Monkey Forest, Animal sanctuary in Ben Shemen Forest, Israel.
Monkey Forest is a primate sanctuary set within Ben Shemen Forest in Israel, home to dozens of monkeys from South America, Asia, and Africa. The animals live in enclosures designed to resemble their natural habitats, surrounded by trees and open green space.
The site began in the 1970s as a small petting zoo and was later transformed into a rescue and care center for primates. Over the following decades, the focus shifted toward animal welfare and education.
Families from across Israel visit this place to watch primates in a forest setting, making it a popular day out for children. Guided activities allow younger visitors to observe animal behavior at close range.
The terrain inside the forest is uneven, so sturdy shoes are a good idea before arriving. Weekday visits tend to be quieter, giving more time to observe the animals without crowds.
One section of the sanctuary allows visitors to walk inside the same fenced area as South American monkeys, with no barrier separating them. This kind of open contact is relatively rare in zoos across the region.
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