A zookeeper was moderately injured Sunday while tending to a crocodile at the Biblical Zoo in Jerusalem. The event unfolded during what should have been a routine animal care procedure at the renowned facility.

Emergency responders promptly treated the injured worker, a man in his forties, on-site before transporting him to the Hadassah Medical Center. Upon arrival at the hospital, he bore visible bite marks on his body but was fully conscious.

While this recent incident highlights the inherent risks of animal care, the Biblical Zoo has long played a vital role in both public education and global conservation efforts. Last year, the zoo celebrated a joyous occasion with the birth of a baby South African giraffe named Eli, marking a significant addition to its diverse animal family.

In 2022, the zoo partnered with the Athens Zoo to bring a two-year-old Sumatran tigress from Jakarta to Jerusalem. The initiative aimed to bolster conservation efforts for the endangered Sumatran tiger species, with plans to introduce a male tiger for breeding purposes.

Also in 2022, visitors to the Biblical Zoo were charmed by an endearing sight after a rare Jerusalem winter storm. The zoo's red pandas, Yin and Yang, delighted onlookers as they frolicked in the snow, showcasing the adaptability of the zoo's diverse inhabitants to unusual weather conditions.

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In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Australian police are conducting an urgent search for a 12-year-old child who went missing while swimming in a creek in Palumpa, a remote community in the Northern Territory. The child, last seen on Tuesday evening, is feared to have fallen victim to a crocodile attack, highlighting the ongoing challenges of human-wildlife coexistence in the region.

Senior Sergeant Erica Gibson of the Northern Territory Police provided an update on the situation, stating, "Local officers are on scene and our thoughts are with the family and the community. Officers are currently searching a large section of the creek via boat and we thank the community for their ongoing assistance."

The search operation has mobilized local law enforcement and community members in Palumpa, a tight-knit settlement of approximately 350 residents located a grueling seven-hour drive from Darwin, the territory's capital. 

This incident brings to the forefront the delicate balance between human activities and wildlife in the Northern Territory, home to an estimated population of over 100,000 saltwater crocodiles. These prehistoric predators, protected from mass culls and hunting since 1971, can grow to impressive lengths of up to 20 feet, making them the largest crocodile species in the world.

Despite their formidable presence, fatal crocodile attacks on humans are relatively uncommon in the region. However, recent events have sparked discussions about crocodile management strategies. Just last month, in a separate incident, a saltwater crocodile known for aggressive behavior towards humans and pets was captured and killed, with its meat distributed among local residents.

Responding to growing concerns about public safety, Northern Territory officials have recently revised their crocodile management plan. The new 10-year strategy increases the annual quota for crocodile removal from 300 to 1,200.

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The boy was visiting a crocodile farm on Saturday when the animal bit him, and if it were not for his grandmother's caregiver who pulled him out of danger he could have died from further bites and blood loss.

He was then airlifted to a hospital in Beersheva in serious condition, with a broken hand and major wounds. He was expected to undergo several operations to restore his hand tissue.

According to his mother's account, he ran toward a crocodile pool in an attempt to pet them when the incident happened. Israeli authorities are still trying to figure out whether all the proper safety protocols were followed at the site.

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