June 22, 2012. (Romereports.com) Do you know what leopards, baboons and lions have in common? They are all animals cited in the Old Testament, something that Rome's zoo is sharing with its visitors.

The Biopark Foundation has created a new tour that follows the animals in the Bible: Wolves, hippos, storks, bears and lions.


PAOLO GIUNTARELLI
President, Biopark Foundation of Rome
“It is the sacred text of our culture that is shared in the Jewish and Christian religion. We wanted to show the relationship between nature and spirituality with a route from different verses of the Bible shown by the animals in our zoo.”

Among other things, this zoo tries to teach about environmental education in society and caring for endangered animals or those that were illegally smuggled. But after visiting the Biblical Zoo in Jerusalem, the organizers decided to add a historical side.

PAOLO GIUNTARELLI
President, Biopark Foundation of Rome
“In 20 days we have created this route. Rome's Jewish community has helped us with suggestions and offering texts of the Bible. We then did graphic design for the information panels.”

Each area with different animals has a sign like this one that shows a biblical quotation and a scientific explanation of the habits and characteristics of each specie.

The exhibit is a fun way to bring nature and religion to the public. It brings together some diverse animals that surely Noah himself would have enjoyed.


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