Jerusalem Biblical Zoo

The zoo's logo

The Tisch Family Zoological Gardens in Jerusalem - The Biblical Zoo, (Hebrew: גן החיות התנ"כי‎, Arabic: حديقة الحيوان الكتابية في أورشليم القدس‎) popularly known as the Biblical Zoo, is located in the Malha neighbourhood of Jerusalem. It is famous for its collection of wildlife featured in the Hebrew Bible.

1 History
2 Biblical Zoo today
3 Themes and focus
4 Access
5 References
6 External links

Shulov and wife holding a python

The Jerusalem Biblical Zoo opened in 1928 as a small children's zoo on Harav Kook Street in central Jerusalem. The founder and driving spirit behind the establishment of a zoo in Jerusalem was Aharon Shulov, one of the pioneers in zoology at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. In 1941, a larger zoo, covering an area of 4.5 dunams, or just over one acre, was established on Shmuel Hanavi Street. In 1947 the zoo was moved to Mt. Scopus, on a plot of land set aside for it by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Out of concern for the welfare of the animals, traumatized by the shelling and gunfire during the Israeli war of independence in 1948, Shulov moved the zoo again, this time to a plot of 60 dunams (just under 15 acres) in Givat Komuna, adjacent to the neighbourhood of Ezrat Torah. The zoo remained there for 41 years, from 1950 to 1991, becoming a beloved Jerusalem attraction. Over time, the physical state of the zoo deteriorated. The old zoo closed its doors in 1991, and a new modern facility was opened in the southwestern Jerusalem neighbourhood of Malha in 1993.

Gabi the newborn Asian elephant

Since its reopening, the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo has been operated by a company specifically established for the purpose, although it recognized as a Non-profit organization both in Israel and abroad. The zoo is jointly run by Jerusalem Municipality, the Jerusalem Foundation, the Jerusalem Development Authority, and the Israeli Ministry of Tourism, and has an 18-member Board of Directors.

The establishment of the zoo in its present form was made possible thanks to donations from the Tisch family of New York, under the auspices of the Jerusalem Foundation. The dedication ceremony took place in November 1992, in the presence of members of the Tisch family and the President of the State of Israel at the time, Chaim Herzog.

A charming bear in the zoo

The zoo was designed by Miller-Blum & Associates Landscape Architects, and constructed by the Moriah - Jerusalem Development Corporation.

The zoo, renamed the Tisch Family Zoological Gardens, but still called the Biblical Zoo by the general public, opened its doors on February 28, 1993. Covering an area of 250 dunams (62 acres) it sits in a valley ringed by green hills and new residential neighbourhoods. The zoo is built around a small artificial lake situated near the main gate. The lake is fed by a series of pools and waterfalls which rely on recycled water. The zoo is built on two main levels, with a circular route serviced by a miniature train. Other exhibits are on side paths that branch out from the main route.

Zebras drinking water in the biblical zoo

The zoological collection centers on two main themes:

The uniqueness of the Biblical Zoo lies in its emphasis on animals mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, some of which have become extinct in the present-day Israel. Factors behind their extinction, mainly in the twentieth century, are hunting and destruction of their natural habitat as the result of rapid construction and development. Animals such as bears, lions, Persian fallow deer, Arabian Oryx, the cheetah and the Nile crocodile are no longer seen in the region.

The Biblical Zoo is also involved in projects to save endangered species from around the world, such as the Golden Lion Tamarin, rare species of the macaw and cockatoo, the ibis, and the Asian elephant.

Most of the animals in the zoo reside in large enclosures designed to resemble their natural habitats. Efforts are being made to provide the animals with a maximal amount of living space and a stimulating environment.

Flamingos in the zoo

A few animals at the Biblical Zoo were confiscated from smugglers, but the vast majority were born in captivity. As a matter of policy, none of the animals are collected directly from the wild, which the zoo believes is cruel, aside from being illegal in Israel.

The Biblical Zoo is an active member of several international bodies, including the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), and the International Species Inventory System (ISIS).

Many members of the staff belong to organizations such as the American Association of Zookeepers, the Zoo Registrars Association, the American Zoological Association, and both the European and American Associations of Zoological Veterinarians.

Tami the Hippo having lunch

The Jerusalem Biblical Zoo is coordinating a number of projects that involve preserving rare species originated in the Land of Israel and returning them to the wild. The ultimate goal is to restore species that are endangered or locally extinct. Research projects are under way to collect empirical data and anecdotal information on various animals, particularly those threatened with extinction. Again, the chief goal is to provide scientific backing for preservation and breeding programs.

Finally, the zoo attaches great importance to educational activities, programs for schoolchildren and summer camps, in order to promote conservation and environmental protection, and enhance public awareness of environmental issues.

Jerusalem Biblical Zoo Railway Station is an Israel Railways station on the Tel Aviv - Jerusalem line. The station has part-time service.

Egged buses connect the zoo with other parts of the city of Jerusalem.