A rare and alarming incident occurred at the Biblical Zoo in Jerusalem on Sunday when a veteran zookeeper was attacked by a crocodile which attacked him on his face and limbs and dragged him underwater.

The worker fought back and was assisted by other workers who witnessed the attack. They also called a security guard who rushed to the scene and shot the crocodile with stun bullets, saving the employee’s life. The victim, in his 40s, has 20 years of experience of working with zoo animals.

MDA paramedics administered emergency medical aid to the zoo worker and evacuated him, fully conscious and in serious condition, to Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Jerusalem, where he was immediately transferred for emergency surgery.

Crocodiles drag their prey underwater and drown them before devouring them.

The Biblical Zoo stated that an employee was attacked during a routine activity in the crocodile enclosure, adding that “the incident took place in a closed enclosure and at no point was there any danger to visitors. We are investigating the incident and send wishes to our employee for a speedy recovery.”

The zoo also stated that veterinarians are treating the offending crocodile and another crocodile which were lightly injured by stun bullets.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)