- Address: Jerusalem, 91008, Israel;
- Opening: September 1940;
- Area: 25 hectares;
- Website: jerusalemzoo.org.il;
- Phone: +972 2-675-0111;
- Operating time: Mon. - Thurs., Sun., from 09:00 to 18:00, Fri. - 09:00 to 16:30, Sat. - 10:00 until 18:00.
Jerusalem biblical zoo is located in the south-west of the city, occupying a territory of 25 hectares. Here you can see various animals that live not only in Israel , but also in Australia, Africa and South America. In total, the zoo has more than 200 species of mammals, birds, fish and reptiles.
History and description of the zoo
The Jerusalem Zoo was founded in 1940, and the name "biblical" received, because it represents all the animals that Noah saved during the Flood. But the zoo is also famous for the successful breeding of endangered species of animals.
The Jerusalem zoo "grew up" from a small "living corner", which contained monkeys and a desert monitor. Its founder is Professor of Zoology Aaron Shulov, who dreamed of providing students with a site for research.
At the beginning of the creation of the zoo, there were small difficulties associated with the fact that it was difficult to translate the names of many animals listed in the Bible. For example, "Nesher" can be translated as "eagle", "vulture". Another difficulty was that more than half of the animals mentioned were simply exterminated by hunters and poachers.
Later it was decided to include in the exhibition and other species of animals that are threatened with extinction. Finding a permanent place for animals also became a problem, because wherever Aaron opened the zoo, residents of nearby houses would start complaining about an unbearable smell and terrible sounds.
As a result, the Jerusalem Zoo of Biblical animals first moved to Shmuel Ha-Navi Street, where it lasted six years, then it was transferred to Mount Scopus. Due to wars and the inability to feed animals, the collection was lost. The UN helped to rebuild the zoo and contributed to the allocation of a new site.
All the achievements made in the period from 1948 to 1967, brought to naught the Six Day War, 110 animals were killed by shrapnel or random bullets. With the assistance of the mayor of Jerusalem and thanks to the donations of many wealthy families, the zoo was restored and expanded. The modern zoological garden was opened on September 9, 1993.
In total, the collection has 200 animals, visitors are interested in the following:
- Iranian fallow deer;
- Syrian brown bears;
- elephants;
- sugar oryxes;
- lions.
What is the zoo interesting for tourists?
The entrance to the zoo is paid, adults have to pay about $ 14, and children from 3 to 18 - 11 $. Only children under 3 years old are allowed. Visit the zoo is during the weekend, because there are seminars, exhibitions and musical performances.
The Jerusalem biblical zoo (Jerusalem) consists of two levels. On its territory there is a large lake, waterfalls, convenient paths for walking. If desired, you can lie down on the lawn in the shade. In summer, animals are more active in the afternoon, when midday heat falls.
Tourists can use the services of a buffet or cafe, which are located near the entrance and on the territory. Travelers can buy souvenirs in the store and book an excursion. There is a guarded parking lot, and the paths are suitable for disabled people and prams, there are no stairs on them.
Who does not want to walk, can ride a train, which will bring visitors from the lower floor to the top. It will be interesting for children to visit the living area where you can touch and feed rabbits, goats and guinea pigs.
How to get there?
To get to the zoo, you can go by car on the road number 60 or by train - exit at the Jerusalem- zoo station. You can also get on buses 26 and 33, with there is also a tourist route - bus number 99.