 For one, the meaning of many names of animals, reptiles and birds in Scriptures is often uncertain; for example, "nesher" (), commonly translated as "eagle", could also mean "vulture".More significantly, many of the animals mentioned in the Bible are now extinct in Israel due to over-hunting, destruction of natural habitats by rapid construction and development, illegal poisoning by farmers, and low birth rate.Zoo planners decided to branch beyond strictly biblical animals and include worldwide endangered species as well.