Location
Jerusalem is not only a historic and holy city for 3 major world religions, but also a dynamic and diverse modern city with an international vibe and continental lifestyle. Your accommodation is located in the center of it all, in downtown, central Jerusalem. This area is home to countless shops, cafes, food and art markets, and the historic and religiously significant Old City.
About the project
Established in 1928, The Jerusalem Biblical Zoo on the outskirts of Jerusalem stretches across an area of 25 hectares (62 acres) in a beautiful valley surrounded by green hills. The JBZ is a non-profit organization and hosts a large variety of animals from around the world, however, its main focus is animals that are mentioned in the Bible. The majority of these animals became locally extinct in the Middle East, mostly in the twentieth century (e.g. bears, lions, Mesopotamian fallow deer, Arabian oryx, cheetah and the Nile crocodile).The JBZ coordinates a number of projects that involve preserving rare species whose origins are in the Land of Israel and, when possible, returning them to the wild [e.g. fallow deer (Dama mesopotamica),sand cats (Felis margarita), Negev tortoise (Testudo weneri)].
As a volunteer on this project you will work with some of these fascinating species, while gaining practical animal care experience under the guidance of experts in their field. Volunteers will live together at an eco-hostel in central Jerusalem and will have free time to explore the extraordinary sites of Jerusalem and experience its rich cultural diversity and unique atmosphere.
Volunteer work and contribution
The volunteers' work and duties will be organized in regular shifts every day from 07:00 - 13:00, except on Saturdays. You will be expected to partake equally in all the tasks and projects at the zoo.
Daily animal care
As a volunteer, you will be assigned to a specific animal caretaker and will assist him/her with one of the following sections: Bird Section, Australian Section, Herbivore Section or Children's Zoo (e.g. wild sheep, wild goats, hares, guinea pigs, prairie dogs, voles etc...)
Duties may include but are not limited to the following:
- cleaning outdoor and indoor animal facilities
- feeding animals
- maintenance
- assisting during veterinary treatment
Accommodation
Volunteers will stay at the Abraham Hostel in the center of Jerusalem in a shared dormitory. Up to four volunteers will share a bedroom. Utilities and linens are provided, as well as daily breakfast. Volunteers are also welcome to use the hostel facilities such as the kitchen for cooking meals.
The hostel is in close proximity to the Machane Yehuda market, a haven for fresh vegetables, fish, meat, and cheese, however breakfast will be included in your stay.
Laundry facilities and wireless internet are available.
Travel Highlights
During your free time you can visit the extraordinary sites in Jerusalem. The accommodation is within easy reach of the many interesting sites and venues in and around the city, including museums, renowned holy sites, restaurants, nature parks, street markets and of course the old city, established as one of the oldest human settlements in the world. During the night it is possible to go out and enjoy various night life spots in the city or just chill out at the guest house.
Minimum requirements
- Min age 18 - Max age 60
- Basic English or Hebrew
- Good physical fitness
- Motivation to work with animals
- Able to work in hot climate
- Full travel & medical insurance
- Immunizations (please consult your doctor)