Gan Hai, Small Zoo in Petah Tikva – Visitors Guide
Gan Hai in Petah Tikva is a small zoo. But, despite its size, it is a good attraction for families with toddlers and preschoolers.
Note: Check out the Zoos and Aquariums in Israel for additional information about animals and wildlife.
Map
Gan Hai is located at Moshe Sharet 9, Petah Tikva.
Directions for drivers: Link to Waze and Link to Google Maps
Directions for public transport: Link to Moovit
Interactive map of the area:
As you can see from the photo above, there is small parking by Moshe Sharet 9. And if there is no place, you can park on the nearby streets.
And here is a map of Gan Hai:
There is a lake in the center, and you go clockwise. Also, on the map, you can see feeding points (marked in blue).
Entrance Fee
Regular Entrance – 30 NIS
Petah Tikva resident – 25 NIS
Student, senior citizen, disabled – 20 NIS
Small box with food for animals – 5 NIS
Everybody above the age of two requires a ticket.
Note: you can purchase tickets from the cashier or online at the official site.
Coupons
You can purchase discounted tickets at Couponofesh for 26 NIS.
Opening Hours
September – May
Sunday – Thursday: 09:00 – 16:00
Friday and holiday eve: 09:00 – 13:00
Saturday and holiday: 0900 – 16:00
June – August
Sunday – Thursday: 09:00 – 19:00
Friday and holiday eve: 09:00 – 13:00
Saturday and holiday: 09:00 – 16:00
The entrance fee and opening hours were updated in March 2024. In any case, recheck the official site before visiting.
Contact Information
Phone: 03-7405500
How Much Time Does a Visit to Gan Hai Take?
As I mentioned, Gan Hai in Petah Tikva is not big. Following the round route took us, on average, about two hours, but you can easily extend it to 3 hours.
Visiting Gan Hai
As you enter the Gan Hai, you will see cages with ostriches, emus, a herd of mountain goats, Israeli deer, spotted deer, and other animals.
As you can see, our latest visit was when they fed the animals. It was around 10:30 on a Saturday.
There are explanation signs near each compound or cage.
Three pelicans fighting for a fish:
Feeding Animals
At the entrance, you can purchase small animal food boxes (5 NIS per box). Here is a photo:
While some people feed the animals with their hands, others pour the food into special tubes. Here is an example:
Birds Area
In this area, you can meet many different types of parrots. There is also a viewpoint of the pond.
Here are several additional photos from the birds’ area:
In traditional Chinese culture, Mandarin ducks are believed to be lifelong couples, unlike other species of ducks. Hence they are regarded as a symbol of conjugal affection and fidelity and are frequently featured in Chinese art. A Chinese proverb for loving couples uses the Mandarin duck as a metaphor: “Two mandarin ducks playing in the water.”
Source: Wikipedia
Flamingo in Greek means “purple wing.” Another interesting fact about flamingos is that the pink/reddish color comes from carotenoids in their animal and plant plankton diet. These carotenoids are broken down into pigments by liver enzymes. The source of this varies by species and affects the saturation of color.
After exiting the bird’s area, you can see farm animals and a playground for kids.