This place needs to get its act together it has not changed in years. Staff that work here are lazy and untidy. A gift shop run by Arabs that are rude and refuse to speak Hebrew. It has to be the worst gift shop ever. It’s definitely needs new management ASAP
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 651 traveler reviews“Sad nothing has changed in 15 years”
“A good zoo, and here’s why”
So “I visited this place” a good number of times since it was established about 25 or more years ago. So this was at least my fifth visit, although it has been at least five years since the last time. So not much of anything has changed. But then again, a zoo is a...
MoreSo “I visited this place” a good number of times since it was established about 25 or more years ago. So this was at least my fifth visit, although it has been at least five years since the last time. So not much of anything has changed. But then again, a zoo is a zoo is a zoo. I was familiar with the paths and walkways and directions, so I led our small tour group quickly to their areas of interest- monkeys and large animals, friendly and ferocious. We also traveled on the little motorized train, but we did not go to the playground nor to the petting zoo. The best part of course- without a doubt and no question- was the area of at least six full size adult giraffes. OK- I could have stayed there under the hot sun and watch them for a long time and I could have taken more selfies with them (no – I have not posted here photos of me). However, I do hope that you look at my many photos, and I do hope that you find them “helpful.”
Less“An amazing zoo experience”
We were in Jerusalem for Passover and decided to take the kids to the zoo. Even though it was packed with visitors, the zoo was spotless. There were plenty of staff who were cleaning and were responsive to questions. Hands down, the giraffes were the coolest animals we saw. I’ve never been head to...
MoreWe were in Jerusalem for Passover and decided to take the kids to the zoo. Even though it was packed with visitors, the zoo was spotless. There were plenty of staff who were cleaning and were responsive to questions. Hands down, the giraffes were the coolest animals we saw. I’ve never been head to head with one before.
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