My name is Akiva Zilberklang Drori, and I live in Modi'in with my wife, our daughter, and our cat. I have always been fascinated by animals and felt a deep connection to the natural world.
That passion began to take shape in fifth grade, when I attended the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo Summer Camp and instantly fell in love with the zoo. The experience was so inspiring that I even convinced my parents to let us raise chinchillas at home, and descendants of those animals are still part of the zoo's collection today.
Over the years, my love of animals evolved into a passion for wildlife research and conservation. In 11th grade, I joined the zoo's "Zoo Bagrut" research program, where I studied the formation of social hierarchy in a newly established meerkat group. That project sparked my interest in behavioral ecology and ultimately shaped my career path. It also led me to South Africa, where I volunteered at a conservation reserve dedicated to endangered species and had the unforgettable experience of observing meerkats in their natural habitat.
After completing my military service, I returned to the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo as a keeper in the Carnivore Department. I was eager to deepen my understanding of animal behavior and welfare and to explore ways to improve the care provided to the animals. This experience strengthened my determination to study zoology and transform a lifelong passion into a profession.
In 2019, I began a degree in Biology with a specialization in Ecology and Evolution at Tel Aviv University. Throughout my studies, I continued working weekends in the Carnivore Department while expanding my expertise in animal nutrition, zoological data management, and collection planning. I also led a project to streamline and digitize the zoo's daily data collection and management systems, improving the efficiency of animal care and research.
After completing my bachelor's degree, I was accepted directly into a Ph.D. program. From the very beginning, I knew that my research should combine academic science with practical conservation and remain closely connected to the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo. I was thrilled to join the Persian fallow deer reintroduction project, where, with the support of my academic advisor and the zoo's professional team, I am leading an innovative study on how reintroduced deer establish themselves and adapt after returning to the wild.
At the same time that I embarked on my doctoral studies, the Iron Swords War broke out, and I was called up for reserve military service. Since the beginning of the war, I have served approximately 350 days in the Gaza Strip, making it extraordinarily challenging to maintain a consistent research routine. Yet throughout this difficult period, my research has remained a source of purpose, stability, and hope. Every visit to the zoo or every day spent in the field reconnects me with the natural world, reignites my passion for conservation, and provides the strength to face the challenges of an uncertain reality.
In the coming months I will share my field work with you, along with the insights that emerge from it.
Photo: Ruth Cohen
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