Young man smashes zoo viewing glass in Haifa, then climbs a tree

A dramatic incident unfolded Monday morning at the Teaching Zoo in Gan HaMaim in Haifa, when a man about 25, described as a shell-shocked combat veteran, entered the site and shattered the side viewing glass of the Persian leopard enclosure. The event happened around 11:00 a.m., prompting zoo staff to activate emergency procedure “Ananas,” which is used when there is concern an animal may escape.

Despite the damage, the leopard stayed inside its enclosure and did not attempt to get out. Shortly after breaking the glass, the young man ran toward the bear area and climbed one of the trees there. Police and rescue teams were called to the scene, while zoo employees, together with the veterinarian, the zoo director and other senior staff, worked to calm him until security and emergency responders arrived.

The man’s father later came to the zoo, and after speaking with him and negotiating, persuaded his son to climb down without resistance. He was then handed over to medical teams. Police said they were investigating the circumstances of the incident and the background to his actions, including whether he is known to law enforcement, in order to understand the motives behind the unusual case.