One of the oldest dreams of the Biblical Zoo in Jerusalem has taken tangible shape - even if years late, and even though the person who dreamed it is no longer with us.
A new adventure park was inaugurated at the zoo, dedicated to the memory of Shay Doron, who served as the zoo’s CEO for 25 years and was one of its most recognized figures. Doron dreamed for more than three decades of creating a new, advanced complex to replace the old adventure park that had operated on the site since the zoo's founding 32 years ago.
After leaving his position at the zoo and being appointed president of the Jerusalem Foundation, Doron was able to advance the project and secure a donation from British-Jewish philanthropist Marcus Margolis. The project was launched in collaboration with the Jerusalem Municipality and under the leadership of Mayor Moshe Lion. At the donor’s request, the new adventure park was named in Doron’s honor.
The park was built according to Doron’s vision as a complex not intended only for toddlers, but also for older children to challenge themselves. At its center stands a large wooden structure, built in Germany using innovative technologies combined with handcrafted work.
The complex includes two five-meter-high towers, alongside a series of towers of varying heights, connected by a rope bridge and a metal structure. Among the challenge elements is an adventurous course featuring ladders, slides, and a wavy climbing structure reaching a height of approximately 4.5 meters.
The entire design draws inspiration from the jungle world: Elements of tropical vegetation and wooden animal figures - including crocodiles, anteaters, sloths, and monkeys - are all carved and painted by hand. The colorful style blends with the nearby sculpture garden, where works by sculptor Niki de Saint Phalle are displayed, including the well-known sculpture in Kiryat Yovel.
The zoo is already looking ahead: The next phase of the project is expected to include the construction of bridges connecting the park’s different levels.
The newly inaugurated complex marks the realization of a long-held vision - and illustrates how a single dream can come true even after the passing of the person who stood behind it.