The Biblical Zoo in Jerusalem

Jerusalem is known for its tourist spots which have intimate connections with various characters and happenings in the Bible. However, the best tourist spot of Jerusalem, which in spite of having deep connection with Bible is yet, very much modern in perspective is the Biblical Zoo in Jerusalem or the Tish Family Zoo.
Biblical Zoo in Jerusalem is a famous zoo in the Manahat and has a collection of wildlife, about whom you will find mention in the Bible, but who are no longer present in Jerusalem.

This Biblical Zoo in Jerusalem was first established in 1928 as a children's zoo on the Harav Kook Street by Professor Aharon Shulov. A larger form of it was established in 1941 in the Shmuel Hanavi Street. In 1947, it was moved to Mt. Scopus but soon after it was transferred to a new area in Givat Komuna. After remaining there for 41 years it was closed again and it reopened for public preview period in February 28, 1993 and was officially opened in September 9, 1993, in its present location. The Biblical Zoo of Jerusalem was designed by Miller-Blum & Associates Landscape Architects. Municipality of Jerusalem, the Jerusalem Foundation, and the Jerusalem Development Authority are the co-owners of the zoo.

The Biblical Zoo in Jerusalem is situated in an area of 62 acres in a valley. There is a small artificial lake in the center. There are two levels in the house and you can reach from the ground to these two levels by a tram route. However, you can also walk along the paths that connect these two levels.

Here, you will find almost all the animals whose mention is made in the Hebrew Bible, but who, with time have become extinct from Jerusalem. These are bears, lions, Persian fallow deer, Arabian Oryx, cheetah and Nile crocodile etc. You will also find many endangered species in the Biblical Zoo at Jerusalem. These are Golden Lion, Tamarin, rare varieties of macaws and cockatoos, ibises and the Asian elephant.

In this Biblical Zoo of Jerusalem you will find the animals in large enclosures so that they do not feel suffocated. The unique thing about the animals here are few were confiscated from smugglers and the majority were born in the zoo. No animal is ever captured from the wild.

The main aims of the Biblical Zoo in Jerusalem are to preserve the rare Biblical animal species and return them to the wild as well as to protect environment and enhance public awareness towards environmental issues.