Bible animals are still found in Israel

There are several zoos in Israel dedicated to preserving and displaying animals native to the Holy Land

The Bible is full of stories about animals in the Land of Israel which today might be rather scarce. Abraham was able to spare his son Isaac when God caused a wild ram to become caught in a thicket. Samson found honey in a lion's carcass. David slew a lion and a bear as he watched over his father's sheep, and Isaac loved the venison prepared by his son Esau.

Today, however, there are several zoos in Israel dedicated to preserving and displaying animals native to the Holy Land that are mentioned in the Bible. The most well known is the Biblical Zoo in Jerusalem, which is second only to the Western Wall as the most visited site in the country.

The Jerusalem zoo was originally established in 1940 as a children’s zoo on Harav Kook Street, in the center of town off Jaffa Road. In the years since it has moved several times and greatly expanded its collection of animals. In 1993, the zoo re-opened in its current location in southwest Jerusalem.

Among its more popular exhibits are a family of Syrian brown bears and a den of lions, as well as Persian leopards. Legend has it that the parents of these latter cats were once in the private zoo of the Shah of Iran and were ’rescued,’ with the help of his Jewish zookeeper, on an Israeli C-130 cargo plane when he was deposed.

To make it more fun for children, there is a train that runs through the zoo. A favorite stop is the elephant pen, where their Thai trainers put on entertaining shows each day.

The Pritzker Children’s Zoo offers a chance for small children to feed, pet and snuggle with several domesticated animals, including goats, rabbits and guinea pigs.

Another popular feature is the Noah’s Ark visitors’ center, which embodies the zoo’s commitment to preserving endangered species. The boat-shaped center includes an auditorium for screening films and holding lectures; a gallery for temporary exhibits, and computer stations that provide information on animals mentioned in the Bible.

Another zoo dedicated to showing visitors the animals of the Holy Land is located on Kibbutz Revivim, about 45 minutes south of Beersheba. Featuring several animals native to the Negev desert, this zoo allows visitors to get a feel for the harsh environment where so much of the Bible was written.

Kibbutz Degania in the Galilee also features a zoo which houses some of that region’s unique species, including the ibex, or gazelle, as well as other animals from around the world.

Degania also houses the ’Tree of the State’ — a cypress tree planted on May 15, 1948, when Israel declared independence, on special order of the Jewish National Fund. The tree is meant to symbolize the Jewish people taking root in their ancient homeland, and is still continuing its symbolic mission.

There is also an extensive zoo and drive-thru safari park hidden in the sprawl of Greater Tel Aviv, located along Highway 4 on the edge of Ramat Gan, just north of what is known as ’Trash Mountain.’ A number of biblical animals are on display, but the highlight for most visitors is the assortment of animals from Africa, including herds of hippos, zebras and giraffes, several rhinos, and a large pride of lions that can be viewed from the ’safety’ of one’s car.

A number of other zoos and petting zoos are scattered throughout Israel, exemplifying the country’s desire to conserve its ancient heritage.

By visiting these zoos featuring animals of the Holy Land, visitors can have fun, create beautiful memories for their children, and educate themselves about the Bible all at the same time.