Flying ark to give new life to Turkey

An unusual menagerie is set to move from Israel to Turkey in an effort to bolster the collection of animals at the Izmir safari.

Dozens of zebras, fruit bats, antelopes, raccoons and more will take to the air in a shipment scheduled to leave Ramat Gan Safari on Tuesday.

The modern-day version of Noah’s ark came about after Turkish zookeepers in Izmir asked for help in building their zoological collection.

While political leaders in both countries have yet to settle their differences in the dispute over the Mavi Marmara ferry incident, in the animal kingdom several months of negotiations proved successful.

Safari spokeswoman Sagit Horowitz said that when it comes to caring for wildlife, politics is put aside.

“We maintained good relations with our Turkish counterparts even after the Marmara incident,” said Horowitz.

Passengers boarding the flight will include three zebras, six antelopes, three monkeys, three meerkats, four raccoons, six fruit bats, and 20 ibises.

The cost of the shipment is estimated at roughly 40,000 Euro.

The animals have been in quarantine for the past several weeks in preparation for their relocation.

Israel’s zoos actively participate in a global network of zoo and safari facilities that regularly swap animals to promote breeding and to build up exhibits of various species around the world.

Izmir is across the country from Mount Ararat, the traditional resting place of Noah’s ark after the great biblical flood.