Which uncommon creatures are on display at the zoo in Jerusalem?

Tourist Attractions

By Felicity Long

Zoos are a great place for animal lovers to see some of the most amazing creatures up close and personal. In Jerusalem, there is a zoo that offers a wide variety of animals for visitors to view, including some uncommon species. In this article, we will explore some of the uncommon creatures on display at the zoo in Jerusalem.

The zoo in Jerusalem

The zoo in Jerusalem is a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike. Established in 1940, it spans over 62 acres and houses over 1,000 animals from 200 different species. The zoo is open every day of the week, except for Yom Kippur and Eid al-Adha. Visitors can enjoy a range of attractions, including guided tours, animal feedings, and bird shows.

Uncommon creatures in the zoo

The zoo in Jerusalem is home to several uncommon creatures that are not typically found in other zoos around the world. Here are some of the most notable:

The Malayan tapir

The Malayan tapir is a large, herbivorous mammal native to Southeast Asia. It has a distinctive black and white coat and a long, flexible snout that it uses to grab leaves and twigs. The Malayan tapir is considered a vulnerable species, with only around 2,500 individuals left in the wild.

The giant anteater

The giant anteater is a large, insectivorous mammal found in Central and South America. It has a long, narrow snout and a bushy tail. The giant anteater is a solitary animal and spends most of its time on the ground, using its keen sense of smell to find ants and termites to feed on.

The fossa

The fossa is a carnivorous mammal found only on the island of Madagascar. It is the largest predator on the island and has a long, slender body and short, powerful legs. The fossa is an excellent climber and often hunts lemurs in the treetops.

The Bactrian camel

The Bactrian camel is a large, two-humped mammal found in the deserts of Central Asia. It is well adapted to desert life, with thick fur to protect it from the cold and the ability to go for long periods without water. The Bactrian camel is an important pack animal in many parts of the world.

The red panda

The red panda is a small, arboreal mammal found in the forests of the Himalayas. It has reddish-brown fur and a long, bushy tail. The red panda is an endangered species, with only around 10,000 individuals left in the wild.

The white-tailed mongoose

The white-tailed mongoose is a small, carnivorous mammal found in sub-Saharan Africa. It has a long, slender body and short, powerful legs. The white-tailed mongoose is a solitary animal and hunts at night.

The Persian leopard

The Persian leopard is a large, carnivorous mammal found in the mountains of Central Asia. It has a distinctive spotted coat and is an apex predator in its habitat. The Persian leopard is listed as a critically endangered species, with only around 1,290 individuals left in the wild.

The striped hyena

The striped hyena is a large, carnivorous mammal found in parts of Africa and Asia. It has a distinctive striped coat and a powerful build. The striped hyena is a solitary animal and is often viewed as a scavenger.

Conclusion

The zoo in Jerusalem offers a unique opportunity to see some of the world’s most fascinating and uncommon creatures up close. From the Malayan tapir to the striped hyena, visitors can learn about the diverse range of animals that inhabit our planet. By supporting zoos like the one in Jerusalem, we can help protect and preserve these amazing creatures for generations to come.

Photo of author

Felicity Long

Felicity Long, a seasoned travel journalist with 15+ years of experience, specializes in exploring Europe, family travel, and skiing, as evident in her book "Great Escapes: New England" (The Countryman Press). She edits the Europe eNewsletter and contributes significantly to TravelAsker's destinations sections. Felicity has received esteemed awards, including the Cacique and Yo Leonardo Awards, in recognition of her outstanding international travel writing accomplishments.

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