Gan Guru, Australian zoo in Nir David, Israel
Gan Guru is a zoo in Nir David, Israel, featuring animals from Australia in a dedicated park. The facility displays kangaroos in open areas where visitors can observe them, as well as emus, cassowaries, and colorful lorikeets.
In the early 1990s Kibbutz Nir David decided to build a tourist attraction near Gan HaShlosha, and after other ideas were dropped the choice fell on an Australian-themed zoo. Founder Yehuda Gat negotiated with the Australian Nature Conservation Agency, Australia's ambassador to Israel and Australian zoos, since Australian law tightly restricts the export of endemic animals. The park opened on 29 July 1996 with the Australian ambassador present. On 20 May 2020 a fire burned down the wooden souvenir shop.
The zoo works with Australian wildlife organizations and runs education programs about animals from Australia and how they live in nature. These programs help visitors understand the special traits of these species.
The zoo can be explored on foot with paths connecting the different animal areas that are accessible to most visitors. It helps to wear comfortable shoes and prepare for sun exposure, especially during warm months.
Visitors can enter certain areas to feed kangaroos directly and interact with them, offering a rare hands-on experience. This activity makes the visit particularly memorable for families.
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