Jerusalem Biblical Zoo

The Jerusalem Biblical Zoo is a zoological park in the Malha neighborhood of Jerusalem, established in its original form in 1940 and relocated to its current site in the early 1990s. It is notable for focusing on animals mentioned in the Bible and for active conservation and breeding programs.

The grounds are laid out as a walkable park with a variety of exhibits including a large aviary, nocturnal house, children’s petting area and open enclosures for hoofed mammals. The layout is designed for family visits and educational groups, with paved paths linking displays over a hillside setting.

The zoo began as a small menagerie and expanded over decades into a full zoological garden; it was moved to its present Malha location to allow larger, more naturalistic enclosures and visitor facilities. Since the move it has developed conservation programs and educational outreach.

The zoo sits in the Malha district in southwestern Jerusalem, adjacent to major local landmarks including the Malha shopping area and Teddy Stadium, within the municipal boundaries of Jerusalem.

• Collection focus: The site places emphasis on species mentioned in the Hebrew Bible and regional conservation, and runs captive-breeding programs for threatened species.
• Visiting tip: Located next to the Malha commercial area and stadium, the park is commonly visited by families and school groups; mornings on weekdays are generally least crowded.

What to See #

• Children's Park: Small dedicated areas for children with a petting yard, playground equipment and interactive educational displays aimed at families and school groups.
• Nocturnal House: Indoor darkened enclosure displaying nocturnal species and exhibits designed to show animals active at night.
• Aviary: Large aviary that hosts native and migratory bird species and is arranged as a walk-through exhibit.
• Savanna and Large Mammal Exhibits: Open, landscaped enclosures designed to display hoofed mammals and regional fauna in larger, more naturalistic settings.