Seeing Monkeys and Elephants

Question: I invited a friend to join us on a trip to the zoo, but he declined, saying that he does not go to zoos. Why is that? After all, is there not a beracha to recite upon seeing certain animals?

Answer: The Gemara (Shabbos 149a) teaches that one should not gaze at human or animal statues. The Meiri (Shabbos 149a) explains that looking at such images can have a negative spiritual influence. Based on this, R’ Moshe Greenwald (Arugas Habosem OC 39) writes that one should not look at animals either, and therefore ought not to visit zoos at all.

However, R’ Ovadia Yosef (Yabia Omer OC 4:20; Yechave Daas 3:66) points out that the consensus of the rishonim is that this prohibition applies only to statues made for avoda zara. Otherwise, it is permitted to look at them (see Shach YD 142:33; Magen Avraham OC 307:23). He adds that even according to the stricter view, there is no issue with observing live animals. On the contrary, it serves as a way of marvelling at the wonders of Hashem’s world. As Dovid Hamelech declared (Tehillim 104:24): “How great are Your works, Hashem; You made them all with wisdom; the world is full of Your possessions” (see Rambam, Yesodei Hatorah 2:2).

The Gemara (Berachos 58b) teaches that upon seeing an elephant or a monkey one recites the beracha “Baruch… meshane es haberiyos” - Blessed are You… Who diversifies the creatures (see Shulchan Aruch OC 225:8).

R’ Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (Halichos Shlomo, Tefilla 23:35) maintained that this beracha applies to all unusual or exotic animals, and he would advise visitors to a zoo to recite the beracha upon seeing the first such creature.

In conclusion, while some chassidim may refrain from visiting zoos, it is generally encouraged and regarded as positive. When seeing exotic animals, particularly elephants and monkeys, one recites the beracha “meshane es haberiyos.”

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