Four-year project to develop Al Ain Zoo into safari park

“The zoo will get rid of the old system of animal cages in order to change it into a safari park. It will be supplied with various animals from inside and outside the UAE,” added Craig.

He highlighted that the visitors to the zoo would be able to visit all its areas by means of specific vehicles equipped to move inside the safari areas. The Aazpa will be a core of attraction for tourism investment inside the GCC countries and also internationally.

Craig said that a five-star hotel, along with many modern chalets, will be constructed to satisfy customers and families that prefer privacy, silence and a special environment. The zoo, spread over an area of about 77 hectares, is home to 75 species of mammals, 88 species of birds, and 31 species of reptiles. He added that the zoo will attract many luxury restaurants to offer their best services to the visitors. “In addition, a very big wedding hall and a birthday corner will also be constructed,” he added.

He said that the Aazpa, in collaboration with the International Organisations for Zoos, will apply multiplication programmes to increase the number of animals in the park. Craig said: “The administration has chalked out major plans to modernise the zoo as part of its efforts to attract more visitors. The measures include expansion of the zoo, bringing in more animals and rare birds, besides planting trees and plants.” The Aazpa, which boasts of having one of the largest numbers of animals and birds in the world, also has an ice rink and other facilities to entertain visitors and tourists.

He said the Aazpa is well-known for its research work in several fields, besides raising rare native animals.