Zoological Center "Safari", which occupies more than 100 acres in Ramat Gan, near Tel Aviv - the largest zoo in the Middle East. It contains 1,600 animals from around the world, among them 68 species of mammals, 130 species of birds and 25 species of reptiles. The word "safari" in the name indicates the type of the park - the animals are not in cages, but as if in the wild, on large fenced area. Through the glass window of the car, tourists observe the behavior of wild animals in conditions close to their natural habitat.

This exciting trip. Two-lane road winds through open space, simulating the African savannah. Visitors traveling on their own cars or tourist train. During the trip, you can see the rhinos, wildebeest, oryx, pink flamingos ... That's all the cars stood waiting: the hippo slowly crossing the road. Some animals are ignoring the cars, and some fit better. In no case can not open the windows - if only because that arrogant beggars ostriches and zebras and strive to stick his head in the car.

But before the procession of cars appear double gates. Warnings on numerous billboards read: "The lions are dangerous! Do not leave the car! ". This stretch of road is always excites the visitors most: live lions, a pride, swagger around! True, most wise animals turn back to the machines or just looking towards afar, lounging in the sun.

The most daring tourists come to the night tour - everything is the same, only in the dark, among the rustling and growls. You can visit the park and in the early morning - a special tour provides an opportunity to feed the giraffes.

The idea of ​​creating in Israel safari park originated in the early 1950s, the then mayor of Ramat Gan. In Africa, we sent an expedition, which returned to the first animals (including the first local slonёnkom). Newcomers from Africa perfectly accustomed to the Israeli climate. Safari Park was opened in 1974, and in 1980 moved here and oldest zoo in Tel Aviv - before that it was located in a small area in a residential area, and no longer meets modern requirements. Animals from the old zoo housed separately from the "savanna" in spacious enclosures, among which visitors can walk freely.

Now there live elephants, gorillas, chimpanzees, baboons, white rhinoceroses, cockatoos, marabou, anteaters, penguins, lemurs. The Zoological Center bred animals of endangered species (eg cats dunes), and in 2005 opened a wildlife hospital. It treated more than 2 million wild animals per year. Local veterinarians connect the broken shell of marsh turtle, then save a pregnant gazelle hit by a car, then replaced platinum dentures broken wing bone imperial eagle. Typically, patients cured release back into the wild, but some have to leave. They are perfectly acclimatized: so wounded she-wolf, which had to be amputated leg, was the dominant female in the pack Zoo.