If you are in Jerusalem and travel with kids that a place you must visit for several good hours. Dont miss it.
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
Tickets
Adults: 55 ILS
Children (3-18 years): 42 ILS
Students, senior citizens, policemen, and soldiers: 42 ILS *Relevant documentation and ID is required
TripAdvisor Reviews
Based on 472 traveler reviews“Not for animal lovers ”
The zoo itself is gorgeous. Spread out , well cared for , clean , spectacular views and a real pleasure to walk around BUT the animals seem to me to be in very small enclosures. Huge parrots and birds that had no room to fly, lions that had no room to run. Fish in...
MoreThe zoo itself is gorgeous. Spread out , well cared for , clean , spectacular views and a real pleasure to walk around BUT the animals seem to me to be in very small enclosures. Huge parrots and birds that had no room to fly, lions that had no room to run. Fish in small aquariums,snakes in tiny spaces. Monkeys with limited swinging spaces. Bears in small enclosure etc etc etc. I wouldn't go back and I wouldn't recommend anyone to go.
Less“A must for young children”
“Natural beauty and calm”
The Biblical zoo is one of my favorite places in Jerusalem. Matter of fact, I have a yearly subscription to it. You enter it and feel calm descend on you. There is an attempt to place the animals in natural settings and the plants and trees add alot. The only problems are that it...
MoreThe Biblical zoo is one of my favorite places in Jerusalem. Matter of fact, I have a yearly subscription to it. You enter it and feel calm descend on you. There is an attempt to place the animals in natural settings and the plants and trees add alot. The only problems are that it is sometimes very crowded and that there is very little shade in most places. I solve these problems by coming on week days (not Fridays or Saturdays) and by seeking out the shaded areas. There is a cafe and a stand selling drinks, sandwiches and ice cream on the premises. There is also a store with souvenirs.
Less“Take the kids”
This is a lovely zoo. Pretty large. A monkey open island enclosure near the entrance is fun and often funny. Most animals are in large and open enclosures. Visit a cool indoor reptile section. Go watch the training of the elephants. Best visited during the cool morning hours or late in the afternoon...
MoreThis is a lovely zoo. Pretty large. A monkey open island enclosure near the entrance is fun and often funny. Most animals are in large and open enclosures. Visit a cool indoor reptile section. Go watch the training of the elephants. Best visited during the cool morning hours or late in the afternoon when the zoo is not crowded and the animals are not hiding in the shades. An aquarium is now being built and expected to open in 2018. When done with the zoo, from the parking area continue to drive on the unpaved part of the road and you will reach a cute place with small water pools that collect water from local springs. A great view and good place for picnics.
Less“The best zoo I've ever visited.”
I've visited the biblical zoo many times, and each time the expirience was great. There is a wide variety of animals from all over the world, the enclosures are big and have a lot of room, and they all give a suitable environment for the animals. Some animals also get to sort of...
MoreI've visited the biblical zoo many times, and each time the expirience was great. There is a wide variety of animals from all over the world, the enclosures are big and have a lot of room, and they all give a suitable environment for the animals. Some animals also get to sort of "free roam" in the zoo (never sure if the peacocks are supposed to be exhibits). The petting zoo and playground are also great places for young children if they want to play or meet some animals personally. Suitable for both groups of friends and families and also solo visits if you're an animal lover.
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