Zapari  - Park Ha'Yarkon

Tel Aviv Topiary

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by Yael Adar

Most Tel Avivian’s refer to it simply as Park Ha’Yarkon, but its official name is Ganei Yehoshua, named in honor of the late mayor Yehoshua Rabinowitz. Consider it Tel Aviv’s version of Central Park, except instead of being in the heart of the city – it is almost at its edge – as you head out in a northerly direction. The park offers kids of all ages a variety of outlets to exert their energies.

However, the real Gem here is a place called the Zapari. An obvious play on the word tzipor (bird) and safari, it is a wonderful green oasis with a large topiary full of birds. 

Thousands of birds including flamingos, swans, parrots and hundreds of other bird species can all be found at the Zapari.  The feathered creatures are from various corners of the globe, including Indonesia, West Guinea, and Senegal etc. While many of the birds are in small cages there are also larger areas (with a high ceiling net) where the birds are out in the ‘open’.
 
There’s a good chance that by the time you leave here you’ll need something to soothe away a headache – the cacophony is quite audible. However the Zapari is quite enjoyable and definitely recommended.
 
The Zapari also offers a petting area where youngsters can feed the animals as well as a mock African village, called Junga-Junga where children can play on large inflatable toys and generally just have fun.
 
On weekends and school holidays there is also a special Parrot Show. Scheduled hours are 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM (however, be advised that show times may change – in which case announcements are made on the premises). 
 
The Zapari also serves as a venue for special events, such as birthday parties etc.  
 
 
The Zapari is located at 80 Rokach Boulevard, Tel Aviv. Note that this is along Orange Route # 4
 
TEL 03/642-2888
 
FAX 03/642-0546 
 
Visiting Hours: Sunday – Thursday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Friday and holiday eves, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Saturday and holidays, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM.  Summer hours (May – August) are as follows: Sunday – Thursday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Friday and holiday eves, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Saturday and holidays, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (and sometimes even 8:00 PM).  
 
Entry fees apply.