(We will not discuss the beracha for beautiful animals, which the Mishna Berura[1] writes is not in practice in our times.) A baraita[2] states that when one sees an elephant, a monkey, or a kafof (the exact species is unclear), he recites the beracha of “meshaneh haberiyot” (Who makes diverse creations). This beracha is also recited when observing abnormalities within humans.[3] What is considered an abnormality is likely to involve an element of subjectivity, as we will discuss below.
Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach is cited as ruling that the beracha applies to any unusual animal.[4] Others rule that this is a closed list.[5] This may be true for a few reasons. First, perhaps Chazal saw unique characteristics in those particular animals.[6] Furthermore, even if the beracha could theoretically apply to other animals, it is difficult to know what features are considered unusual, and it is therefore best to recite such berachot only when we are sure.[7]
There is also a question as to how often to make the beracha. Rav Auerbach is quoted as instructing a zoo-goer to recite the beracha on the first animal he finds unusual, intending with that to cover all the other animals.[8] This approach can be justified on several grounds. First, when one expects to have different occasions in close proximity to each other in time and/or location in which a certain beracha applies, he is advised to make the beracha once for all of them (e.g., regarding eating[9]). Doing so also obviates any doubt that might arise if it is not clear later whether the beracha is again necessary for a certain animal. It is also logical to view the trip to the zoo as one experience. One could argue that it is not that each animal needs to be included in a beracha, as different foods do. Rather, seeing unusual animals makes one reflect on the wonder of creation, and that should be the focus of the entire trip to the zoo. This is different from happening to come across various unusual beings one after the other in one’s normal setting.
It seems that most religious Jews do not make a beracha on animals in the zoo, including elephants and monkeys. Does this have any justification? The Shulchan Aruch[10] writes that the beracha of meshaneh haberiyot should be made only the first time in a lifetime for each unusual sight, when it has its greatest impact.[11] If one neglected to make the beracha or was a child at the first opportunity, the beracha is not recited later.[12] The Rama[13] says to “reset the clock” every time one has gone thirty days without seeing these animals,[14] as is often the case regarding similar berachot.[15] However, under such circumstances, the Mishna Berura[16] suggests making the beracha without HaShem’s Name. Accordingly, most people probably would not be obligated to make the full beracha.
There is another idea to justify the prevalent practice of not making these berachot at the zoo. It is difficult to find explicit sources, but there is a fundamentally logical rationale if we assume that the berachot have a subjective nature. Once upon a time, a person could go a lifetime without seeing a monkey in the flesh or even in a picture, and the excitement/wonder of seeing one made reciting a beracha more appropriate. Nowadays, people go to the zoo periodically, whenever they want. Even before their first visit, they had seen pictures and images of elephants and exotic animals many times.[17] Therefore, the excitement is not the same. (Seeing one in its natural habitat is likely different.)
Therefore, those who do not make the beracha at the zoo do not need to begin doing so. However, those who do say the beracha or want to start, especially those who get excited by the animal kingdom with whom HaShem has us share the world, do not have to fear they are making a beracha l’vatala,[18] at least when recited the beracha upon seeing monkeys, elephants, or astounding animals. One can certainly make the beracha without HaShem’s name and should certainly think about Him often during the visit.