A Visit To The Jerusalem Zoo
Published by: Maxine Carlill ICEJ Australia
“I know all the birds of the mountains, and the wild beasts of the field are Mine”, said the LORD to His people in Psalm 50:11.
There were many wild beasts of the field who once roamed the land of Israel, including wolves, lions, leopards, hyenas, cheetahs, Syrian bears and jackals. Mosaics of lions and other wild animals have been found in the ruins of synagogues and other buildings, as well as carvings of wild animals on buildings. In the walls surrounding the Old City of Jerusalem there is even a gate called the Lion Gate, although the ‘lions’ carved beside the gateways are really panthers! They were the symbols of the Mamelukes who ruled in that part of the world from 1260 – 1517. A similar carving is also found on a bridge in Lod, and in ‘Nimrod’s castle’ in northern Israel. There are other places in Israel today called after wild animals. In the hill country west of Tiberias, there is a mountain called Har Nimra, Mountain of the Leopard, and a creek called Nahal Nimerim, ‘the Creek of the Leopards.’ The Song of Songs speaks of “the Mountains of the Leopard”.
Today though, except for a few species, they can be seen only in a zoo.
Jerusalem’s Biblical Zoo had its beginning even before Statehood, the original zoo was a tiny establishment in the centre of the city. The animals suffered the trauma of the War of Independence along with the human residents of Jerusalem.
In 1951 the zoo was relocated to a 15 acre plot in what was then an outlying neighbourhood where it remained for forty years.
However, in 1993, it was relocated again on more than 60 acres in the Judean Hills with a man-made lake complete with waterfalls and side pools, surrounded by spacious lawns and shaded beauty spots. Most of its over 170 diverse species of animals are mentioned in the Bible and their roomy and naturalistic enclosures display the appropriate Bible verse. The park includes a wildlife savannah with free-roaming animals and a visitor’s train that provides transportation throughout the park. As interest for Australian readers, the wallabies are comfortable and content and a popular attraction along with other Australian species.
It is a top tourist site, attracting over 700,000 visitors annually. It draws Jerusalem’s residents from all walks of life and cultures. The Zoo is a popular place for families, especially during school holidays. Because the ultra-Orthodox residents are limited in places of entertainment, they particularly appreciate the venue.
The Zoo has a centre for animal-assisted therapy which is innovative, and serves over 500 children with special needs, children and adults with disabilities, and children and youth at-risk participate. Participants internalize the sense of success, concern, and empathy, and the ability to provide the warmth and support which they received from the animals and apply them within their lives.
The Jerusalem Biblical Zoo contributes to conservation of species within Israel and globally. It is a full member in a number of high profile international organizations, in order to share knowledge and management practices.
In other parts of Israel, smaller animal enclosures, usually containing the tamer and smaller variety, offer children plenty of exposure to God’s wonderful diversity of animal life. Many of these ‘Animal Corners’ as they are called, are often used as therapy for troubled children and ICEJ has, from time to time, been asked to support the ongoing upkeep of these valuable areas.
“But now ask the beasts and they will teach you; the birds of the air and they will tell you.” implores Job of his so called comforters in Job 12:7, concluding that even the creatures of the earth understand the sovereignty of God.
