Top Zoos In Israel: Where Wildlife Meets Education And Adventure

An image of a vibrant zoos in Israel filled with pathways and family-friendly attractions.

Some of the most impressive wildlife parks in Israel are located there, making them perfect places to visit, particularly if you are an animal fan. Whether you prefer a cone of sand at your fingertips in a desert-themed safari, a rescued wild bird home sanctuary, or an educational exhibit, these destinations satisfy a wide range of visitors. If you are a nature fanatic or plan to explore the country from a deeper view, visiting a zoos in Israel is a perfect opportunity to spend time with your loved one, and learn about global and local species.

Top Places To Visit Near Israel

Some of the amazing zoos to visit in Israel include the following:

1. Biblical Zoo, Jerusalem

An image of the scenic Biblical Zoo, a zoos in Israel with zebras roaming around water bodies.

Photo: MathKnight / Wikimedia Commons

The Biblical Zoo is situated near the centre of Jerusalem and is one of the most important zoos in Israel. It is an educational experience that highlights animals in the Bible and places a strong emphasis on conservation efforts. It’s a family favourite thanks to its lush setting, with a man-made lake as well as a miniature train. This zoo has a zoo house that has many animals like lions, bears, and other exotic birds, it is a must-visit. Families and travellers who are interested in the cultural and ecological aspects of wildlife are the ideal group for it.

Distance: 4 km from Jerusalem city center
Best Time To Visit: March to June, October to December

2. Ramat Gan Safari Park

An image of elephants roaming at Ramat Gan with giraffes and zebras.

Photo: Daniel Ventura / Wikimedia Commons

The largest zoos in Israel and also an African safari in the same Park, Ramat Gan Safari Park is located near Tel Aviv. This famous zoos in Israel has open-space enclosures where the animals can roam freely. This allows visitors to drive through and observe rhinos, elephants, and hippos in their natural behaviours. Best of all, it is an interactive experience, and there are educational programs offered for children. The experience of the safari is exciting and immersive, and most of the safari parks in the country are traditional zoos.

Distance: 6 km from Tel Aviv
Best Time To Visit: November to March

3. Hai-Bar Carmel Nature Reserve

An image of the mountainous reserve with the walkways and stone structures at this native zoo in Israel.

Photo: יעקב / Wikimedia Commons

This important zoo in Israel is situated in Mount Carmel and is a wildlife reserve dedicated to reintroducing extinct or endangered species back into the wild. Accordingly, Hai-Bar Carmel offers you a natural experience of native Israeli species in pretty mountainous landscapes and guided tours. There are deer, vultures and wild goats spotted in semi-wild environments for visitors to enjoy. The process is especially appealing to people who have an interest in conservation work and scenic trekking accompanied by learning about animal habitats.

Distance: 20 km from Haifa
Best Time To Visit: February to May

4. Yotvata Hai-Bar Nature Reserve

An image of desert wildlife in open enclosures under the sun.

Photo: Zachi Evenor / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Conservation activities and its collection of desert animals make this zoo in Israel, located in the Arava Desert, an interesting place to visit. Arabian oryx, sand cats, and wild asses are the first that comes to mind to see at this famous zoo in Israel as it is located in Israel. Guided safari tours are provided by the reserve for visitors to have an in-depth understanding of the desert ecosystem. Being a rare find in the field of Israel’s wildlife tourism, it’s a special place as a result of its unique location and its focus on endangered desert species.

Distance: 35 km north of Eilat
Best Time To Visit: October to March

5. Zoological Center of Tel Aviv

An image of elephants around water bodies at Ramat Gan Zoo, a zoos in Israel.

Photo: David Shay / Wikimedia Commons

Located in Ramat Gan, Israel, this important zoos in Israel, one of the Ramat Gan Safari complexes, is a classic zoo. There are structured walking paths, interactive exhibits and animal shows. It is home to more than 1,600 animals, including elephants, big cats and primates, making it one of the most diverse and famous zoos in Israel. We offer a structured visit, it is ideal for school groups and families looking for a visit. It also provides special educational workshops, which give value to the visitor experience.

Distance: 7 km from Tel Aviv
Best Time To Visit: March to May

6. Gan Garoo, Australian Park

An image of kangaroos and emus roaming freely in a natural enclosure.

Photo: Oren9985 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

A unique zoos in Israel due to its focus, Gan Garoo is a slice of Australia located right in Israel. It provides the visitors with the opportunity to interact with kangaroos and see emus, parrots, and other Australian native animals. Since traditional zoos provide only a long-distance relationship with their exhibits, the walking-through style of the zoo offers close and personal interaction with animals that is rare. Among all the famous zoos in Israel, this one is more suitable particularly for families and young children because it has a playful environment.

Distance: 100 km from Tel Aviv
Best Time To Visit: October to April

7. Jerusalem Bird Observatory

An image of birdwatchers observing native birds in a forested area.

Photo: Ranbar / Wikimedia Commons

The Jerusalem Bird Observatory is a small place, yet it is an important zoos in Israel for bird lovers. A peaceful hideaway located near the Knesset, it has become a hub for studies on bird migration. Visitors can get up close and personal with native and migrating birds. It is a great place for educational tours and birdwatching sessions so students, researchers and nature-loving people can go to the zoo but be more than the average zoo environment.

Distance: 2 km from Jerusalem
Best Time To Visit: March to May, September to November

8. Hamat Gader Crocodile Farm

An image of a crocodile resting near a thermal spring.

Photo: MathKnight / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Hamat Gader is not just a zoos in Israel; it’s also a hot spring resort located near the Sea of Galilee. There are over 200 crocodiles from around the world over at the crocodile farm. Apart from reptiles, visitors can watch parrot shows and are shown monkeys and other exotic animals. There are many reasons to visit this zoo, providing an opportunity to the traveller seeking relaxation and those seeking greater exploration.

Distance: 15 km from Tiberias
Best Time To Visit: November to March

9. Negev Zoo, Be’er Sheva

An image of crocodiles relaxing in exhibits of Negev Zoo, a zoos in Israel.

Photo: Eddau / Wikimedia Commons

One famous zoos in Israel is the Negev Zoo, which has an amazing glimpse at regional and exotic species in the context of desert-themed biodiversity. The desert foxes, snakes, and camels inhabit the zoo, which is spread over several acres. Families with children also help attract visitors via interactive spaces and animal feeding zones. The zoos in Israel are important in themselves, but the educational displays on desert adaptation are also both fun and informative for visitors who are interested in arid ecology.

Distance: 3 km from Be’er Sheva
Best Time To Visit: October to March

10. Hai Kef Zoo, Rishon LeZion

An image of a modern zoo facility with baby kangaroos roaming around.

Photo: חן חייק / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Hai Kef zoos in Israel is a well-maintained zoo with clean facilities and very many animals; however, more animals can be introduced to it. It is a family favourite and school group as it has a lot of lions, monkeys, birds and petting zones. Within the city limits and a short drive, this is the famous zoos in Israel that the family can go to and catch a quick wildlife getaway. It’s also easily accessible and is furnished to create a modern-looking learning venue for all age groups.

Distance: 12 km from Tel Aviv
Best Time To Visit: February to April

Israel’s wildlife parks and zoos exist in a wide range—from immersive safaris to conservation-led bird observatories. The famous zoos in Israel is well-thought-out, modern and filled with the most sophisticated facilities, offering great occasions of fun and learning. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the wild side of Israel through these important zoos in Israel experiences.

Cover Photo: יעקב / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

The Ramat Gan Safari Park offers an open safari and is perfect for up-close animal encounters in natural-style enclosures.
Yes, Yotvata Hai-Bar Reserve and Negev Zoo are excellent desert-themed wildlife spots.
Absolutely. Places like the Biblical Zoo, Hai Kef Zoo, and Gan Garoo are child-friendly, with interactive and safe zones.
Yes, the Jerusalem Bird Observatory offers free entry and guided birdwatching.
Gan Garoo offers an Australian animal park experience, which is one of a kind in the region.

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