- Safiu Kehinde
A 26-year-old zookeeper has been mauled to death by a tiger at the Biblical Zoo in Jerusalem.
Confirming the incident in a statement quoted by Israeli media, the zoo officials disclosed that the animal attacked the keeper as he was preparing the enclosure of the tiger for a special tour group.
Tragically, the tiger broke out of its cage for reasons that remain unclear and entered a secure area where the keeper was working
The man suffered severe injuries and died shortly after being taken to hospital.
At no point were the visitors in danger, the statement added.
The zoo was closed immediately following the incident and will remain shut until Sunday, according to a post on its official Facebook page.
Founded in 1928, the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo features animals mentioned in the Bible, including bears, lions, wolves, antelope, snakes and vultures.
It also includes non-biblical species such as giraffes and tigers, and is involved in conservation efforts for ancient and endangered animals.