Turns out that March is a great time to find the residents waking up. Rather than huddling against the cold or sprawled out in the shade against the heat. As trees bud and winter flowers bloom so too it seems the zoo cones alive. Worth planning a visit during this season.
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 southwest of Jerusalem, and it was designed to provide animals with 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) that 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 with the garden and watching the animals play, rest, and eat is a great experience and it is truly recommended.
Opening hours
Sun-Thurs:
(October-March) 10:00-17:00;
(April-September) 10:00-18:00;
(May-August) 10:00-19:00
Fridays: 09:00-16:00
Saturday and holidays:
(October-March) 10:00-17:00;
(April-September) 10:00-18:00
Please note: the last entry to the Zoo is two hours before closing time.
Ticket Prices
- 46 NIS Child aged 3 – 18, Police Officer, Student, Soldier, Senior Citizen,
- 59 NIS Adult
- 37 NIS Guest w/Disabilities
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TripAdvisor Reviews
Based on 642 traveler reviews“Springtime wake up call”
“Average zoo experience”
We recently visited the zoo. Admittedly it was January so that may have impacted some of the animals, but I was not overly impressed. Just not a lot to see. Still not sure I understand why it is called a biblical zoo. The petting zoo part was pretty good.
“Brilliant zoo. Well set out. Interesting animals all well looked after.”
Loved having a whole day at Jersualem Zoo. Very impressed with the whole set up. Great animal enclosures and many interesting species which I had not seen before. Reasonable price too for the whole day. Plenty of picnic places and a good cafe too. Highly recommended.