Gabi Center

A meeting place for learning, study, research, and documentation on the topics of nature conservation and animal protection

Dr. Gabi Eshkar was the Deputy Director and Chief Veterinarian of the zoo. He began his work at the zoo in Romema and was one of the zoo’s founders and leaders of the zoo’s transfer to its present location in 1993. Dr. Eshkar was considered one of the best veterinarians for wildlife in Israel. His passing in a tragic 2004 traffic accident put an abrupt stop to his work, leaving a large void at the zoo.

Dr. Eshkar’s presence has always been felt at the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo. He combined professionalism, gentleness, and a joy for life. The Gabi Center was established by the Biblical Zoo and by the Eshkar family, who were searching for a way to best perpetuate and honor his work. Gabi’s special personality led to the idea that establishing a center in his memory would be fitting: a joint enterprise for his loved ones to cherish his memory.

Gabi Center is located near the zoo entrance and overlooks the zoo’s central lake and entrance courtyard. The center enables a variety of professional activities.

For whom is the Gabi Center intended? 

• For veterinarians and animal keepers at the zoo and beyond;
• For children in the education system;
• For students at academic institutions;
• For researchers and academics in the fields of nature conservation, veterinary, and zoology;
• For members of the community of zoos in Israel;
• For nature conservation organizations.

The Gabi Center houses:

• A professional library;
• Online computer stations;
• A reading and study corner, including a collection of research studies on nature conservation and caring for animals in captivity;
• A balcony overlooking the central lake which also serves as a meeting place;
• A boardroom table for professional gatherings and meetings;
• A memorial corner which presents Gabi’s contributions throughout his years of work at the Biblical Zoo and his contributions to nature conservation and animal protection in Israel and throughout the world.

Activities at the Gabi Center:

• Courses for animal keepers, guides, and volunteers;
• Study programs for children and youth;
• Professional meetings, such as the annual presentation of research projects on the topics of wildlife and zoos;
• Meetings of veterinarians and zoologists of the Association of Zoos in Israel and meetings with members of nature conservation entities; 
• Academic seminars;
• Meetings of the zoo administration and Zoo Friends;
• Research work by students;
• Meetings, enrichment, and knowledge gathering for zoo staff and keepers.

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