Kibbutz mini-zoo day out for kids.

I am hesitant even to tell about this place as it's really unknown to tourists and I'd hate to see it over run, but in the heart of the Sharon Valley, close to Kfar Saba, lies "Touching Nature" at Nir Eliyahu Kibbutz. This is a travel experience more for the kids than the adults. The sleepy farm like community produces flexible polyethylene, has a wastewater treatment plant and a dairy. But none of those businesses are the main attraction here, in fact when you enter the Kibbutz you probably won't see a soul.


After entering the Kibbutz through the security gate you drive about 500 meters along the tree canopied road, and then on your right hand side of the road among the overgrown plants you will see a small old wooden gate, which leads you into the Kibbutz's "animal corner", or with a little stretch of the imagination you could call it a mini-zoo. Now the reason I am so in love with the place is because it's always empty, and because the animals are kept in a natural park like setting. There are usually one or two workers there who may or may not take money from you. The price is approximately 25 Agarot each. Normally they just look at you curiously and then leave you alone. This place was not established for the general public, it was intended for the Kibbutzniks. There's a wooden bridge that crosses over a fish filled pond, and a wide spectrum of animals including, a camel, horse, monkeys, peacocks, beavers, raccoons, sheep, goats and more. They are an odd bunch. The farm animals are in their stable and you may be lucky enough to be there when they are being fed, or when one gives birth. There's an enclosure with tortoises, and rabbits which the kids can play with.
Because they're not expecting guests, the only thing on sale is ice-creams. There is plenty of shade, benches and and undisturbed space to run around.
While in the area you can see what a Kibbutz looks like, and perhaps visit Kfar Saba or the adjacent Rannana, which has one of the biggest and best parks in Israel.
When driving to Nir Eliyahu be careful not to continue straight past the turn off as you will end up in Qulqiliya, an Arab village.
Where: Best to get to Kfar Saba and from there take a taxi, unless you are driving. If driving (map) from Tel Aviv area, take Gaya Highway north, at Ranana north junction take right and continue until you get to second traffic lights and a sign indicating Qulqiliya and Bet Berle to your left. Turn left and follow signs for next right turn to Nir Eliyahu.
Tel:972 9 764 7342
Open hours: probably 09:00-16:00 but can vary.
Cost: 25 agarot per person.
Web site:http://www.nirel.org.il/