem tourist attraction, which houses rare Persian leopards.