Ramat Gan Safari

Ramat Gan, IL

Ramat Gan Safari
Ramat Gan Safari
Location
Ramat Gan, IL
Category
iconic bucket list
Coordinates
32.045, 34.825
Best time
Morning or early afternoon
Weather tip
Check forecast before visiting; bring water in summer.
Opening hours
Jan-Feb: Su-Th 09:00-16:30; Jan-Feb: Fr 09:00-16:00; Jan-Feb: Sa 08:30-16:30

Overview

The Ramat Gan Safari, officially known as the Zoological Center Tel Aviv-Ramat Gan, is the largest and most significant zoological collection in the Middle East. Spanning approximately 250 acres, it offers a unique dual experience: a drive-through African safari park and a modern pedestrian zoo. Visitors can expect to encounter over 1,600 animals from around the world, including 68 species of mammals, 130 species of birds, and 25 species of reptiles. The facility is renowned for its successful breeding programs, particularly for endangered species like the white rhinoceros and the Asian elephant.

As a world-class conservation center, the Safari participates in international breeding projects and houses the Wildlife Hospital, a joint venture with the Nature and Parks Authority that treats thousands of injured wild animals annually. Visitors typically spend several hours exploring the vast grounds, observing animals in large, open enclosures that mimic their natural habitats. The site is a primary destination for families and nature enthusiasts, providing an educational look at biodiversity and the critical importance of wildlife preservation within an urban landscape.

General information

The Ramat Gan Safari, officially known as the Zoological Center Tel Aviv-Ramat Gan, is the largest and most significant zoological collection in the Middle East. Spanning approximately 250 acres, it offers a unique dual experience: a drive-through African safari park and a modern pedestrian zoo. Visitors can expect to encounter over 1,600 animals from around the world, including 68 species of mammals, 130 species of birds, and 25 species of reptiles. The facility is renowned for its successful breeding programs, particularly for endangered species like the white rhinoceros and the Asian elephant.

As a world-class conservation center, the Safari participates in international breeding projects and houses the Wildlife Hospital, a joint venture with the Nature and Parks Authority that treats thousands of injured wild animals annually. Visitors typically spend several hours exploring the vast grounds, observing animals in large, open enclosures that mimic their natural habitats. The site is a primary destination for families and nature enthusiasts, providing an educational look at biodiversity and the critical importance of wildlife preservation within an urban landscape.

Did you know

  • The Safari manages one of the largest herds of hippopotamuses in any zoo worldwide.
  • It is home to the only wildlife hospital in Israel, treating over 5,000 animals every year.
  • The facility has the most successful breeding colony of white rhinos in Europe and the Middle East.

History

The Safari opened to the public in 1974 as an African safari park. In 1980, the Tel Aviv Zoo was closed, and its animal collection was transferred to the Ramat Gan site, leading to the establishment of the combined Zoological Center. Since its inception, the center has evolved from a simple attraction into a sophisticated scientific institution. It has gained international recognition for its contributions to the preservation of endangered species and its role in the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA). Chronologically, the addition of the Wildlife Hospital in 2005 marked a significant expansion of its ecological mission.

Cultural significance

The Ramat Gan Safari holds a prominent place in Israeli society as a center for environmental education and conservation. It serves as a bridge between the urban population of the Tel Aviv District and the natural world. Culturally, it is a landmark for generations of Israelis who visit to learn about wildlife and the ethics of animal care. Its work in rehabilitating local wildlife and releasing them back into the Mediterranean habitat underscores its role as a guardian of Israel's natural heritage.

Geography and landscape

Located in the heart of the densely populated Gush Dan region, the Safari provides a stark contrast to the surrounding urban environment of Ramat Gan. The landscape is divided into two primary zones: the open African Savannah area, where animals roam freely across flat, grassy plains and around water holes, and the more structured zoo area characterized by shaded pathways and specialized enclosures. The terrain is largely flat, designed to accommodate both vehicle traffic in the safari section and pedestrian movement in the zoo section.

More facts

  • Sourced from Wikidata (Q2343219)
  • Imported from OSM batch

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