A visit to the zoo can be more than just an enjoyable outing; it is also an opportunity to reflect on the wonders of G‑d’s creation.

Great Rabbis Going to See G‑d’s Creations

Rabbi Yisrael Isserlin (1390–1460), a leading halachic authority in 15th-century Europe, records traveling to see two lions that had been brought to a nearby city for display, his first time seeing a lion.1

Similarly, Rabbi Chaim Yosef David Azulai (1724–1806), known as the Chida, a renowned rabbi, halachic authority, and traveler who visited Jewish communities throughout Europe and the Mediterranean, records seeing various animals during his travels, reflecting his curiosity about the natural world and his appreciation for the wonders of G‑d’s creation.2

At the same time, it raises several practical halachic questions: Which animals warrant a special blessing? Are there guidelines about looking at non-kosher animals? And may you feed the animals on Passover? Here is a look at some of the relevant Jewish laws.

Making a Blessing When Visiting the Zoo

The Talmud teaches that when you see an elephant or monkey (and a “kefof”3), you recite the blessing Meshaneh Habriyot, praising G‑d, “Who varies the forms of the created beings.”4

There is a dispute regarding how often the blessing may be recited. The Code of Jewish Law rules that it is said only once in a lifetime for each type of animal,5 while Rabbi Moshe Isserlis, the Rama, rules in his gloss that it may be said anytime as long as you haven’t seen one in the past 30 days.6

Practically, according to Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, the Alter Rebbe, one makes the blessing once in a lifetime for each species.7 Thus, once you have recited Meshaneh Habriyot upon seeing an elephant, you would not recite the blessing again upon seeing another elephant, even years later, but would still recite it the first time you see a monkey. There is also a discussion whether Meshaneh Habriyot applies only to elephants and monkeys, which the Talmud specifically mentions, or to all uniquely unusual looking animals.

Some authorities maintain that the blessing applies only to elephants and monkeys,8 citing various reasons for why these animals would be singled out. Among the explanations is that the monkey has some features and characteristics similar to humans, and the elephant is notably strong and smart, as well as large.9 Another fascinating explanation is that, according to some, after the incident with the Tower of Babel, G‑d turned some people into apes and elephants.10

Others extend the blessing to other remarkably unusual creatures.11 The Alter Rebbe omits any mention of monkeys or elephants in the context of this blessing; this would indicate that he believes that this blessing is recited on other uniquely remarkable creatures as well.

Children and Non-Kosher Animals

Although strictly speaking there is no halachic prohibition against looking at non-kosher animals (or pictures of them), the Kav Hayashar and others emphasize the importance of guarding one’s eyes from devarim temei’im (impure things or creatures).12 The Rebbe strongly emphasized this with regard to young children, whose impressions are especially formative, and encouraged training them to focus their eyes on positive and holy things.13

This does not, however, mean that children may never see non-kosher animals. For example, one may visit a zoo to appreciate the wonders of G‑d’s creation. Likewise, animal pictures may be used for educational purposes, and one may surely look at unusual animals when necessary to recite Meshaneh Habriyot.14

Some sources indicate that pregnant women should be more careful about looking at non-kosher animals. Accordingly, some are extra particular about not visiting a zoo during pregnancy.15 Others write that even a pregnant woman can visit for an appropriate purpose while avoiding intentionally gazing at the non-kosher animals (a slight glance would not count).16

Animals Mating

While much of the above discussion is beyond the letter of the law, it should be noted that there is a separate prohibition against gazing at animals or birds while they are mating,17 which seemingly extends to watching videos of them mating as well.

Feeding Animals at a Zoo on Passover

It is forbidden to derive benefit from chametz on Passover. Therefore, even if you do not own the chametz—for example, if someone gives it to you for free—it is prohibited to feed it to an animal.

This is relevant when visiting a traditional zoo, petting zoo, or farm, where the animal and bird feed provided to visitors is often made with chametz ingredients. Unless you have verified that the food is chametz-free, you should not feed it to the animals on Passover, whether you purchase the food or receive it for free.

Even if the food is already lying on the ground, you should not pick it up and throw it into the animal’s enclosure.

Parents should explain this to their children before visiting a zoo or petting zoo during Passover.