I've been to Israel a number of times and always feel compelled to visit this zoo! I find it different then the zoos here. It's worth a visit
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 497 traveler reviews“Fun Afternoon”
We spent a pleasant afternoon here with my daughter and one year old grandson. The zoo is well laid out and well sign posted. We drove out but there appears to be goo rail & bus links out to the zoo as well. The majority of animals seem happy and well cared for. There are...
MoreWe spent a pleasant afternoon here with my daughter and one year old grandson. The zoo is well laid out and well sign posted. We drove out but there appears to be goo rail & bus links out to the zoo as well. The majority of animals seem happy and well cared for. There are lots of look out points and glasses areas that allow you to safely get very close to the animals. I particularly enjoyed the zebras and giraffes. We visited in September when the temperatures were just right for strolling around and all the animals were outside. I don't think I could manage it in the higher temperatures of July & August. There is a kiosk at the entrance selling drinks, sandwiches and snacks but nothing open elsewhere in the zoo. I would recommend taking a picnic or some snacks and stopping half way round at one of the many picnic areas and enjoying a rest. There is also a large playground at the end. Definetly worth a visit.
Less“A great zoo with a huge variety of animals”
This is one of our favorite zoos. The variety of animals is one of the best of anny zoo we have been to. The zoo is well laid out and the animals are in open air enclosures. There is even a small aquarium inside. The zoo is located about 10...
MoreThis is one of our favorite zoos. The variety of animals is one of the best of anny zoo we have been to. The zoo is well laid out and the animals are in open air enclosures. There is even a small aquarium inside. The zoo is located about 10 minutes outside the city and is open on Saturdays, while much of Jerusalem is closed down.
Less“Nice Outing”
“Funny and Ossom!”
One of the most interesting zoo's in the world. Is shows the animals of Israel and the region but also animals from Africa and australia. Highly recomeded for families with young children.
“Very well thought out zoo”
i always thought a zoo was a zoo. But the Jerusalem zoo is in relatively new quarters and is superbly well laid out. It is expensive (including the need for a taxi as it is not near most hotels) Our grandchildren loved it.