Education as a Bridge Between Communities

During the Spring break we welcomed over 71,000 visitors to the Biblical Zoo in Jerusalem! Visitors from all over Israel, and from all communities - Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Druze and others; secular and religious; young and old came to enjoy the blossoming gardens and the special educational activities on offer.

The special educational activities included:

• All in the Family - an experiential animal workshop for families which addressed the social structure and family life of various animal species;
• Noah's Power - an ecologically-themed dramatic performance presented at the Sculpture Garden Amphitheater: the countdown to the flood has begun and the first drops of rain are already falling. It is a race against time for Noah to complete the Ark and to save all the animal species from extinction. He is hampered in his mission by an unpleasant neighbor, a thieving crow. Will these quarreling neighbors be able to save the planet's animals from extinction? The play addresses issues of putting aside differences in favor of a higher mission; the rich natural world with which our planet is blessed; and our responsibility to take care of it.
• Guided Asian Elephant feedings during which visitors received a rare opportunity to meet these majestic animals in person, and to learn more about their species directly from the dedicated people who take care of them.
• Window into the Mediterranean - an information display about this precious and challenged aquatic habitat staff from our education department on hand to answer questions and provide detailed information.
• Fly Away Birdie - a manned information booth outside the Birds of Prey Aviary to educate visitors about the importance of birds of prey in the natural ecosystem with emphasis on the National Breeding Center for Birds of Prey's conservation program involving the incubation of bird eggs and the raising of endangered species chicks for release back into the wild.
• Wildlife - A World in Danger of Extinction is a photographic exhibition currently on display at the Noah's Ark Visitor Center. Wildlife photographer Dafna Ben Nun travels all over the world to photograph endangered species in their natural habitats. Dafna's aim is to educate the public about the extraordinary beauty and biodiversity at risk in our world. Proceeds from the sale of photographs will be donated to wildlife conservation programs.
• A variety of guided animal feedings and talks around the Zoo to educate visitors about endangered species and habitats.

Of-course, our regular education programs also continue to run - after school programs, school field trips, animal assisted therapy, the Zoo Teen Patrol Youth Volunteers, the zoology high school graduation program, workshops and seminars.

Thank you for joining us in these efforts at raising awareness of wildlife conservation and environmental issues with visitors of all ages and backgrounds; while at the same time providing a neutral meeting place for people of different faiths, nationalities, and political views.

As always, it is our privilege to receive our diverse community and to educate visitors in a beautiful and peaceful green space in the heart of Jerusalem. We are now preparing our summer education program - look out for another update soon!

Links:

• Spring Video Diary (March 2014)
• Spring Video Diary (April 2014)
• Spring at the Zoo