Tiger kills 26-year-old zoo worker

A 26-year-old animal keeper has died after being attacked by a tiger while preparing its enclosure for a scheduled group tour.

The incident occurred as the staff member was carrying out routine work inside a secure area when the big cat suddenly broke free from its holding space.

The reasons behind the breach remain under investigation.

Zoo authorities at the Biblical Zoo in Jerusalem confirmed the attack in a statement on Friday. According to the release, the victim sustained critical injuries and was rushed to a hospital, where he later died.

Officials emphasized that visitors were never at risk during the incident. “At no point were the visitors in danger,” the zoo’s statement read.

The facility, which houses animals mentioned in biblical texts alongside endangered species, will remain closed until Sunday as safety reviews continue.