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In a world-first, get up close with crocs at Dubai Safari

Dubai - The safari bus takes you right inside the crocodile pit

A drive-thru exhibit of crocodiles at the new Dubai Safari park is the "first in the world", according a Dubai Municipality official.
Khaled Al Suwaidi, director of leisure facilities department at the Dubai Municipality, told Khaleej Times during a media tour of the Dubai Safari that visitors will be able to get up close with the crocodiles. while inside a closed bus.
The bus takes you inside the crocodile pit, filled with water, and drives on a narrow road built across the pit. Suwaidi claims this drive-thru exhibit in Dubai is the "first" in the world and has never been done before.
"There are customised vehicles that are built for this purpose. They are designed in a way that makes the driver and the visitors feel they are on a real safari," he said.
In total, there are four different kinds of villages at the Dubai Safari, including the Arabian, African, Safari (open safari) and Asian Villages. There is also a kids farm that for young ones. "The Safari Village is one of the main attractions and can take about 45 minutes to an hour to finish, depending on how the animals feel like interacting that day," Al Suwaidi said.
Another key attraction of the safari is the zoo-keeping programme, where zoologists look after the animals and ensure breeding to conserve their species.
Even though he didn't reveal too many details about the programme, the main goal is to ensure that the endangered species that have made the Dubai Safari their new home, continue breeding to avoid extinction.
The Dubai Safari is currently home to 2,500 different kinds of animals and will receive 10,000 visitors on a daily basis; however, by 2020, it is expected that up to 5,000 animals will call Dubai Safari their home.
To visit all the villages, it costs Dh85 for adults and Dh30 for children. Visitors who choose to opt out of the Open Safari Village pay Dh50 (adults) and Dh20 (children). Children under 3, those over 60 and people of determination are exempted from entry ticket charges.
The opening date for the public has not been revealed. However, according to the Dubai Municipality director general Hussain Nasser Lootah, the official announcement for the opening will be made in another 10 to 15 days.
sarwat@khaleejtimes.com