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Jerusalem, August 19, 2024 – A serene day at the Biblical Zoo in Jerusalem took a harrowing turn when a crocodile attacked a staff member, leading to a dramatic rescue that involved gunfire.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday, has left the zoo and its visitors in shock, as the injured staff member remains in serious condition.
The quick actions of a security guard who fired at the crocodile likely saved the worker’s life, although the reptile later succumbed to the gunshot wound.
Incident Details
The attack unfolded in the late morning when the zoo was bustling with visitors. According to eyewitnesses, the 45-year-old staff member was performing routine maintenance in the crocodile enclosure when the reptile lunged at him.
The force of the attack left him with severe injuries, primarily from the crocodile’s powerful bite.
Panic ensued as onlookers witnessed the gruesome scene. “It was terrifying. I saw the crocodile clamp down on his leg, and there was so much blood,” recounted one visitor who was near the enclosure at the time. Zoo staff and security personnel quickly responded to the distress calls.
Immediate Response and Gunfire
Israel Police reported that they received calls about gunshots at the zoo, prompting a swift response from the Jerusalem District police forces.
Upon arrival, they found that a security guard had intervened in the attack. The guard, who remains unnamed, reportedly assessed the life-threatening situation and discharged his firearm, hitting the crocodile.
“The decision to shoot was made in a split second. The guard acted with the sole intention of saving the staff member’s life,” a police spokesperson said.
Medical Evacuation and Treatment
The injured staff member was rapidly evacuated to Hadassah Ein Kerem, a renowned trauma center in Jerusalem. His condition was classified as serious, and he was immediately placed on a ventilator and sedated.
In the trauma unit, a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including anesthesiologists, surgeons, oral and maxillofacial experts, orthopedic surgeons, and plastic surgeons, prepared for an intensive operation.
The surgery, which lasted over nine hours, was a complex procedure aimed at addressing the extensive damage caused by the crocodile’s bite.
“It was a highly challenging operation, given the nature of the injuries. The patient sustained severe lacerations and fractures that required meticulous repair,” explained Dr. Avi Cohen, the lead surgeon.
Ongoing Care and Prognosis
Despite the successful surgery, the staff member’s condition remains critical. He continues to receive intensive care, with doctors closely monitoring his recovery.
“He is stable but still in serious condition. We are hopeful but cautious, as the next few days are crucial for his recovery,” added Dr. Cohen.
Zoo’s Response and Safety Measures
The Biblical Zoo has temporarily closed the crocodile enclosure and initiated an internal investigation to understand the circumstances leading to the attack.
The zoo’s management expressed their concern and commitment to ensuring the safety of both staff and visitors.
“We are deeply saddened by this incident and are doing everything in our power to support our injured colleague and his family. We are also reviewing our safety protocols to prevent such occurrences in the future,” stated Miriam Feinberg, the zoo’s director.
The zoo, which is a popular attraction in Jerusalem, has been known for its extensive collection of animals and its dedication to conservation and education.
The incident has raised questions about the safety measures in place for handling potentially dangerous animals.
Public Reaction and Support
The incident has garnered significant media attention and elicited a strong public response. Many have expressed their shock and concern over the safety of zoo staff who work in close proximity to dangerous animals.
Social media platforms were flooded with messages of support for the injured staff member and commendations for the bravery of the security guard.
“I can’t imagine the terror that staff member went through. Kudos to the security guard for his quick thinking and action,” tweeted one user. Another added, “Praying for the recovery of the zoo worker. These people do incredible work, and they deserve all our support.”
Animal Rights and Ethical Considerations
The death of the crocodile has also sparked a debate about the ethics of keeping such animals in captivity and the measures taken to protect human lives in emergencies.
Animal rights activists have raised concerns about the conditions in which the crocodile was kept and the decision to use lethal force.
“The incident is tragic on multiple levels. While the immediate priority is the recovery of the injured staff member, we must also reflect on the conditions that led to this unfortunate encounter.”
“Zoos must ensure that both animals and humans are safeguarded through robust safety protocols,” said Dr. Yael Ashkenazi, a wildlife conservationist.
Looking Ahead
As the investigation continues, the zoo is taking steps to review and enhance its safety measures.
Additional training for staff and reassessment of enclosure designs are among the immediate actions being considered. The zoo aims to reopen the crocodile enclosure only after ensuring that all necessary precautions are in place.
“We owe it to our staff, our visitors, and our animals to provide a safe environment. This incident is a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of working with wildlife, and we are committed to learning and improving from it,” concluded Feinberg.
In the meantime, the zoo community and the broader public remain united in their hopes for the full recovery of the injured staff member.
The bravery and swift action of the security guard have been widely recognized, underscoring the critical role of emergency preparedness in managing wildlife facilities.