Phoenix Zoo’s collaboration with Ramat Gan Safari

The Phoenix Zoo is constantly working to expand its conservation programs to help save endangered animals. The Zoo’s latest effort is a collaboration with its sister city zoo, Ramat Gan Safari, in Israel. This partnership will focus on the conservation efforts of the Eurasian griffon vulture.

To find out more about this, we welcomed Bert Castro, President and CEO of Phoenix Zoo. Also joining us by Zoom was Oren Ben-Yosef, Director of the Ramat Gan Safari, and animal handler Kim Richards who brought along a feathered friend: a turkey vulture named Morticia!

Playing a critical role in natural ecosystems, vultures are the most threatened raptors in the world, and both Phoenix Zoo and Ramat Gan Safari share the common goal of working on conservation programs to ensure their survival. There is an Art Exhibit and Fundraising Reception focused on this at the Phoenix Zoo on October 15.

The new art show at Phoenix Zoo’s “The Bigger Picture” shows that even though separated by over 7,000 miles, Phoenix, Arizona, and Ramat Gan, Israel, share a special bond. Not only are they sister cities, but they are home to world-class zoos dedicated to their respective missions of animal conservation.

Details about “The Bigger Picture” event

Guests will listen to the plight of the imperiled Eurasian griffon vulture in a speech by Dr. David Eshar, Director of Animal Health and the Executive Director of the Wildlife Hospital of Israel and Safari Zoological Center of Ramat Gan, and Dr. Gillad Goldstein, Zoo Curator of Israel’s Ramat Gan Safari.

After the presentation, guests will enjoy an exclusive opening reception in the Zoo’s Savanna Gallery, where a collaborative photo exhibit adorns the walls. The exhibit showcases images from both organizations, focusing on what binds us together rather than what sets us apart.

Net proceeds of this event will go toward the goal of enlarging Ramat Gan’s vulture habitat, allowing the opportunity to add two more breeding pairs to its current single pair, in hopes of further increasing Israel’s wild population.

Donations over $100 will be entered into a drawing to name a newborn animal at the Ramat Gan Safari.

Please enter through the Nina Mason Pulliam South Gate at 5:30 p.m. The event is outdoors and will happen rain or shine. Please dress accordingly.

Event details

• Date: October 15, 2023
• Location: Phoenix Zoo
• Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Price: $25 per person

For ticket information, click here.