Education Israel Project #19235

Animal Assisted Therapy for Special Needs Children

by The Tisch Family Zoological Gardens, the Biblical Zoo in Jerusalem

Project Report | Jul 12, 2026
Summer 2026 Update

By Dr. Shai Ben-Ami | Director of Development

Post trauma families participating in the program

Dear Supporters,

We are delighted to share some encouraging news. During the recent ceasefire, we were able to resume our face-to-face meetings and visits to the Zoo, allowing our various groups to come together once again and conclude the year on a positive and hopeful note.

We are now preparing next year's program, which will once again include Hebrew- and Arabic-speaking participants, alongside groups supporting individuals coping with the effects of trauma. These programs continue to provide a unique opportunity for healing, connection, and understanding through shared experiences in nature.

Thank you for your continued generosity and commitment. Your support makes this meaningful program possible, and without it we simply could not continue to provide these life-changing opportunities for so many participants.

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Mar 15, 2026
Spring Update 2026

By Nicole Wexler | Director of Development

Nov 17, 2025
Winter Update 2025

By Nicole Wexler | Director of Development

Dear Valued Supporters,

We are delighted to share the latest update from the Animal-Assisted Therapy Program at the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo, which serves children and adults with special needs.

This year, we are proud to report participation from:

15 groups from Jewish Israeli educational institutions
13 groups from Arab educational institutions
10 private groups coordinated through the Jerusalem Municipality and the Family Court system

Our dedicated team of six therapists continues to provide their expertise and support to our program. We have embarked on a special initiative with the Jerusalem Municipality's Welfare Department, in collaboration with the Family Court, aimed at supporting children from broken families where parental involvement is diminished. Our goal is to build, learn, and research effective therapeutic interventions for issues related to parental alienation, supported by specialized training sessions led by a university professor who is an expert in this field.

In light of the ongoing conflict, we have reached out to the Ministry of Defense and the Jerusalem office of the State Welfare Department to offer our assistance to families affected by the war. We are now supporting two groups of bereaved grandparents who have become the sole guardians of grandchildren orphaned by the conflict. Additionally, we have added two groups for families where one or both parents have been wounded, providing them with therapy and support for their recovery.

In all our activities, we remain committed to the well-being of the animals in our program. We strive to minimize physical interaction when possible; for example, we engage with the elephants by playing various elephant sounds and observing their reactions.

Your continued partnership enables us to sustain this vital program and provide comfort, learning, and healing to those who need it most.

With heartfelt gratitude,

The Animal-Assisted Therapy Team
Jerusalem Biblical Zoo

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