The Jane Goodall Zoo
A place of healing, joy, and wonder for Gaza’s children
The story of the Jane Goodall Zoo begins in hardship but grows into possibility. When the former Rafah Zoo collapsed during the crisis, the surviving animals endured a long and harrowing journey. Their enclosures were destroyed. Their food supply was gone. Many had already died. The remaining animals were moved from Rafah to Khan Younis and then to Deir al Balah, arriving weak, frightened, and desperately in need of care.
Among them were red monkeys, black baboons, white and green baboons, gazelles, lion cubs, an eagle, American macaws, squirrels, Lulu dogs, and a collection of peacocks, poultry, and ornamental birds. Each one carried its own story of survival. Each one had endured more than any living creature should ever experience.
When GCV learned of their condition, the team acted immediately. What they found were animals being kept alive only through the last efforts of a caretaker family who had been sharing their own food with them. There were no supplies left. No medical care. No access to proper shelter. The animals were alive only because someone refused to let them die.
Projected Budget and Needs
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Budget: $350 per day to feed the animals
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Medications: $30,000 per year
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Vet: $1000 per month
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Cost to build a world standard permanent zoo: $180,000
When the permanent location is built and secured, the zoo will become a free, community centered space where children can experience wonder again. After so much hardship, moments of joy, curiosity, and connection to nature can be profoundly healing. The future Jane Goodall Zoo will give that gift to thousands of children who have had so few chances to simply feel like children.
Right now, the animals remain in temporary housing while GCV searches for land and raises the funds to build their long term home. The cost of daily care continues to rise, and the need for a proper facility grows more urgent with each passing week.
Your support ensures that these rescued animals survive today and that one day, children will have a safe and beautiful space to meet them. Together, we can build a home filled with healing, learning, and hope.
To support the zoo or explore partnership opportunities, please contact info@thegazachildrensvillage.org
Hope grows when life is protected. Together, we can build a sanctuary worthy of these animals and the children who will one day meet them.