Zipline and bungee jumping at Dubai Safari after summer

Visitors to Dubai Safari - after summer - can expect to swing over the animals on a zip line or jump off a high altitude in a thrilling bungee jump, Khaleej Times can reveal.   
 
A former staff member at Dubai Safari told Khaleej Times that 40-feet high ziplining and bungee jumping facilities are currently being constructed to allow visitors to swing over the Wadi through the wildlife park and enjoy a new zoo experience.
Also read: Dubai Safari closed for the summer
 
The activities are set to be ready when the park reopens after its summer renovations on October 1.
 
"Two ziplines are launching for children and adults. A bungee jumping experience will be provided for adults above 18 years old," the former employee said.
 
When the Dubai Safari reopens, residents can expect to see more animals, exhibits and restaurants, with less waiting time spent at the entrance gates.
 
The source said an app will be launched to introduce a timed queue system to cut waiting time for residents whether at the gates or when entering the Safari village.
 
Over 200 animals including birds, addax, sea lion, otter, caracal and gazelles will be the new addition to the 3,000 animals in the park.
 
A big theatre will also open in the Asian village to provide animal educational shows for audiences.
 
Visitors can expect the entrance prices to remain the same as a full tour will still cost Dh30 for children and Dh85 for adults, or Dh20 for children and Dh50 for adults with Open Safari Village excluded.
Also read: Free entry to Dubai Safari
 
However, other activities like the zipline, bungee jump, and a VIP tour will be charged separately.
 
Children under three, elderly above 60 and people of determination are exempted from entry ticket charges.
 
In April, Meraas signed an agreement with Dubai Municipality to manage Dubai Safari.
 
Meraas has also appointed Parques Reunidos, a world-renowned operator of animal parks, to oversee the day-to-day running of the destination and support wildlife conservation efforts, through developing the skills of the local community in relevant fields, including veterinary medicine, animal care and breeding.
 
The company will add more engagement programmes and interactive experiences for visitors, and more climatised areas for animals.
 
The Dh1 billion, located in Al Warqa-5, is divided into four villages - African, Asian, Arabian and Open Safari Village, besides a Children's Farm.
 
The wildlife park allows visitors to come face-to-face with rhinoceroses, bears, giraffes, chimpanzees, gorillas, lions, monkeys, cheetahs, elephants, birds, crocodiles and reptiles spread over 119 hectares.

Dubai Safari to be educational hub

Emirati guides and teachers are being sent to Spain and Europe for training to bring up a new culture of animal welfare and breeding.
 
"The safari will not be just a zoo, but through it, authorities hope to create a new generation of Emiratis who work closely with animals," said the former employee.
 
"The Safari will be an educational hub for young Emirati generation."
 
 The employee added that a specifically designed vet clinic has been constructed inside the park, with a glass window that will enable students to watch animal operations.
 
A large morgue will enable students to see the dissection of animals for educational purposes.
 
The park will also offer courses and internships for students interested in learning about veterinary medicine, animal care and breeding.

Exotic animals in private homes seized

Dubai Safari works closely with authorities to seize banned exotic animals owned in private homes. As of the beginning of this year, the park confiscated over 49 monkeys, birds, reptiles and two declawed lions.
 
The safari is notified by the presence of the exotic animals by authorities or the public.
 
"The lions, for example, will not be used for breeding anymore. When declawed and put with another lion, it won't be able to defend itself enough," said the employee.
 
Monkeys that the park received had also developed stereotypical behavioral problems including head tossing and thumb sucking.
 
"They aren't used to acting like monkeys. So when put with other monkeys, they end up being beaten."
 
When exotic animals are privately owned, they are taken out of their natural cycle of breeding. Owners are also exposed to different diseases like hepatitis and tuberculosis.
 
The UAE Federal Law 22 bans ownership, trading and breeding of exotic or dangerous animals. The law allows only zoos, wildlife parks, breeding and research centres to keep dangerous, wild or exotic animals.
 
sherouk@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Dubai

Sherouk Zakaria

sherouk@khaleejtimes.com