Safari Election Pits Animals Against Each Other for Visitors' Votes

While millions of Israelis head to the polls for national elections, a different kind of election will take place at the Ramat Gan Safari on Tuesday, October 27. Five animal candidates will compete for visitor votes: a leopard, a tortoise, a gorilla, parrots, and an elephant. This tradition, returning after a four-year hiatus, will feature ballot boxes placed throughout the safari for visitors of all ages to cast their vote for their favorite animal and the value it represents.

Each of the five contenders represents a different department within the safari and carries a unique message. Noah the leopard, from the predators' department, will campaign for "family values." Momo the tortoise, representing the reptiles, will advocate for "security." Lucas the gorilla will run on a platform of "sustainability," while the Ara parrots will champion "compassion and mutual aid." The list is rounded out by Yossi the elephant, who aims to promote "tolerance."

Preparations for the election are in full swing, with safari staff and animal caretakers creating campaign materials, propaganda posters, and election speeches. Some departments are writing campaign songs, others are designing t-shirts, and some are polishing speeches to persuade visitors. On election day, the safari is expected to transform into a vibrant electoral arena with signs, slogans, campaign workers, and ballot boxes.

Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the candidates and the values they represent, listen to campaign messages, and participate in the voting. They can also meet the safari staff leading the campaigns and hear their arguments for why their chosen animal deserves their vote. The event aims to highlight values such as family, sustainability, compassion, security, and tolerance through the safari's well-known animals.

The results will be announced on October 27, revealing which animal has won over the visitors and which value has garnered the most support. As the country focuses on forming its next Knesset, the Ramat Gan Safari will discover if its animal candidates have captured the public's heart.