Beverly Burge 1956-2008

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.

And then suddenly, shockingly after 25 years of Bev's nurturing presence she is gone and we are left bereft. 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 –The Biblical Zoo is seeking to establish the Beverly Burge Laboratory. The lab will be devoted to furthering the values of and benefiting wildlife conservation, animal welfare, and education. It will consist 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 will be taught and encouraged in the warm professional fashion that was Bev's calling card.

Bev's memory will be 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. In order to do this we, her family, friends, and associates need to raise a starting minimum goal of $30,000 in order to upgrade the existing equipment, purchase new diagnostic equipment such as a biochemistry machine, x-ray machine and developer, an endoscope and other diagnostic tools. The designated space will need to be refurbished as a zoo/wildlife conservation laboratory. All of this requires our help so that even if not with us physically Bev can continue to influence.

Tax deductible contributions can be made:
In Israel to:
The Tisch Family Zoological Gardens in Jerusalem- Biblical Zoo
PO Box 898
Manhat, 91008
Jerusalem

In the United States:
The Jerusalem Foundation
420 Lexington Ave, Suite # 1645
New York, NY 10170
(212) 697-4188
Please specify that it is for The Tisch Family Zoological Gardens in Jerusalem designated for The Beverly Burge Laboratory and please send a copy to the Biblical Zoo at the above address.

In Europe:
Please contact Dr. Nili Avni-Magen at zoovets@jerusalemzoo.org.il and she will help you with The Jerusalem Foundation address nearest you.

Thank you in advance for your generosity,
Shai Doron, Director General, Tisch Family Zoological Gardens in Jerusalem
Dr. Nili Avni-Magen, Head Veterinarian
Dr. Elizabeth Kaufman, Staff Veterinarian
Mrs. Sherry Wetstone, representing family and friends