1999-08-27 Behind the scenes at Jerusalem Zoo |
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By Donald H. Harrison San Diego, CA (special) -- Sure, being the chairman of a zoological society is a great deal of fun, but Yoram Blizovsky, who holds that position for Jerusalem's Biblical Zoo, says the glamour volunteer job is not without its share of tsuris, or should we say "zoo-ris"?
For example, zoo personnel must be educated in "how to build a proper sukkah -- the structure used by religious Jews to eat in during the Sukkot holiday," Blizovsky said. "It is very important, otherwise the Orthodox visitor will not come during the Sukkot holiday." Appropriate signs had to be developed for a current exhibit which includes depictions of life in the Amazon. "To avoid offending the more conservative visitors, a large sign has to be displayed at the entrance to the exhibit explaining that human nudity is on display inside," he said. "We also have to deal with Christians and Muslims bringing in bread during the Passover holiday, when it is strictly forbidden for Jews," Blizovsky said. "Keep in mind that the Zoo is a public place. " More recently, controversy erupted over the cartoon video, The Return of Noah's Ark, which the zoo developed as a promotional vehicle. "Not only doesn't Noah wear a kippah, the head covering worn by Orthodox Jewish men, but he is playing checkers with a snake!" Blizovsky said. "A number of very Orthodox visitors complained that we are ridiculing Noah, but of course that is not right." Lest anyone think all he gets is complaints, Blizovksy -- whose paid job is that of managing director of the Manufacturers Association of Israel-- also mentioned that Israel's President Ezer Weizmann presented the zoo with an award as one of the most beautiful places in Israel. And, he said, because the zoo clearly is a public place, it is a permissible venue for young religious couples to stroll. "Couples of all three religions come to the zoo on their first date," he said. "Who knows how many couples got their start there!" The Jerusalem Zoo -- also known as the Tisch Family Zoological Gardens -- has been holding weekly get-togethers in which children with disabilities can learn about animals. Under the supervision of their therapists, the children "learn to properly handle, feed, clean and provide a proper environment for the animals which they choose to bond with," Blizovsky said. "The children working in this program have shown marked improvement in many areas of their life. Several staff members are working for their degrees in animal-assisted therapy under sponsorship of the Zoo."
Robert Price, chairman of the San Diego New Leadership Group , presented proclamations on behalf of San Diego Mayor Susan Golding to representatives of the San Diego and Jerusalem Zoos as well as to Edith and Dr. Irving Taylor, the hosts of the reception, in honor of the ongoing friendship between San Diego and Jerusalem. Blizovsky said that he learned from Benirschke during a two-day visit to San Diego how to get the community "to be more involved in the activities of the zoo." After hearing Rieger's presentation, however, Benirschke quipped it
was he who needed to learn from the Jerusalem Zoo. "I am going to go to
Jerusalem and hire young kids like they do to clean our cages. That is
the most wonderful idea that I have heard! I am sure we can convince our
board of trustees."
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