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 478 traveler reviews“Lovely Zoo, Fun for Kids, Surprising Animals”
Nice zoo. I’m glad we went, but I wouldn’t have included it if we didn’t have so many days in Jerusalem with kids (4, 6 and 12). After four days touring the Old City and such, this was a nice break for our crew. It feels small, with all the exhibits pretty close but also...
MoreNice zoo. I’m glad we went, but I wouldn’t have included it if we didn’t have so many days in Jerusalem with kids (4, 6 and 12). After four days touring the Old City and such, this was a nice break for our crew. It feels small, with all the exhibits pretty close but also super natural and park-like. Not a lot of the infrastructure—snack bars, gift shops, etc.—that make American zoos feel like theme parks. So that's a big plus. This is a simple and satisfying and pretty surprising place to visit. We loved the penguins, the small animal room (so creepy and also so cute), the Syrian brown bears, and the African safari walk. The “biblical” aspect of this place wasn’t very obvious. There are quotes on the placards from the Torah, related to the animals, but then it’s not just creatures from scripture. There a penguins here. Also, either eat as you come or go or bring your own food. Once you’re past the entrance plaza, food options are scarce (the two other snack bars were closed for the day by the afternoon). Also, there's a rather sizable playground in the middle of the zoo. Not enough places in the world have sizable playgrounds, and we were excited to find one here. Fun times.
Less“What a fantastic interesting place to go for a full day out.”
Traveled on the train from Tel Aviv, walked to the zoo and had the full day there, enjoyed the long walks around the place and all the different animals.Nice food in the little Bistros on site and good interactive events with the animals . First time I had seen the pink flamingo and a...
MoreTraveled on the train from Tel Aviv, walked to the zoo and had the full day there, enjoyed the long walks around the place and all the different animals.Nice food in the little Bistros on site and good interactive events with the animals . First time I had seen the pink flamingo and a few other animals.
Less“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