Jerusalem travel guide - tourist information, hotels, attractions, car rentals, travel agencies and restaurants in Jerusalem Israel

Since its opening, the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo has been operated by a company that was specifically established for this purpose. The zoo is therefore being run as a corporation, while at the same time being recognized as an NPO (Non-Profit Organization) both in Israel and abroad. The zoo is the product of the combined efforts and investments of the Municipality of Jerusalem, the Jerusalem Foundation, the Jerusalem Development Authority, and the Israel Ministry of Tourism.




The ownership of the zoo is shared and divided evenly among the Municipality of Jerusalem, the Jerusalem Foundation, and the Jerusalem Development Authority. The zoo's Board of Directors consists of 18 members.

The establishment of the zoo in its present form was made possible thanks to the generosity of Tisch family of New York, under the auspices of the Jerusalem Foundation. The dedication ceremony took place in the presence of the President of the State of Israel at the time, the late Chaim Herzog, and members of the Tisch family, in November 1992.

On February 28, 1993, the zoo opened its doors to the public for a preview period. The official opening ceremony took place on September 9, 1993.


The zoo was designed by Miller-Blum & Associates Landscape Architects, and was constructed by the Moriah - Jerusalem Development Corporation. Since its opening, the zoo has added many new exhibits and features. Thanks mostly to the efforts of the Jerusalem Foundation, we were fortunate to receive the generous donations that were needed for each addition, so that the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo could develop into the institution that it is today.

Opening Hours
Sunday - Thursday: 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. 
Friday and Holiday Eves: 9:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. 
Saturday and Holidays 10:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. 

The ticket booth closes one hour before closing time
For additional information, please call tel. 02-675-0111

Ticket Prices
Adults (age 18 and up) -  42 NIS
Children (3 - 18), Seniors, and Soldiers - 34 NIS
Children below age 3 -  FREE

Group Rates for groups of over 25 people (organizations, schools) 

How to get to the zoo . . .

By private vehicle:
The main entrance to Jerusalem, turn right onto the Herzl Route (in the direction of Mt.Herzl), and at the third traffic light, turn left and immediately right onto the Begin South Freeway. Once on Begin, drive to the end of the Freeway (first traffic light)
at Golomb Junction. At the traffic light, turn right (towards Kiryat Yovel). At the next traffic light, turn left (under the bridge). Now, following the signs to the zoo, take the second
right turn into the parking lot at the entrance to the zoo. 

By public bus:
The No. 26 Bus, from Mt. Scopus via the Jerusalem Central Bus Station
The No. 33 Bus, from Har Nof and Bayit VeGan
The No. 99 Bus, also known as the Circle Route or the Tourist Route
For time table and more information enter the israel rail website:  http://www.egged.co.il/Eng/

By train:
Israel rail operates a train that stops at the zoo or at malcha mall which is close to the zoo. For time table and more information enter the israel rail website:  www.israrail.org.il

 For more information please call: 02-6750111

General regulations during your visit:
• Please do not feed the animals
• Ball games are not allowed in zoo premises
• Lighting fire is not permitted in zoo premises
• Pets are not allowed in zoo premises
• Bikes, skates, skateboards, powered vehicles and similar are not allowed
• Help us keep the zoo clean

Enjoy your visit