A 26-year-old zookeeper was killed by a tiger at the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo on Friday, zoo authorities have confirmed.
According to a statement cited by Israeli media, the incident occurred while the employee was preparing the tiger’s enclosure in anticipation of a visit by a special tour group.
The animal reportedly escaped its holding area and entered a secured section where the victim was working.
The zookeeper sustained severe injuries during the attack and died shortly after being transported to a hospital.
The zoo stated that the circumstances surrounding how the tiger broke out of its cage remain unclear.
However, officials assured the public that no visitors were ever in danger.
Following the incident, the zoo was closed to the public and is expected to remain shut until Sunday, according to a post on its official Facebook page.
Established in 1928, the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo is known for housing animals mentioned in the Bible, including lions, bears, wolves, antelopes, snakes, and vultures.
It also features non-biblical species such as giraffes and tigers and is involved in conservation efforts focused on rare and endangered animals.