IDF Veteran Shatters Persian Leopard Display at Haifa Zoo
A combat trauma sufferer shattered the Persian leopard's display window at the Haifa Zoo Monday, triggering an animal escape alert before climbing a tree in the bear enclosure and being safely evacuated.
A man believed to be suffering from PTSD shattered the side display window of the Persian leopard enclosure at the Haifa Educational Zoo on Monday morning, triggering an "Pineapple" alert, the zoo's protocol for an animal escape, even though the leopard never approached the window and was never in a position to pose any danger, as reported by Colbo News.
The man, approximately 25 years old, fled to the bear enclosure when zoo staff arrived and climbed high into a tree. Zoo staff, including the chief veterinarian and head caretaker, along with the zoo director and CEO of the municipal Atos corporation, responded immediately and worked to calm him until police, Magen David Adom, and his father arrived at the scene. He was evacuated for further treatment and medical supervision.
The Atos municipal corporation issued a statement saying the incident "reminds us that many thousands of trauma victims and combat-shocked individuals are among us, and one can never know in advance when such an outburst will occur — one that demands a containing and embracing response."