Jerusalem is one of the most visited cities in the country, one that anyone who visits will be able to find himself there. One of the most prominent attractions in Israel's capital is the Biblical Zoo, which is currently marking 30 years since it opened in its current location.
For quite a few years now, the zoo has been at the top of the most popular tourist sites in Israel. Alongside the meteoric development in the number of visitors to the place, over the years not only many animals have grown there, but also quite a few employees who began their career there as boys and girls who came to it as volunteers or personal involvement, or even as part of the zoo's unique youth movement, the "Noah Movement". Today, several of them play different roles in its operation.
The movement was established in order to connect youth and animals in Israel, and to serve as a social and educational center for youth from all sectors who wish to join and volunteer at the Jerusalem Zoo.
Biblical Zoo at sunset, photo: Uriel Nuri
Animal connection
It's hard not to notice the vast expanses and impressive open spaces throughout the garden, which manages to attract thousands of visitors every day. On our tour, we watched the many animals found there, from elephants and kangaroos through penguins, oryx and giraffes to various birds and monkeys, and of course also predators such as lions and tigers.
One of the most popular animals in the park is the cheetah, or in this case – the seven-year-old brothers Sunny and Kazim, who came to Jerusalem from a zoo in Norway. The dedicated caregivers, who work day and night to teach the two to cooperate with each other, said: "We feed them 30 kilograms of meat six times a week." The team also provides them with enrichment activities in order to encourage them to perform various activities as they were supposed to do in nature.
One of the zoo's caregivers is Benjamin Feinsod, who began volunteering there when he was 14, as part of the Noah Movement. "After my father worked here, it was my opportunity to continue in his footsteps," he said. For the past six years, Feinsod has been managing the zoo's predator and orangutan department. "I enjoy dealing with animals. As part of our job, we have to clean the displays, feed the animals and, of course, train them."
30 kilos of meat. Cheetahs Sunny and Kazim, Photo: Natalie Dowd, Biblical Zoo
Many of those who volunteered at the zoo as part of their participation in the youth movement chose to continue working there, and some still do so today. In addition, many of them are looking to learn professions that will help them integrate into central roles in kindergarten in the future as well.
One of them is Dawn Kara, who when he was 16 began volunteering at the zoo, also as part of a youth movement. Over time, he found himself working there full-time. 23 years later, at the age of 39, Kara took over as the zoo's chief caretaker—and after recently taking a break, he began serving as a caretaker in the elephant department.
"When I was a teenager, I wanted to be part of the movement, just like the rest of my friends. It gave me a lot of tools on how animals should be treated," he said. "At the zoo, a very special bond is created between all of us, no matter where you come from and what your background is. We all lend a hand to each other, that's the flag of the place."
Red panda at the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo, photo: Tzuriel Fenesh
Uri Ben Gigi, the zoo's project coordinator, shared similar sentiments: "We want to integrate new people here, those who are hungry to learn."
Natalie Dowd, a zookeeper, agrees. "Just being here, it already makes my day. My heart turns to the field of animal care. Being close to them and communicating with them – it just makes me feel good," she concluded.
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