The Biblical Zoo and Israel Aquarium: A Full Day of Nature and Discovery
- Sagi Haim Levy
- May 14
- 4 min read
In the heart of Jerusalem's Manahat neighborhood lies a sanctuary where ancient scripture meets modern conservation. The Tisch Family Biblical Zoo and the adjacent Gottesman Israel Aquarium offer a breathtaking journey through the biodiversity of the Land of Israel. Whether you are walking through the African Savannah to see animals mentioned in the Bible or walking through a shark tunnel under the Mediterranean, this dual-site destination is the ultimate family-friendly escape.
Visitor Info - Biblical Zoo & Aquarium
Opening Hours: * Zoo: Sun–Thu: 09:00 – 18:00 | Fri: 09:00 – 16:00 | Sat: 09:00 – 17:00.
Aquarium: Requires advanced booking (time slots). Generally open Sun–Thu: 09:00 – 17:00 | Fri: 09:00 – 14:00 | Sat: 09:00 – 16:00.
Tickets: Separate tickets are required for each, but "Combo Tickets" are often available at a discount. Adult tickets are approx. 62–65 NIS.
Top Tip: The Zoo is sprawling and hilly. Start early and take the Zoo Train to the top to save your energy for the walk back down. For the Aquarium, the experience is indoors and climate-controlled, making it the perfect "afternoon escape" during the summer heat.
Map to the Bibilcal Zoo: Click here for the Google Maps location
Map to the Aquarium: Click here for the Google Maps location
The Visionaries: A History of Persistence
From Mount Scopus to Malha: The Journey of the Zoo
The story of the Biblical Zoo began in 1940 with a small "animal corner" on Jerusalem’s Rabbi Kook Street, founded by Professor Aharon Shulov, a pioneer in zoology at the Hebrew University. Shulov’s vision was unique: he wanted to create a place where the animals mentioned in the Bible could be seen by the public, serving as a living link to Jewish heritage.
The zoo had a turbulent early history, surviving the 1948 War of Independence as an enclave on Mount Scopus. For years, it was located in the northern neighborhood of Romema, but it eventually outgrew its space. In 1993, the zoo relocated to its current 62-acre site in Malha. This move allowed the zoo to shift from a "collection of cages" to a world-class conservation center featuring open habitats and a massive man-made lake.
A Mountain-Top Ocean: The Story of the Aquarium
While the zoo was a 20th-century staple, the Gottesman Israel Aquarium is a modern marvel. Established in 2017, it was the first inland aquarium in the Middle East. Building an aquarium in the mountains of Jerusalem, 800 meters above sea level, was an engineering feat. It required advanced salt-filtration systems and a massive "closed-loop" water environment to mimic the sea while miles away from the coast.
The project was born from a realization that while Israel is a country bordered by "Four Seas," most people had very little contact with the hidden worlds beneath the waves. Today, it stands as a hub for marine research and conservation, protecting the fragile ecosystems of the Mediterranean and the Red Sea.
5 Places of Interest
1. Noah’s Ark (Information Center)
A massive, boat-shaped structure overlooking the park. It houses a gallery illustrating the story of Noah and the Zoo's mission to protect endangered species.
2. The African Savannah
A wide-open habitat where giraffes, zebras, and rhinoceroses roam together. It feels like a mini-safari nestled in the Judean Hills.
3. The Mediterranean Shark Tunnel (Aquarium)
The crown jewel of the Aquarium. Walk through a transparent glass tunnel as sand tiger sharks and rays glide directly over your head in a 360-degree immersive experience.
4. The Red Sea Gallery (Aquarium)
Featuring the vibrant corals and neon-colored fish of Eilat. This gallery highlights the incredible biodiversity of Israel’s southern coast.
5. The Persian Fallow Deer Habitat
A true success story. These deer were once extinct in the region, but the Zoo played a pivotal role in breeding and reintroducing them to the wild in the Jerusalem hills.
5 Did You Know?
Scriptural Species: The Zoo’s original mission was to collect only animals mentioned in the Bible, a focus that still influences its conservation efforts today.
A "Dry" Sea: The Aquarium is landlocked and uses a "closed-loop" water system to mimic ocean environments without being near the coast.
Modern-Day Ark: The Zoo participates in global breeding programs for endangered species like the Arabian Oryx, which has been successfully returned to the Negev desert.
Zoo Train Heritage: The colorful train that circles the park is a favorite for families, providing a panoramic way to navigate the hilly terrain.
Night Safari: On special occasions, the Zoo offers "Night Tours," allowing visitors to see the nocturnal behaviors of predators like the Asiatic lions.
Perfect Pairings: Continue the Discovery
Malha Mall (Azrieli): One of Jerusalem's largest shopping centers, just minutes away.
Ein Yael Living Museum: An outdoor archaeological site where kids can learn ancient crafts like weaving and pottery.
The Gazelle Valley: A free urban nature park nearby where you can see wild gazelles in their natural habitat.
Teddy Stadium: The home of Jerusalem's major football teams, located in the nearby sports complex.
Kennedy Memorial (Yad Kennedy): A 15-minute drive into the mountains for epic views and a stunning tribute to JFK.
Beyond the enclosures lies a story waiting to be decoded. Beyond a tour, this is an excavation of life and conservation, bridging the ancient creatures of the Bible with your own personal discovery in the heart of Jerusalem's wild side.
Join the hundreds of families and nature lovers who have explored these hills and waters to discover the soul of the land through its ancient wildlife and vibrant seas at Jerusalem’s Biblical Zoo and Israel Aquarium.
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