Zoo worker killed by tiger in Jerusalem

A zoo worker in Jerusalem has died after being attacked by a leopard which had escaped from its enclosure.

Uriel Nuri died from injuries he sustained during a "behind-the-scenes tour" for visitors on Friday morning, Jerusalem Biblical Zoo said.

The zoo said it was working with Israeli police to investigate how the big cat escaped into the courtyard where the 36-year-old was working.

The site is currently closed to visitors.

Mr Nuri was rushed to the trauma unit at Hadassah University Hospital-Ein Kerem for urgent treatment after sustaining extensive injuries to his upper body.

"After prolonged resuscitation efforts, the team was forced to declare him dead," Hadassah Medical Center said.

"The hospital staff is accompanying his family at this difficult time and shares in their grief."

Located in south-west Jerusalem, the Biblical Zoo says on its website that it exhibits big cats including tigers, lions and cheetahs.

Mr Nuri was head of the carnivores team, according to his Instagram page, where he posted videos about his work.

In a statement, the zoo said: "The tragic event occurred this morning, when during a routine activity to prepare the leopards for enrichment, which took place as part of a behind-the-scenes tour for visitors to the zoo, a leopard managed to escape from the leopard enclosure into the inner courtyard and attack one of the zoo employees who was preparing the activity.

"At no point was there any physical danger to the visitors, who stood protected behind a glass window.

"With the help of the Israel Police, we are now conducting a comprehensive investigation to understand how the leopard managed to escape into the courtyard."

Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that the zoo is investigating whether the cage door became loose.

The zoo added the staffs "pain is immense" and "our hearts go out to Uriels family".

Last year, a crocodile was shot after it bit a worker, leaving her with serious wounds which required hospital treatment.

The 62-acre zoo is home to dozens of species of animals. As its name suggests, its particular focus is on animals which appear in the Bible, as well as endangered species from around the world.