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Everything You Wanted to Know About Gan Garoo
Gan Garoo is a one-of-a-kind Australian park in Israel
an unforgettable attraction for both kids and adults of all ages. The vegetation and animals at Gan Garoo came straight from distant Australia. Here, you can meet free-roaming kangaroos, pet and feed them, and hear fascinating explanations about their care, breeding, diet, and daily life in the park. You’ll also encounter the cassowary, the flying fox, and the songs of beautiful Australian birds.
What’s in the Zoo?
Gan Garoo spans 16 dunams (about 4 acres), offering pleasant shade, lawns, picnic tables, benches, and ample space for a relaxed visit. The average visit lasts from 1.5 to 4 hours, depending on the children’s ages. At the entrance, you’ll receive a map to help navigate the park.
In 2002, we established the Koala Garden in memory of the four Australian delegates—Warren Baines, Greg Small, Yeti Bennett, and Elizabeth Swisky—who lost their lives in the Maccabiah bridge disaster on July 14, 1997.
The park also includes a unique souvenir shop, also purchase cold and hot drinks, snacks, and ice cream.
Free parking is available nearby.
Gan Garoo is fully accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
Good to
In the early 1990s, Kibbutz Nir David decided to create a tourist attraction on its land near Gan HaShlosha (Sachne). After exploring various ideas, the decision was made to establish a zoo with a unique Australian theme.
During our research, we discovered two important facts:
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Australia is home to many strange and unique animals.
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The Australian government imposes strict regulations on exporting its native wildlife.
Yehuda Gat, founder of Gan Garoo, established connections with the Australian Nature and Parks Authority, the Australian ambassador to Israel, and several Australian zoos. We committed to building the highest-quality park dedicated to the flora and fauna of the magnificent fifth continent—Australia.
On July 28, 1996, Gan Garoo was officially inaugurated in a ceremony attended by the Australian ambassador and other distinguished guests.
Gan Garoo is licensed by the Australian Parks and Wildlife Service and is a member of both the Israeli and international zoo associations.
Since then, we’ve continuously developed and enriched the park with new attractions and species. We planted a botanical maze, added thinking and adventure mazes, and even brought in dozens of animatronic, life-size dinosaurs.
In a complex mission that spanned several years, we managed to bring four koalas to the park, established a breathtaking lorikeet aviary, and added a variety of typical Australian birds—and much more.
Gan Garoo has become a true success story, recognized and highly valued by Australians.
We became the first zoo outside of Australia where visitors can pet kangaroos, and one of the very few zoos worldwide to meet the stringent Australian requirements for hosting koalas.
In February 2018, Milo—the last koala in Israel—passed away peacefully. For over six years, our team has been working to bring new koalas from Australia, but so far without success. Koalas can only be imported as part of conservation programs and under strict coordination with Australian authorities, making the process lengthy.
We continue to develop the park for the enjoyment of our visitors and the well-being of the Australian wildlife in our care.
Have a Question? Reach Out!
Tel: +972-04-6488531
WhatsApp: +972-502122564