The Syrian brown bear was observed in Israel at the beginning of the 20th century. A genetic study supposes that all brown bears occurring in the Caucasus and Levant come from the Eurasian brown bear. After the unregulated hunting in the first half of the 20th century, the brown bear is extirpated in Jordan, British Palestine, and Lebanon. The bear survived only in Turkey, Iran, and Iraq. In 2004 brown bear traces were recorded In Syria for the first time in five decades. Bible mentions the Syrian brown bear. The most famous Syrian bear was named Wojtek. Polish soldiers from the Anders army purchased him in Iran on their march from USSR to British Palestine during World War II. Wojtek became the military mascot in Italy when assisted the artillerists in loading cannons. After the demobilization, Wojtek settled in the Edinburgh Zoo, where he became famous and was commemorated as a soldier both Scotland and Poland.
The safari and zoo in Ramat Gan near Tel Aviv is the largest zoological center in the Middle East. Scientific research is carried out at the zoo, and there is a veterinary clinic. The territory of the zoo is beautifully designed and conveniently equipped. My biggest tip before visiting the zoo: Don't be lazy to walk.
