A 45-year-old man who works as a caretaker at the Biblical Zoo was seriously injured this morning (Sunday) – after a crocodile attacked him. The zoo worker entered the premises for a routine activity of cleaning the crocodile display and apparently slipped and this is what attracted the attention of the crocodiles, who in response attacked him. Clarence, One of the alligators was shot dead by one of the security guards.
The person who saw what was happening was another caregiver, who called the garden’s security forces, who shot at the alligators and thus rescued the caregiver. The police informed us that the same security guard who fired probably saved the therapist’s life. It was also reported that “the police forces of the Jerusalem district on the spot began investigating the circumstances of the case – which was classified as a work accident.” No crocodile was injured by the shooting.
The report of the incident was received at the MDA call center at 09:35. A team that arrived at the scene found the therapist with bite marks on his body. After receiving initial treatment, MDA personnel evacuated him to Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital, where we were informed that he was diagnosed with extensive injuries to his body and was immediately taken to the operating room, with a multidisciplinary team of surgeons. Later, the Biblical Zoo announced that Clarence, one of the three alligators, died from a gunshot by one of the security guards at the zoo, who reacted according to protocol.
MDA paramedic Israel Pollak said: “We arrived at the crocodile cage at the zoo and the workers there rescued a 40-year-old man who was fully conscious. We were told that while he was working in the cage one of the crocodiles jumped on him, grabbed him in the face and other places on his upper body and pulled him into the water. The worker struggled with him and at the same time other workers helped to rescue him from the crocodile’s mouth. We gave him life-saving medical treatment and evacuated him to the hospital when he was in serious condition. This is a very difficult and unusual event.”
Moishi Barel, eight and a half years old: “Suddenly we heard shouts from the cage” | Photo: The 12 News
The incident happened while there were visitors to the zoo. One of them is Moishi Barel, eight and a half years old: “I came to the zoo this morning with my father and my brothers. Suddenly we heard shouts from the crocodile cage. All the workers ran here after receiving instructions on the walkie-talkies. After a few minutes, the ambulance arrived and evacuated the worker. We We continued to walk in the garden.”
The management of the Biblical Zoo stated that “the incident took place during a routine activity, and took place in a closed compound and at no point was there any danger to the audience of visitors. We are investigating the incident and sending our best wishes for a speedy recovery to the caretaker.” Dr. Nili Avni-Magan, chief veterinary zoological director at the zoo, concluded: “We had an unusual incident when during the morning routine the caretaker apparently slipped while cleaning the exhibit. Shortly after, a security guard arrived and fired a shot In order to separate them. The safety instructions regarding dangerous animals, in this type of case, a security guard comes and shoots to deter. It is important to emphasize that the crocodiles are safe – and the injured is not in danger.”
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