Israel’s Newest Zoo,Beersheba’s Midbarium, Offers a One-of-a-Kind Experience

How does it feel to stalk prey like a leopard? Or to spot a meal from the sky like an eagle? At Beersheba’s newly opened Midbarium, visitors don’t just observe animals they experience life as one.

Spanning 140 dunams (37 acres) on the edge of the Negev, the Midbarium meaning “Desertarium” in Hebrew features over 100 species, including leopards, lions, giraffes, and eagles. Designed with minimal barriers, the park immerses visitors in desert habitats that replicate the natural surroundings of animals from Israel and Africa.

Unlike traditional zoos, Midbarium encourages active participation. With 15 interactive experiences, guests can climb like an ibex, ambush like a crocodile, or even navigate in darkness like a bat using echolocation. One exhibit lifts visitors to the towering height of a giraffe, while another lets them dive like a raptor toward unsuspecting prey.

The project was a massive undertaking, spearheaded by experts from Israel and abroad. Designed by Dutch architect Erik van Vliet, a world authority in modern zoo planning, Midbarium prioritizes immersive learning. “Do not show, make them feel,” van Vliet says, emphasizing that direct engagement creates lasting impressions.

The park’s landscape was carefully crafted to fit the arid environment, presenting a challenge in designing enclosures without relying on dense vegetation to conceal barriers. Landscape architect Lior Wolf, who helped plan the zoo, described the Midbarium as a groundbreaking initiative. “Nothing like this had been done before,” he said, highlighting its educational mission to inspire love and care for wildlife.

Technology also plays a role in enhancing the visitor experience. The interactive installations were developed by Hata’asiya Group, an Israeli design and technology company. “Kids don’t read signs they want to move,” explains co-CEO Yariv Gibli. The park’s activities encourage hands-on exploration, from mimicking a snake’s undulating motion to perfecting the art of a crocodile’s patient ambush.

Beyond its exhibits, the Midbarium serves as a rehabilitation center for injured and rescued wildlife. Its veterinary clinic, located on the site of the old Beersheba Zoo, treats animals before releasing them back into the wild whenever possible. Director Yuval Lavi notes that much of the zoo’s operation relies on dedicated volunteers, including retirees and individuals with special needs, who play a crucial role in caring for the animals.

Despite opening delays due to the recent conflict, the Midbarium now welcomes visitors to experience nature in a way no other zoo allows. With its innovative design and commitment to conservation, it’s not just a place to see animals it’s a place to truly understand them.

Plan your visit to Beersheba’s Midbarium and experience the wild like never before. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for updates to fellow nature lovers and stay updated on Israel’s latest attractions.