Jerusalem, August 1, 2025 — By Peter Omopo
Tragedy struck at the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo on Friday when a 26-year-old zookeeper was fatally mauled by a tiger under circumstances still under investigation.
Zoo officials confirmed that the incident occurred as the keeper was preparing the tiger enclosure ahead of a scheduled visit by a special tour group. According to statements reported by Israeli media, the tiger escaped its cage and gained access to a secure work area, where it launched a deadly attack on the staff member.
The zookeeper sustained severe injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital but later died from his wounds.
While the exact cause of the breakout remains unclear, zoo authorities assured the public that no visitors were ever in danger during the incident. As a precaution, the zoo was immediately shut down and is expected to remain closed until Sunday, pending further investigation and safety reviews.
In an official message posted on its Facebook page, the zoo expressed deep sorrow over the loss and pledged full cooperation with authorities to determine how the security breach occurred.
Established in 1928, the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo is known for housing animals referenced in the Bible, including lions, bears, wolves, and antelopes, alongside other species like giraffes and tigers. It also plays an active role in wildlife conservation and breeding programmes, especially for endangered and heritage species.
The tragic event has cast a pall over one of Jerusalem’s most popular family attractions, sparking renewed concerns over animal safety protocols and staff protection in zoological parks.
