My wife and i spent an entire afternoon at the zoo. It contained many animals that you would otherwise have to travel the world to see. In particular we especially liked the Zebras, Lions, bears, giraffes and rhinoceros. Well laid out and easy to navigate.
Jerusalem Biblical Zoo
Israel’s most-visited attraction
The unique Jerusalem atmosphere that cannot be found anywhere else has turned the Biblical Zoo in Jerusalem to Israel’s most-visited tourist attraction. The Biblical Zoo is situated in a pastoral valley in the south west of Jerusalem, and it was designed to provide animals with a habitat as close to nature as possible. The zoo offers plenty of special activities for children – a petting zoo, instructed animal feedings, story and creative workshops, night tours and a visitor center shaped in the form of Noah’s Ark. Just like the original ark, the Zoo aspires to preserve and increase the population of endangered species.
The Zoo’s primary goal are establishing a zoological assortment with decent living conditions; educating the public about preserving nature and protecting wild animals; encouraging social and environmental awareness; conducting research and taking part in national and international projects of conservation of endangered species, captive breeding and reintroduction of animals to the wild; and creating a diverse attraction with a special emphasis on the values of nature.
A visit to Noah’s Ark
The visitor center in the Biblical Zoo is shaped in the form of Noah’s ark right in the center of the zoo’s magical water-themed amphitheater. Covering an area of 62 acres, the zoo includes extensive lawns, a set of pools, a large man-made pond, and shaded charming corners. The zoo is built on two levels within the valley with plenty of animal exhibitions, all connected together with a circular walking path. The children can also enjoy the marvelous sculpture garden situated on a green hill at the center of the zoo, including enormous animal sculptures, decorated with stones and mosaics. The children are allowed to climb and play on some of the sculptures.
If you need some assistance getting around or if you just want the experience, there is a train (on wheels) which travels around the zoo. The train has a few stops: 1st stop – next to the bears (drop off only); 2nd stop – by the visitor center, Noah’s Ark (drop off& pick up); 3rd stop – by “the story of a drop” exhibition (drop off& pick up); 4th and final stop – by the flamingos, low level (drop off only). That been said, strolling along the garden and watching the animals play, rest, and eat is a great experience and it is truly recommended.
The train does not operate on Staurdays and Holidays.
Photography by: Jerusalem Biblical Zoo PR
Opening hours
Sun-Thurs:
(October-March) 09:00-17:00;
(April-September) 09:00-19:00
Fridays: 09:00-16:30
Saturday and holidays:
(October-March) 10:00-17:00;
(April-September) 10:00-18:00
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TripAdvisor Reviews
Based on 576 traveler reviews“A pleasant surprise”
“Beautiful”
Interesting, well maintained, huge Surprisingly clean Seems they give it s thought how to make animals life better than what you’d expect in a zoo
“Amazing collection of animals!”
I did not expect to see such a wonderful display or varieties of animals. From the big ticket animals (tigers, giraffes, rhinos, etc. to the small creatures (rodents, bats, snakes, etc) Lots to see and they have done a great job on their displays.