Jerusalem Biblical Zoo: Difference between revisions

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|image_caption = A [[Geoffroy's spider monkey|black-handed spider monkey]] swings on a rope over the [[artificial lake]] at the zoo.

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|area = {{convert|62|acre|ha|adj=on}}<ref name="life">{{cite news|url=http://www.jpost.com/Home/Article.aspx?id=112016 |title=A Life of Its Own |last=Stromberg |first=David |date=22 August 2010 |accessdateaccess-date=28 November 2010 |newspaper=[[The Jerusalem Post]]}}</ref>

|num_animals = 2,200 (as of 2009)<ref name="attraction">{{cite news |url= http://www.jpost.com/Home/Article.aspx?id=173247 |title=Animal Attraction |last=Yelinek |first=Aviel |date=16 April 2010 |accessdateaccess-date=28 November 2010 |newspaper=The Jerusalem Post}}</ref>

|website = {{URL|httphttps://www.jerusalemzoo.org.il/lenen/biblical-zoo}}

'''The Tisch Family ZoologicalBiblical GardensZoo in Jerusalem''' ({{lang-langx|he|גן החיות התנ"כי בירושלים על שם משפחת טיש}}, {{lang-langx|ar|حديقة الحيوان الكتابية في أورشليم القدس}} ''{{transl|ar|DIN|Ḥadīqat al-Ḥaiwān al-Kitābīya Ūrushalīm al-Quds}}''), popularly known as the '''Jerusalem Biblical Zoo''', is a [[zoo]] located in the [[Malha]] neighborhood of [[Jerusalem]], [[Israel]]. It is famous for its Afro-Asiatic collection of [[Biodiversity in Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip|wildlife]], many of which are ascribeddescribed in the [[Hebrew Bible]], as well as for its success in [[Captive breeding|breeding]] [[endangered species]].<ref name="managers">{{cite web |url=http://www.haaretz.com/zoo-managers-from-around-the-world-go-biblical-in-jerusalem-1.353398 |title=Zoo managers from around the world go biblical in Jerusalem |last=Lis |first=Jonathan |date=1 April 2011 |accessdateaccess-date=22 October 2011 |work=[[Haaretz]]}}</ref> According to [[Dun and Bradstreet]], the Biblical Zoo was the most popular [[tourist attraction]] in Israel from 2005 to 2007, and logged a record 738,000 visitors in 2009.<ref name="attraction" /> The zoo had about 55,000 members in 2009.<ref name="Tisch2009">{{cite web |url=http://www.jerusalemfoundation.org/uploads//Zoo%20report%202010.pdf |title=The Tisch Family Zoological Gardens Annual Report 2009 |year=2009 |access-date=28 November 2010 |publisher=Jerusalem Foundation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726062702/http://www.jerusalemfoundation.org/uploads//Zoo%20report%202010.pdf |archive-date=26 July 2011 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

[[File:Shulov2.jpg|left|150px|thumb|[[Aharon Shulov]] and his wife, Yocheved, holding a [[Pythonidae|python]].]]

The Jerusalem Biblical Zoo opened in September 1940 as a small "animal corner" on Rabbi Kook Street in central Jerusalem.<ref name="sbl">{{cite web |url=http://www.sbl-site.org/publications/article.aspx?articleId=579 |title=The Jerusalem Biblical Zoo |last=Greenbaum |first=Avraham |date=August 2006 |accessdateaccess-date=28 November 2010 |publisher=[[Society of Biblical Literature]]}}</ref><ref name="NY">{{cite web |url= https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?sec=travel&res=9B03EFD71639F935A35750C0A965948260 |title=Jerusalem's Modern Ark |last=Kammen |first=Michael |date=6 March 1983 |accessdateaccess-date=28 November 2010 |work=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> The zoo was founded by [[Aharon Shulov]], a professor of [[zoology]] at the [[Hebrew University of Jerusalem]], [[Mount Scopus]]. Among Shulov's goals were to provide a research facility for his students; to gather animals, reptiles and birds mentioned in the Bible;<ref name="NY" /><ref>{{cite journal |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hW_fAAAAMAAJ&q=Aharon+Shulov|title=Christian Victory |volume=56 |year=1982 |publisher=The Company |page=6}}</ref> and, as he wrote in 1951, to break down the "invisible wall" between the intellectuals on Mount Scopus and the general public.<ref>Shulov, Aharon (1980). ''The Leopard''. Jerusalem: The Jerusalem Zoo Educational Series, p. 13.</ref> The first animal in the Jerusalem Zoo was a [[desert monitor]] which arrived in 1940, brought by a group of British soldiers.<ref>''[https://www.israelstory.org/episode/maya-german-and-benjamin-fainsod/]'', Wartime Diaries, Israel Story, 2024, https://www.israelstory.org/episode/maya-german-and-benjamin-fainsod/</ref>

Early on, the zoo ran into several difficulties in its decision to focus on animals mentioned in the Bible. For one, the meaning of many names of animals, reptiles and birds in Scriptures is often uncertain; for example, ''nesher'' ({{lang-langx|he|נשר}}), commonly translated as "eagle", could also mean "vulture".<ref name="sbl" /> More significantly, many of the animals mentioned in the Bible are now [[Extinction|extinct]] in Israel due to over-hunting, destruction of natural habitats by rapid construction and development, illegal poisoning by farmers, and low birth rate.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/life/religion/7003569.html |title=Doing Noah Proud |last=Grooters |first=Sarah |date=13 May 2010 |accessdateaccess-date=28 November 2010 |newspaper=[[Houston Chronicle]]}}</ref> Zoo planners decided to branch beyond strictly biblical animals and include worldwide [[endangered species]] as well.<ref name="sbl" />

[[File:Teddy Jerusalem Zoo.jpg|thumb|Teddy the [[Asian elephant|elephant]], named in honor of Jerusalem mayor and zoo fund-raiser [[Teddy Kollek]].]]

As part of the [[1949 Armistice Agreements#With Jordan|Israel-JordanIsrael–Jordan Armistice Agreements of 1949]], access to Mount Scopus was restricted. The [[United Nations]] helped the zoo relocate<ref name="sbl" /> to a {{convert|15|hectare|acre|adj=on}} lot<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.goisrael.com/Tourism_Eng/Articles/Attractions/The+Tisch+Family+Biblical+Zoo.htm |title= The Tisch Family Biblical Zoo |publisher= Israel Ministry of Tourism |access-date=28 November 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101117182422/http://goisrael.com/Tourism_Eng/Articles/Attractions/The+Tisch+Family+Biblical+Zoo.htm |archive-date=17 November 2010 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> in Givat Komuna, adjacent to the present-day neighborhoods of [[Romema]] and [[Ezrat Torah]]. According to Shulov, when the zoo arrived in Romema, only two [[Wolf|wolves]], one [[hyena]], one [[lion]] and one [[leopard]] were left.<ref name="sbl" /><ref>Shulov, Aharon (1981). ''The Wolf Shall Dwell with the Lamb: 40 years of the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo'' (in Hebrew). Jerusalem: Jerusalem Biblical Zoo, pp. 4–5.</ref>

Jerusalem mayor [[Teddy Kollek]], who took office in 1965, became one of the zoo's main supporters and fund-raisersfundraisers through his [[Jerusalem Foundation]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.jpost.com/Home/Article.aspx?id=112016 |title=The Zoo's No. 1 Friend |last=Doron |first=Shai |date=4 February 2007 |accessdateaccess-date=28 November 2010 |newspaper=The Jerusalem Post}}</ref> Kollek promoted the idea of moving the zoo to a larger location and upgrading it to a state-of-the-art institution, as well as a tourist site that would appeal to secular and religious [[Jews|Jewish]] families and [[Arab]] families alike.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://venetec.com/Israel/ |title=Israel |year=2010 |publisher=Price Family Charitable Fund |accessdateaccess-date=28 November 2010 }}{{Dead link|date=September 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Around 1990, under the auspices of the Jerusalem Foundation, the Tisch family of New York agreed to pay $5&nbsp;million toward the $30&nbsp;million cost of the project. Another $10&nbsp;million was raised through sale of the lot in Romema, which was converted to housing. The Jerusalem municipality, the Israel Ministry of Tourism, the Jerusalem Foundation, and private sponsors also contributed.<ref name="born" />

The zoo, renamed the Tisch Family Zoological Gardens in Jerusalem, but still called the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo by the general public, opened for a preview period on 28 February 1993. It officially opened on 9 September 1993.<ref name="about">{{cite web |url=http://www.jerusalemzoo.org.il/len/apage/11017.php |title=About the Zoo |publisher=Jerusalem Zoo |year=2010 |accessdateaccess-date=28 November 2010 |archive-date=18 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718211535/http://www.jerusalemzoo.org.il/len/apage/11017.php |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Designed by Miller-Blum & Associates Landscape Architects, and constructed by the [[Moriah Jerusalem Development Corporation]],<ref name="about" /> the zoo sits on {{convert|62|acre|ha}} in a valley surrounded by the hillside neighborhoods of [[Malha]] and [[Givat Masua]].<ref name="life" /> The park is landscaped with trees and shrubs native to Israel, many of which are mentioned in the Bible.

The centerpiece of the lower level is an [[artificial lake]] which includes two islands of monkey exhibits.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jerusalem.muni.il/jer_sys/picture/atarim/site_form_atar_eng.asp?site_id=18&pic_cat=4&icon_cat=6&york_cat=7 |title=Biblical Zoo – The Tisch Family Zoological Gardens |date=22 March 2009 |access-date=28 November 2010 |publisher=Jerusalem Municipality |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110106121612/http://www.jerusalem.muni.il/jer_sys/picture/atarim/site_form_atar_eng.asp?site_id=18&pic_cat=4&icon_cat=6&york_cat=7 |archive-date=6 January 2011 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The lake is fed by a series of pools and waterfalls,<ref name="about" /> beginning at an [[artificial waterfall]] called "Moses' Rock" (an allusion to the well of [[Miriam]] which provided water for the [[Israelites]] during their 40-year sojourn in the desert). Water is recycled and pumped back to Moses' Rock through an underground system.<ref name="born" />

At the western end of the park stands a two-story, boat-shaped wooden visitor's center meant to resemble [[Noah's Ark]]. It contains an auditorium, an art gallery, a gift shop, a snack bar, and computer stations providing information on animals mentioned in the Bible.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.jposttravel.com/Christianity-in-Israel/Bible-animals.html |title=Bible Animals are Still Found in Israel |last=Hecht |first=Aaron |year=2009 |access-date=28 November 2010 |newspaper=The Jerusalem Post |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101124063034/http://jposttravel.com/Christianity-in-Israel/Bible-animals.html |archive-date=24 November 2010 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

[[File:Jerusalem Zoo Sculpture Park.jpg|thumb|Phantasmagorical sculptures by French sculptor [[Niki de Saint Phalle]] in the Noah's Ark Sculpture Park.]]

The zoo operates several snack bars and a coffee shop. Picnic tables and benches are situated throughout the park. There is also an animal-themed jungle gym for children and a sculpture garden containing 23<ref>{{cite web |url=http://designistdream.com/page/11/ |title=Where the Wild Things Art |date=4 November 2007 |access-date=28 November 2010 |publisher=designistdream.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110709014942/http://designistdream.com/page/11/ |archive-date=9 July 2011 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> phantasmagorical animal sculptures decorated with stones, mirrors, and mosaics,<ref name="crowne" /> which double as climbing toys, designed by [[French people|French]] sculptor [[Niki de Saint Phalle]], together with an underground Noah's Ark sculpture designed by Swiss architect Mario Botta.<ref name="born" /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ci.escondido.ca.us/events/califia/chronology.pdf |title=Niki de Saint Phalle Chronology (1930–2002) |access-date=28 November 2010 |publisher=ci.escondido.ca.us |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101117065506/http://www.ci.escondido.ca.us/events/califia/chronology.pdf |archive-date=17 November 2010 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Children can also view [[three dimensional|3D]] films of animals in a small theater near the entrance to the zoo.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cruisecritic.com/ports/newport.cfm?ID=470 |title=Been There, Done That |year=2010 |accessdateaccess-date=28 November 2010 |publisher=The Independent Traveler}}</ref>

The traditional zoo infrastructure of bars and cages has been replaced by open areas separated from the public by trenches, [[moat]]s, bridges, and glass windows; outdoor exhibits also have an indoor shelter in case of bad weather.<ref name="born">{{cite book |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=bYsQvLkzRyoC&pg=PA96|title=Born Again |last=Oestermann |first=Richard |publisher=Gefen Books |date=June 1999 |accessdateaccess-date=28 November 2010 |isbn= 978-965-229-214-8 |pages=94–98}}</ref> The only areas in which the public has direct contact with the animals are [[Lemur]] Land, the "petting pool" at the Wet Side Story aquatic exhibit, and the children's zoo, where children can pet and feed [[pygmy goat]]s, [[sheep]], [[rabbit]]s and [[guinea pig]]s.

[[File:Jerusalem Zoo Arabian oryx.jpg|thumb|[[Scimitar oryx]] roam in an open reserve.]]

Animals and birds reside in natural habitats, from an African savannah to a tropical rain forest to the underground world of mice and cockroaches. The [[lesser kestrel]] exhibit is designed as a house in Jerusalem's [[Musrara, Jerusalem|Morasha]] district, formerly a major nesting ground for these birds.<ref name="Tisch2009" /> Each animal or bird which is mentioned in the Bible has a biblical verse in [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]], [[Arabic language|Arabic]] and [[English language|English]] appended to its information sign.<ref name="askmen">{{cite web |url=http://ie.askmen.com/top_10/travel_top_ten/44c_travel_top_ten.html |title=Top 10: Zoos – Number 4: Jerusalem Biblical Zoo, Jerusalem, Israel |last=Marks |first=Harry |accessdateaccess-date=28 November 2010 |publisher=[[AskMen.com]] |archive-date=7 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707175123/http://ie.askmen.com/top_10/travel_top_ten/44c_travel_top_ten.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Behind the scenes, the zoo operates an animal medical center with surgery, recovery and treatment rooms, a laboratory, and a [[quarantine]] unit where incoming animals and zoo animals being sent to other zoos are tested for diseases. This medical center cares for all zoo animals except the elephants, giraffes, rhinoceroses, hippopotamus, and bison, which are treated in their own exhibits.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jerusalemzoo.org.il/len/apage/11019.php |title=Zoo Hospital |publisher=Jerusalem Zoo |accessdateaccess-date=28 November 2010 |archive-date=8 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208211037/http://jerusalemzoo.org.il/len/apage/11019.php |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The parking lot accommodates 500 vehicles.<ref name="born" /> The city named the street astride the zoo Derech Aharon Shulov (Aharon Shulov Way) after the zoo's founder.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.koogle.co.il/English/Businesses/Zoos--Animal-Farms |title=Zoos and Animal Farms |publisher=koogle.co.il |access-date=28 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091009213241/http://www.koogle.co.il/English/Businesses/Zoos--Animal-Farms |archive-date=9 October 2009 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

The massive amount of fruits and vegetables consumed daily by the zoo's animals are acquired free of charge through an agreement Shulov worked out with Israeli companies that [[Terumat hamaaser|tithe]] their produce in accordance with [[Halakha|Jewish law]].<ref name="NY" /> During the days of the [[Temple in Jerusalem]], ''[[Heave offering|terumah]]'', a tithe on agricultural produce, was designated for the [[Kohen|kohanim]] (priests) and their animals. After the destruction of the Temple, the rabbis decreed that the tithed produce could not be used and had to be destroyed. The animals of the Biblical Zoo were symbolically sold to a [[Kohen]] so that this tithed produce could be given to them.<ref name=ohr>{{cite web|url=http://ohr.edu/judaism/nature-apikorsas/natur007.htm|title=The Torah Universe: Great Apes and Wild Men|last=Slifkin|first=Nosson|year=1999|publisher=[[Ohr Somayach, Jerusalem|Ohr Somayach International]]|access-date=28 November 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629133141/http://ohr.edu/judaism/nature-apikorsas/natur007.htm|archive-date=29 June 2011|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://jewishrootscx.netfirms.com/the_biblical_tithe.htm |title=The Biblical Tithe...Taught Correctly |last=Lyons |first=Craig |access-date=28 November 2010 |publisher=Jewish Roots |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101215161221/http://jewishrootscx.netfirms.com/the_biblical_tithe.htm |archive-date=15 December 2010 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The animals of the Biblical Zoo receive nearly a ton of the choicest fruits and vegetables every day<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.haaretz.com/weekend/pleasure-hunting/.premium-1.535221 |title=Animal attraction|first=Ronit|last=Vered|work=[[Haaretz]]|date=11 July 2013|accessdateaccess-date=15 September 2013}}(subscription)</ref> through a distribution handled by the local religious council.<ref name=ohr/> Meat consumed by the carnivores is furnished by [[kashrut|kosher]] butchers, [[veterinarian]]s, and [[fishermen]].<ref name="NY" /> Pruned branches from edible plants in the park, such as date palms, olive trees and carob trees, are also used for [[fodder]].<ref name="green">{{cite web |url=http://www.jerusalemzoo.org.il/var/360/312287-104.pdf |title=Green Team |last=Kaufman |first=Dr. Elizabeth |date=June 2009 |publisher=Profile (newsletter of the Tisch Family Zoological Gardens in Jerusalem) |accessdateaccess-date=28 November 2010 |archive-date=11 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151211000819/http://www.jerusalemzoo.org.il/var/360/312287-104.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>

During [[Passover]], the entire zoo is [[chametz]]-free.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://myrehovot.info/eng/archive/2005_04_01_archive.html |title=Jerusalem Biblical Zoo is Kosher for Passover |last=Burge |first=Beverly |year=2005 |access-date=28 November 2010 |publisher=myrehovot.info |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120525070018/http://myrehovot.info/eng/archive/2005_04_01_archive.html |archive-date=25 May 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Four to six weeks before the holiday, the animal feed pellets are switched from wheat-based to rice-based ingredients, and after Passover they are gradually switched back to wheat-based.<ref name=kohn>Kohn, Batya. "The Zoo Doctor". ''[[Ami (magazine)|Aim!]]'', 9 Nisan 5777 (April 5, April 2017), pp. 24–27.</ref>

The zoo sees its primary goal as the conservation of [[endangered species]].<ref name="reintro">{{cite web |url= http://jerusalemzoo.org.il/len/apage/11046.php |title=Animal Reintroductions |accessdateaccess-date=28 November 2010 |publisher=jerusalemzoo.org.il |archive-date=10 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151210180148/http://jerusalemzoo.org.il/len/apage/11046.php |url-status=dead }}</ref> These include animals mentioned in the Bible which are now [[extinct]] in Israel, such as the [[Asian lion]], the [[Syrian brown bear]], the [[Asiatic cheetah]], the [[Nile crocodile]], and the [[Persian fallow deer]] (which has been reintroduced in Israel), and the [[critically endangered]] [[Arabian leopard]] which is on the verge of extinction in Israel.<ref name="fodor">{{cite web |url=http://www.fodors.com/world/africa-and-middle-east/israel/jerusalem/review-190726.html |title=Tisch Family Zoological Gardens |year=2010 |access-date=28 November 2010 |publisher=[[Fodor's]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629125748/http://www.fodors.com/world/africa-and-middle-east/israel/jerusalem/review-190726.html |archive-date=29 June 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> It also includes endangered species worldwide, such as the [[Asian elephant]] (which historically also lived in the Levant), rare species of [[macaw]],<ref name="fodor" /> the [[cockatiel]], the [[ibis]], and the [[golden lion tamarin]].

Towards that end, the zoo undertakes to [[Captive breeding|breed animals in captivity]] and, in some cases, reintroduce them to the wild. Through this program, the zoo has successfully increased the number of Persian fallow deer in Israel. This species was thought to be extinct in the 20th century until a small number of deer were located in [[Iran]] in 1956. In 1978, four of these deer were brought to Israel and have since increased to several hundred, with a major breeding colony at the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aronheller.com/documents/articles/ap/ASAP/asap%20-%20biblical%20zoo.htm |title=At the Zoo, Two-By-Two |last=Heller |first=Aron |date=8 March 2006 |access-date=28 November 2010 |publisher=[[Associated Press]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707163112/http://www.aronheller.com/documents/articles/ap/ASAP/asap%20-%20biblical%20zoo.htm |archive-date=7 July 2011 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> A concurrent project to protect the [[Kleinmann's tortoise|Negev tortoise]] from extinction involves breeding from artificially-incubated eggs.<ref name="Tisch2007" />

There is a captive breeding programme for the blind [[Troglofauna|cave]] [[shrimp]] ''[[Typhlocaris galilea]]''.<ref>{{cite journal |title=The biology and ecology of the blind prawn, ''Typhlocaris galilea'' Calman (Decapoda, Caridea) |author=M. Tsurnamal |journal=[[Crustaceana]] |volume=34 |issue=2 |year=1978 |pages=195–213 |jstor=20103268 |doi=10.1163/156854078X00736}}</ref><ref name="Kloosterman">{{cite web|url=http://www.greenprophet.com/2013/05/blind-shrimp-bible-zoo-jerusalem/|title=Blind Shrimp Spared from Extinction at Bible Zoo in Jerusalem|last=Kloosterman|first=Karin|date=2013-05-06|work=Green Prophet|accessdateaccess-date=6 May 2013}}</ref>

At the zoo's National Center for Artificial Incubation of Raptor Eggs, eggs of [[Bird of prey|raptor]]s that are either extinct or severely decimated in Israel are incubated from captive-breeding pairs.<ref name="Tisch2007">{{cite web |url=http://www.jerusalemfoundation.org/uploads/%5Ccoexistence%5Cfrom%20arts%20to%20sports%5Ctisch%20zoological%20gardens%5CZoo%202007%20Annual%20Report.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726062752/http://www.jerusalemfoundation.org/uploads/%5Ccoexistence%5Cfrom%20arts%20to%20sports%5Ctisch%20zoological%20gardens%5CZoo%202007%20Annual%20Report.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 July 2011 |title=Hey Deer, Have You Heard About the Happenings at the Tisch Family Zoological Gardens in 2007? |year=2007 |accessdateaccess-date=28 November 2010 |publisher=Jerusalem Foundation }}{{Dead link|date=September 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The [[griffon vulture]], an endangered species, is the subject of much research activity. The zoo has successfully mated vultures with crippled wings &ndash; a feat that [[Ornithology|ornithologists]] previously thought could not be accomplished because these birds could not balance themselves properly.<ref name="vultures">{{cite web |url= http://www.israel21c.org/technology/israeli-scientists-help-vultures-spread-their-wings |title= Israeli scientists help vultures spread their wings |date=6 June 2004 |publisher=Israel21c |accessdateaccess-date=28 November 2010}}</ref> It has also used two male vultures to hatch and raise chicks from incubated eggs.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://sandiegojewishworld.com/israel/the_golan/gamla_nature_reserve/sd4-7griffon_vulture.htm |title= Preying for peace |publisher=San Diego Jewish Press-Heritage |date=7 April 2000 |accessdateaccess-date=28 November 2010 |last=Harrison |first=Donald H.}}</ref> Additionally, the zoo participates in a countrywide breeding program coordinated by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority to increase the birth rate of griffon vultures in the wild.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.jpost.com/home/article.aspx?id=158327 |title=Waiting in the Wings |last=Pomerantz |first=Batsheva |date=22 October 2009 |accessdateaccess-date=28 November 2010 |newspaper=The Jerusalem Post}}</ref>

The zoo conducts a small ceremony each time it returns a bird to the wild. In 1996, for the release of a griffon vulture which it named "Freedom", the zoo invited the mother of captured [[Israelis|Israeli]] [[navigator]] [[Ron Arad (pilot)|Ron Arad]] to help release the bird.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sandiegojewishworld.com/israel/jerusalem/biblical_zoo/19981211-biblical_zoo.htm |title=Judaic Park: S.D. Zoo helps Israel in quest to return biblical animals to the wild |last=Harrison |first=Donald H. |date=11 December 1998 |accessdateaccess-date=28 November 2010 |publisher=San Diego Jewish Press-Heritage}}</ref>

[[File:Asian Elephant and Baby.JPG|left|thumb|The year-old [[Gabi (elephant)|Gabi]] (left) with his mother Tamar in the elephant enclosure, January 2007.]]

The zoo is considered a world leader and educator in reproductive intervention.<ref name="protecting">{{cite web |url= http://www.israel21c.org/environment/jerusalem-biblical-zoo-a-world-leader-in-protecting-endangered-species |title=Jerusalem Biblical Zoo a World Leader in Protecting Endangered Species |last=Eisen |first=Sarah K. |date=28 June 2007 |publisher=Israel21c}}</ref> It achieved a major success in December 2005 with the birth of [[Gabi (elephant)|Gabi]], the first [[elephant]] conceived in Israel through [[Artificial insemination#Artificial insemination in livestock and pets|artificial insemination]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.jpost.com/International/Article.aspx?id=190086 |title=Israeli 'aid ships' carry 4-legged animals to Turkey |last=Lidman |first=Melanie |date=4 October 2010 |accessdateaccess-date=28 November 2010 |newspaper=The Jerusalem Post}}</ref> In conjunction with a team from the Reproduction Management Institute for Zoo Biology and Wildlife Research of Berlin, zoo veterinarians impregnated one of their female elephants, Tamar, with [[sperm]] obtained from Emmett, a bull elephant in the [[Whipsnade Zoo|Whipsnade Animal Park]], [[Bedfordshire]], [[England]].<ref name="protecting" /> On 10 December 2005, Gabi's six-hour birth was viewed by over 350,000 people in 108 countries via [[Streaming media|live streaming]] on the zoo's website.<ref name="life" />

Newborn animals that are threatened or ignored by their parents are raised by the veterinary staff. On 31 December 2008, for example, a newborn tiger cub ignored by its mother was taken home by a staff member to be bottle-fed.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.zooborns.com/zooborns/jerusalem-biblical-zoo/ |title=One Big Kitten: Tiger cub at the Jerusalem Zoo |date=12 March 2009 |accessdateaccess-date=28 November 2010 |publisher=zooborns.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thewere.com/blog/2009/02/27/week-in-photos-tiger-cub-pancake-race-more/ |title=Feb 27 Week in Photos: Tiger Cub, Pancake Race, More |year=2008 |accessdateaccess-date=28 November 2010 |publisher=Interesting Things }}{{Dead link|date=July 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> A newborn leopard rejected by its mother spent its days at the zoo and nights at veterinarians' homes for its first three and a half months of life.<ref name=kohn/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://jawscience.webs.com/aprdrelishevakaufman.htm |title=Dr. Elizabeth (Elisheva) Kaufman |year=2009 |publisher=Jewish Alliance for Women in Science |accessdateaccess-date=28 November 2010 |archive-date=18 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171018064003/http://jawscience.webs.com/aprdrelishevakaufman.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The zoo also provides medical treatment for animals and birds injured in the wild.<ref name="Tisch2006">{{cite web |url=http://www.jerusalemfoundation.org/uploads/%5Ccoexistence%5Cfrom%20arts%20to%20sports%5Ctisch%20zoological%20gardens%5Cthe%20tisch%20family%20zoo%20-%202006%20report.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726062555/http://www.jerusalemfoundation.org/uploads/%5Ccoexistence%5Cfrom%20arts%20to%20sports%5Ctisch%20zoological%20gardens%5Cthe%20tisch%20family%20zoo%20-%202006%20report.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 July 2011 |title=Tisch Family Zoological Gardens – 2006 Report |publisher=Jerusalem Foundation |year=2006 |accessdateaccess-date=28 November 2010 }}{{dead link|date=November 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The wildlife is either released back to their natural environment (if they are healthy enough) or placed in other zoos. In the late 2000s, an [[aviary]] was built for [[eagle owl]]s which the zoo is nursing back to health.<ref name="Tisch2007" />

Public education is another prime focus of the zoo. According to Shai Doron, director-general of the zoo since 1993,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.haaretz.com/weekend/magazine/the-human-zoo-1.314357 |title=The Human Zoo |last=Saar |first=Yuval |date=17 September 2010 |newspaper=Haaretz|accessdateaccess-date=28 November 2010}}</ref> "Our moral right to exist comes from educating and raising the awareness of our visitors."<ref name="life" />

Many [[Israelis]], both Jewish and Arab, are not familiar with zoos and get "overexcited" at seeing the animals on display.<ref name="NY" /> Dozens of zoo personnel man the displays during peak holiday times to stop visitors from throwing food and other items at the animals. The animals do have a preference for [[Bamba (snack)|Bamba]], the popular children's peanut-and-corn snack (though it gives the monkeys [[diarrhea]]); other common projectiles include bottles, plastic bags, and children's shoes.<ref name="beastly">{{cite news |url= http://www.jpost.com/home/article.aspx?id=21496 |title=Beastly Behavior |last=Alexander-Hurst |first=Nina |date=11 May 2006 |accessdateaccess-date=28 November 2010 |newspaper=The Jerusalem Post}}</ref> In 1997 a [[toco toucan]] was found dead in its cage next to pieces of [[avocado]], a known bird [[toxin]].<ref name="beastly" /> In 2006 a [[hippopotamus]] died after swallowing a tennis ball tossed into its enclosure.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.jpost.com/Home/Article.aspx?id=20914 |title= Hippopotamus swallows ball, dies at Biblical Zoo |date=5 May 2006 |accessdateaccess-date=28 November 2010 |newspaper=The Jerusalem Post}}</ref> Over the past decade and a half, the zoo staff claims that public awareness has improved.<ref name="beastly" />

Through visiting school groups, after-school groups, special-education groups and summer camps, children learn about and interact with the animals.<ref name="born" /> Educational activities for children, including the zoo's own youth movement, promote interracial encounters between Arab and Jewish youth.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goisrael.com/Tourism_Eng/Articles/Attractions/The+Tisch+Family+Biblical+Zoo.htm |title=The Tisch Family Biblical Zoo |publisher=Israel Ministry of Tourism |access-date=28 November 2010 |year=2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101117182422/http://goisrael.com/Tourism_Eng/Articles/Attractions/The+Tisch+Family+Biblical+Zoo.htm |archive-date=17 November 2010 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The zoo also mounts a traveling workshop called the Zoomobile, which brings small animals in cages and a sound system carrying the sounds of larger animals to schools, hospitals, and other locations.<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.zoonews.co.uk/IZN/328/IZN-328.htm |title=The Itinerant Ark: Insights from the Wandering Zoo |last=Ben-David |first=Na'ama Y. |volume=50 |issue=7 |date=October–November 2003 |publisher=International Zoo News |access-date=28 November 2010 |journal= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308105615/http://www.zoonews.co.uk/IZN/328/IZN-328.htm |archive-date=8 March 2012 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

The zoo teaches [[environmentalism]] both in its exhibits and by personal example. Since 1997<ref>Dedication plaque at entrance to ecological maze.</ref> it has featured an "ecological maze"<ref name="crowne" /> &ndash; a short path meandering through high bushes with signs that highlight ecological challenges in Israel. In spring 2010 it unveiled a $1.5&nbsp;million aquatic exhibit called "Wet Side Story"<ref name="beach">{{cite news |url=http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/features/everything-but-the-beach-1.291620 |title=Everything but the beach |last=Lis |first=Jonathan |date=23 May 2010 |newspaper=Haaretz |accessdateaccess-date=28 November 2010}}</ref> which stresses the importance of water conservation, ecology awareness, and water challenges in the [[Middle East]] and around the world.<ref name="Tisch2009" /> This exhibit displays rare and endangered marine life<ref name="beach" /> in 17 large [[aquarium]]s and three huge water tanks measuring 2 x &nbsp;×&nbsp;4 metres (7 x &nbsp;×&nbsp;14&nbsp;ft). There is also an outdoor "petting pool" where visitors can touch and feed [[koi]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.resistnet.com/group/istandwithisrael/forum/topics/if-pa-declares-state-israel?page=1&commentId=2600775%3AComment%3A1799042&x=1#2600775Comment1799042 |archive-url=https://archive.istoday/20110807162047/http://www.resistnet.com/group/istandwithisrael/forum/topics/if-pa-declares-state-israel?page=1&commentId=2600775:Comment:1799042&x=1%232600775Comment1799042#2600775Comment1799042 |url-status=dead|title='Wet Side Story' Opens at Jerusalem Biblical Zoo |last=Julian |first=Hana Levi |date=17 November 2009 |access-date=28 November 2010 |publisher=resistnet.com |archive-date = 7 August 2011}}</ref>

The Jerusalem Biblical Zoo participates in national and international research projects in the fields of zoology, biology, and environmental science, and publishes papers in journals and at scientific meetings.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Feline Central Retinal Degeneration in Captive Cheetahs (Acinonyx Jubatus) |last1=Ofri |first1=Ron |last2=Barishak |first2=Robert Y. |last3=Eshkar |first3=Gabi |last4=Aizenberg |first4=Itzhak |journal=Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine |volume=27 |issue=1 |pages=101–108 |date=March 1996 |jstor=20095551}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.mivelle.hu/sambucol/Effect%20in%20Chimpanzees.pdf |title=The Effect of Sambucol on Flu-like Symptoms in Chimpanzees: Prophylactic and symptom-dependent treatment |last1=Burge |first1=Beverly |last2=Mumcuoglu |first2=Madeleine |last3=Simmons |first3=Tal |journal=International Zoo News |volume=46 |issue=1 |year=1999 |pages=16–19 |access-date=28 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721111803/http://www.mivelle.hu/sambucol/Effect%20in%20Chimpanzees.pdf |archive-date=21 July 2011 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://library.vetmed.fu-berlin.de/resources/global/contents/VET164623/EAZWV/Parijs%20PDF/Microsoft%20Word%20-%20Eshkar.pdf |title=Periodic Recurrent Keratitis in Asian Elephants |last1=Eshkar |first1=G. |last2=Avni-Magen |first2=N. |last3=Ofri |first3=R. |publisher=European Association of Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians, Third Scientific Meeting |date=31 May – 4 June 2000 |accessdateaccess-date=28 November 2010 }}{{Dead link|date=September 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |url=http://lib.bioinfo.pl/pmid:18432106 |title=Use of a sustained release preparation of clotrimazole to treat dermatophytosis in a siamang (Hylobates syndactylus) |last1=Avni-Magen |first1=Nili |last2=Elad |first2=Daniel |last3=Friedman |first3=Michael |last4=Gati |first4=Irith |last5=Kaufman |first5=Elizabeth |last6=Lavy |first6=Eran |journal=Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine |date=March 2008 |volume=39 |issue=1 |pages=115–117 |doi=10.1638/2007-0018.1 |pmid=18432106 |access-dates2cid=28 November 201042233200 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314020546/http://lib.bioinfo.pl/pmid:18432106 |archive-date=14 March 2012 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Bakal-Weiss |first1=Meytal |last2=Steinberg |first2=Doron |last3=Friedman |first3=Michael |last4=Gati |first4=Irith |last5=Avni-Magen |first5=Nili |last6=Kaufman |first6=Elizabeth |last7=Lavy |first7=Eran |date=June 2010 |title=Use of a Sustained Release Chlorhexidine Varnish as Treatment of Oral Necrobacillosis in Macropus spp | journal=Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine |volume=41 |issue=2 |pages=371–373 |doi=10.1638/2010-0004.1 |pmid=20597238|s2cid=41018782 }}</ref> Through its Aharon Shulov Fund for the Study of Animals in Captivity, it also provides grants for research on animal welfare and husbandry, animal reintroduction, reproduction of endangered species, [[conservation genetics]], and exotic animal nutrition and medical care.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jerusalemzoo.org.il/len/apage/11400.php |title=List of research projects |publisher=Jerusalem Biblical Zoo |accessdateaccess-date=28 November 2010 |archive-date=30 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151130202702/http://www.jerusalemzoo.org.il/len/apage/11400.php |url-status=dead }}</ref> The Fund is sponsored by Shulov's family, the Friends of the Zoo Association, and the Jerusalem Zoo.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jerusalemzoo.org.il/len/apage/11047.php |title=Shulov Fund |publisher=Jerusalem Zoo |access-date=28 November 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104100521/http://www.jerusalemzoo.org.il/len/apage/11047.php |archive-date= 4 November 2013 |df= }}</ref>

The zoo hosts academic seminars and student research at the Gabi Center, located in a {{convert|21|sqft|m2|adj=on}} facility inside the main entrance. The center was named in memory of Dr. Gabi Eshkar, deputy director-general and chief veterinarian of the zoo for over 17 years, who was killed in an automobile accident in 2004.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jerusalemzoo.org.il/len/apage/11020.php |title=Gabi Center |publisher=Jerusalem Zoo |accessdateaccess-date=28 November 2010 |archive-date=8 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208211024/http://jerusalemzoo.org.il/len/apage/11020.php |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The Jerusalem Biblical Zoo is a full member of the [[European Association of Zoos and Aquaria]] (EAZA).<ref name="eaza_list">{{cite web|url=http://www.eaza.net/membership/Pages/Zoos%20and%20Aquariums.aspx |title=EAZA Member Zoos and Aquariums |year=2010 |publisher=[[European Association of Zoos and Aquaria]] |access-date=28 November 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100819151758/http://www.eaza.net/membership/Pages/Zoos%20and%20Aquariums.aspx |archive-date=19 August 2010 |df= }}</ref> Zoo director-general Shai Doron is the only EAZA Council Member from Israel in the 2009–2012 season,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eaza.net/about/About%20EAZA%20Documents/Council_09-12.pdf |title=Council Members 2009–2012 |publisher=EAZA |access-date=28 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720151033/http://www.eaza.net/about/About%20EAZA%20Documents/Council_09-12.pdf |archive-date=20 July 2011 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> while general curator Shmulik Yedvab has been EAZA's [[European Endangered Species Programme]] project coordinator for the [[white-tailed sea eagle]] population of Europe and Asia since 1995.<ref name="protecting" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eaza.net/activities/cp/Pages/EEPs.aspx |title=Complete List of EEPs and ESBs |year=2010 |access-date=28 November 2010 |publisher=EAZA |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205074701/http://www.eaza.net/activities/cp/Pages/EEPs.aspx |archive-date= 5 February 2015 |df= }}</ref> The zoo is also a member of the [[World Association of Zoos and Aquariums]] (WAZA),<ref name="waza_list">{{cite web |url=http://www.waza.org/en/site/zoos-aquariums |title=Member Zoos and Aquariums |accessdateaccess-date=28 November 2010 |publisher=[[World Association of Zoos and Aquariums]] |archive-date=3 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303215751/http://www.waza.org/en/site/zoos-aquariums |url-status=dead }}</ref> the [[Israel Zoo Association]] (which it helped form),<ref name="iza_list">{{cite journal |url= http://www.eretz.com/NEW/zoo1.shtml |title=Redefining Zoos |last=Gleit |first=Heidi J. |year=2010 |issue=105 |publisher=ERETZ Magazine |accessdateaccess-date=28 November 2010}}</ref> and the [[International Species Information System]] (ISIS).<ref name="isis_list">{{cite web |url=http://forest.up.nic.in/ftikanpur/wltraining/international%20sps%20information%20system.pdf |title=Appendix F – ISIS Members |date=December 2004 |access-date=28 November 2010 |publisher=International Species Information System |page=37 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721175202/http://forest.up.nic.in/ftikanpur/wltraining/international%20sps%20information%20system.pdf |archive-date=21 July 2011 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

Members of the veterinary staff belong to the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians, the European Association of Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians, and the European Group on Zoo Animal Contraception.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://archive&#46;is/20120730014031/http://www.egzac.org/Admin/institutions.aspx |title=Alphabetized Institution List |year=2010 |access-date=28 November 2010 |publisher=egzac.org |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130712160429/http://archive/#46;istoday/20120730014031/http://www.egzac.org/Admin/institutions.aspx |archive-date=1230 July 20132012 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

Over 50 volunteers assist zoo operations on a weekly basis.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.jerusalemzoo.org.il/index.php?lang=en&act=page&id=11049&str=volunteers |title=Volunteering |accessdateaccess-date=28 November 2010 |publisher=Jerusalem Zoo |archive-date=15 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120315105818/http://www.jerusalemzoo.org.il/index.php?lang=en&act=page&id=11049&str=volunteers |url-status=dead }}</ref> The zoo's youth movement, called ''Tnuat Noach'' ({{lang-langx|he|תנועת נח}}, "Noah's Movement"), involves teens aged 13–15 as volunteers in the children's zoo, small animal building, and bird and herbivores sections.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.jewishsightseeing.com/israel/jerusalem/jerusalem_zoo/sd7-27-01jerusalem_zoo.htm |title= Zoo names a lake for Ellen Barnett |date=27 July 2001 |accessdateaccess-date=28 November 2010 |publisher=San Diego Jewish Press-Heritage}}</ref> Members meet weekly with zoo staff and participate in hikes and expeditions in nature reserves.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jerusalemzoo.org.il/len/apage/11041.php |title=The Zoo Youth Group |accessdateaccess-date=28 November 2010 |publisher=Jerusalem Zoo |archive-date=10 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151210175938/http://jerusalemzoo.org.il/len/apage/11041.php |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In March 2013 a Zoo Guide application for iPhone and iPad was released, which includes GPS navigation within the zoo, detailed information (written, pictorial and audio) about the animals, and a detailed daily schedule of feedings and events.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jerusalemzoo.org.il/len/apage/3208.php |title=Iphone App for the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo! |accessdateaccess-date=29 March 2013 |publisher=Jerusalem Zoo |archive-date=8 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131008110906/http://www.jerusalemzoo.org.il/len/apage/3208.php |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The zoo, which is open every day of the year except [[Yom Kippur]], [[Yom HaShoah]], and [[Yom Hazikaron|Yom HaZikaron]], schedules special activities on selected dates. Tree-planting activities are an annual [[Tu Bishvat]] tradition. On both days of [[Purim]] there is a parade, a family costume competition, and a [[tug of war]] between the entire [[Hapoel Jerusalem B.C.|Hapoel Jerusalem Basketball Team]] and one of the elephants (the elephant always wins). On Israel's [[Elections in Israel|Election Day]], zoo goers are encouraged to vote for their favorite animal.<ref name="Tisch2006" /> During the summer, the zoo conducts tours of [[Nocturnality|nocturnal]] animals in the wee hours of the night. It also schedules jazz concerts, juggling, and workshops during school vacations.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.funinjerusalem.com/fun-list-categories/106-biblical-zoo.html49353-kids20with20sheep/?lang=en&font-size=smaller |title=Biblical Zoo |publisher=funinjerusalem.com |date=23 February 2010 |access-date=28 November 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711054058/http://www.funinjerusalem.com/fun-list-categories/106-biblical-zoo.html49353-kids20with20sheep/?lang=en&font-size=smaller |archive-date=11 July 2011 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

{{Reflist|2reflist}}

{{Zoos of Israel}}{{Tourism in Jerusalem}}{{authority control}}

[[Category:ZoosEducational organizations established in 1940]]