The Beverly Burge Lab

The Beverly Burge Laboratory

Way back in 1981 an intrepid young wayfarer found her way to the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo, set down roots and stayed. She had left home at 18, travelled the world, returned to Hawaii and became an expert in the care of all kinds of primates. She got her license as a veterinary technician, developed a quirky Zionistic streak and moved to Israel. The Biblical Zoo was the place she chose to finally settle down and make a difference to the world. Nurturing living things was the moving force of her life. She hand raised wallabies, lemurs, chimpanzees, a tiger, a lion, kittens, ferrets and a leopard. Bev was immensely concerned with wildlife conservation, research that might help animals facing extinct to survive, the establishment of breeding centers and rehabilitation programs. She was so excited when the zoo would be able to release an animal bred at one of our breeding centers back into the wild or open her hands and watch a recovered wild bird fly free. Her emphasis in all things was to achieve a level of professionalism that was consistent with the highest standards available within the international zoo community. She was always seeking to improve her knowledge, the in-house medical practices, to upgrade the Animal Center equipment, and the level of care given to the animals. She was always on top of the latest information, the most modern improvements.

When the Tisch Family Zoological Gardens in Jerusalem –The Biblical Zoo opened in 1993 Bev was still a part offering ideas, encouragement and professional behavior towards all. Bev had a special gift in integrating all around her. She used the zoo and her work as Section Head of the Hospital/Quarantine Unit to build a group of volunteers that is dedicated, caring and professional. She took in kids having a hard time and built them, through working with animals and increasing levels of responsibility, into self-respecting productive members of their communities. She praised them, loved them and worked them to the best of their abilities. Years later they still appeared in her office to visit. She always had time for them.

When she was taken from us at the age of 55, suddenly, shockingly after 25 years of Bev's nurturing presence she is gone and we are left bereft. she left behind those she loved and those she helped with her unstinting heart, be they human or animal. And as we sat and thought of how best to honor the memory of Bev, the answer was simple – we continue her vision and work, therefore The Tisch Family Zoological Gardens in Jerusalem established the Beverly Burge Laboratory. In befitting tribute to our friend and colleague, this laboratory is dedicated to improving the health and welfare of wildlife and zoo animals to which Beverly was devoted. We do so in celebration of her myriad gifts to us. The lab is devoted to furthering the values of and benefiting wildlife conservation, animal welfare, and education. It consists of two rooms within The Phyllis and Otto Frye Animal Medical Center dedicated to the highest standard of in-house diagnostics that can be achieved. Volunteers and students aretaught and encouraged in the warm professional fashion that was Bev's calling card.

We have purchased new diagnostic equipment such as a biochemistry machine, x-ray machine and developer, an endoscope and other diagnostic tools set in the newly refurbished as a zoo/wildlife conservation laboratory. Bev's memory is preserved at the doorway with a photographic memory corner so that all entering will know they are in her domain and under her nurturing influence.

May she rest in peace.

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