Following the fatal incident on Friday at the Biblical Zoo in Jerusalem—where veteran caretaker Uriel Nuri was fatally mauled by an Anatolian leopard—the zoo’s conservation coordinator, Ariel Kedem, spoke about the profound grief among the staff and the ongoing efforts to understand what caused it.
Kedem emphasized that the leopard behaved as any wild animal would, and neither the zoo nor its staff assign blame—neither to the animal nor to Nuri, who was a seasoned, deeply respected caretaker known for strictly observing safety protocols.
In an interview with Ynet, Kedem explained that the zoo houses two male Anatolian leopards. “They live in our leopard enclosure,” he said. “The leopards have an outdoor yard where they spend most of the day, as well as an adjacent indoor area—the leopard house—where they can retreat during extreme temperatures or for medical care and close observation. We are also able to interact with them safely through barriers when they are inside.”
He added that strict procedures govern the care of leopards and other predators: “We work with many species, some extremely dangerous—like lions. Each exhibit has its own protocols and dedicated staff who work exclusively with those animals.” The circumstances of the incident are still under investigation. “We’ve reviewed security footage and are focused on piecing together exactly what happened. It's too soon to draw conclusions.”
Kedem confirmed the leopard involved will remain at the zoo. “It remains in its enclosure with the other leopard and continues to receive routine care. It’s important to remember—these are wild animals behaving according to their nature. We do not hold them responsible.”
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Speaking about the loss, Kedem shared: “It’s incredibly hard to come to terms with. Uriel was one of the zoo’s core figures—a driving force behind so much of what we do. Animal welfare and enrichment were his deepest passions, and he was recognized internationally for his work. He attended conferences abroad and presented enrichment strategies he developed here—contributions that received widespread praise across the zoological community. He was devoted to creating the most natural, enriching environment possible for the animals.”
Kedem concluded: “Uriel worked with the big cats for over eight years. It’s a daily responsibility, one that involves deep love, profound respect, and constant caution. These animals are magnificent and dangerous, and he understood both sides of that equation better than anyone.”