Gan Guru Celebrates 30 Years of Australian Wildlife Education in Israel

Gan Guru, the Australian-themed zoo located in the Emek HaMaayanot region and part of the Nir David tourism network, marks its 30th anniversary in 2026. Since opening to the public in the summer of 1996, the zoo has become a prominent tourist attraction in Israel, drawing around 150,000 visitors in the past year alone. It offers families a unique chance to encounter Australian wildlife up close.

The idea for Gan Guru originated in the early 1990s when Yehuda Gat, a member of Kibbutz Nir David and the zoo's founder, was tasked with creating a tourism project that combined education, nature, and experience. After abandoning an initial concept inspired by Winnie the Pooh, Gat pursued the idea of bringing kangaroos to Israel. He established contacts with Australian zoos, traveled to learn about animal care, and led the zoo's establishment. Gat emphasized that the goal was to build an educational space that makes nature and wildlife accessible to future generations.

Gan Guru's educational philosophy views the zoo as more than just a recreational site; it is a place for immersive learning through direct interaction with animals. The zoo offers guided tours, feeding, petting, and observation activities, alongside education about Australian ecosystems, conservation, and animal protection. In the last two years, the zoo has expanded its educational and research programs, integrating visits from all schools in the regional council as part of their curriculum and collaborating with researchers from Tel Hai College on ecology and zoology studies.

The 30th anniversary celebrations reflect three decades of turning a dream into reality. Looking ahead, Gan Guru plans to continue developing its research, educational outreach, and strengthening the bond between children, nature, and animals.