What is a safari doing in the middle of a bustling city? You might be surprised to find the Ramat Gan Safari nestled right here in the Tel Aviv District. This isn’t your typical zoo. The Ramat Gan Safari holds the distinction of being the largest collection of wildlife in the entire Middle East! Opened to the public in 1974, this sprawling 250-acre park provides a unique blend of a drive-through African safari and a traditional outdoor zoo.
The Ramat Gan Safari wasn’t always the sprawling park you see before you. It started as a humble children’s zoo in Ramat Gan National Park in 1958, before evolving into the impressive wildlife sanctuary it is today. The idea for a drive-through safari in Israel came from the park’s founding director, Mr. Zvi Kirmeyer. He was inspired by the novel concept of safari parks gaining popularity around the world at the time.
What can you expect to encounter on your own adventure through the Ramat Gan Safari? Imagine coming face to face with majestic white rhinos, lumbering hippos, and a pride of roaring lions. See graceful giraffes browsing in the simulated savanna. See playful chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans swinging through their spacious enclosures. And don’t forget the elephants! The Ramat Gan Safari is one of the few places globally where you can see both African and Asian elephants. The park boasts an impressive record for elephant breeding, a testament to their dedication to animal welfare and conservation.
However, the Ramat Gan Safari’s commitment to conservation doesn’t stop there. The park actively participates in 60 breeding programs dedicated to protecting endangered species internationally and locally. Notably, they play a vital role in a program dedicated to breeding griffon vultures. Thanks to their efforts, many vultures that were once on the brink have been raised in the Ramat Gan Safari and later reintroduced to the wild. The Ramat Gan Safari isn’t just about showcasing animals. It’s about protecting them and educating the public about the importance of conservation. So as you explore the park and come face-to-face with these incredible creatures, remember that you’re experiencing a piece of Africa in the heart of Israel. You are playing a part in supporting a future where these animals continue to thrive.