By Nicole Wexler | Director of Development
Hello Jerusalem Biblical Zoo supporters!
The start of the new school year is always exciting with the return of many groups from schools and kindergartens across the country who bring their students here for field trips and activities that are tailored to the various school syllabi, including special programs for Ultra Orthodox Jewish and Arabic-language groups.
Our special high school research graduation program began with a new group of gifted young researchers in their final year of high school who will complete a high level research project of their choice approved by the Ministry of Education.
In addition, our after school programs for the new school year have begun – we are pleased to report that registration numbers have been very good and we look forward to another year of fun and learning with youngsters who love animals and want to learn more about nature.
Because rainy winter weather sometimes impacts upon the number of groups who schedule educational outings to the zoo during this period, we continue to offer alternatives including bringing the zoo to schools, kindergartens, community centers, shopping malls, and more – our traveling Zoomobile brings the Zoo’s educational message out into the community so that even when people don’t come to us, we don’t stop getting our message about wildlife conservation, animal welfare and environmental sustainability out to them.
We also continue our outreach efforts with educational weekend activities. Every weekend, families can watch our trainers train and work with the Asian elephants. Animals training allows our keepers to work safely with these animals to ensure their health and welfare - for example, training allows medical treatment and procedures to be carried out safely and without the need for anaesthesia. After the training presentation, the public can participate in a raffle to have their photograph taken with an elephant. All proceeds go the the Lampang Elephant Hospital in Thailand as part of the Jerusalem Zoo's participation in the international conservation program for this endangered species. Zoos participate by breeding these animals and other organizations help them in their native habitats. The raffle is another opportunity to educate and involve our visitors with the conservation of this species.
Wishing you all warmth this winter, and a very happy and healthy 2016!
The Education Team at the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo
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