“Everything you need to know about Al-Ain Zoo Abu-Dhabi (UAE)”
Do you feel excited in visiting zoos to observe and learn about a wide variety of animal species from around the globe?
Are you captivated by the rich diversity of wildlife?
If so, then Al Ain Zoo is a must-visit destination for you. It has served as a cornerstone of wildlife in the UAE for over 5 decades, this zoo offers a spectacular experience, especially popular with kids.
Let me tell you more about this remarkable place and why it’s such a hit with families during the vacations.
Brief Introduction
Al Ain Zoo was established in 1968 by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. It’s a renowned wildlife park in the United Arab Emirates that covers an expansive 400 hectares near Jebel Hafeet.
The park serves as both a conservation center and an educational hub. The zoo, home to over 4,300 animals including endangered species like desert antelopes and the Arabian oryx. It offers visitors an engaging experience with wildlife through its nearly natural habitat enclosures.
As one of the largest and most famous zoos in the Middle East, Al Ain Zoo combines adventure, learning, and animal protection. Visitors can enjoy various activities, such as dining with lions, while supporting conservation efforts. This makes Al Ain Zoo a prime destination for animal lovers and those eager to learn about wildlife preservation in a fun and interactive environment.
Best Time to Visit the Zoo
Visiting a zoo is a fantastic experience, and knowing when to go makes it even better. The best time to visit the zoo in the UAE is during the winter months from October to March because you will be walking a lot and spending a lot of time outside, and you will want to stay cool.
You can also opt to visit the park in August and September, where you can hire a private vehicle service to take you on a zoo tour.
The zoo is open every day from 9 in the morning until 6 in the evening. If you prefer a quieter visit, try to go on a weekday, as weekends can be busy, but going early in the morning is usually less crowded. Walking around the zoo is much nicer when it’s not too hot, so visiting between October and April will ensure a comfortable and enjoyable time.
Activities to-do at al-Ain Zoo
Al Ain Zoo offers a wide range of activities for animal enthusiasts, making it an excellent destination for family or friends. Visitors can enjoy while feeding the animals, cycling around the park, riding animals, watching shows, participating in an animal safari, and engaging in close-up animal encounters.
1-See and adore the animals
At Al Ain Zoo, you can see a variety of animals, including lions, tigers, giraffes, and elephants, in large enclosures that mimic their natural habitats. The zoo offers close encounters with animals like cheetahs and penguins, among others.
During the winter, you can enjoy the penguin parade, where Humboldt penguins wander and play on the grass while a keeper shares fascinating facts about them. Additionally, every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 5 p.m., you can witness the cheetah run, showcasing the speed of the world’s fastest land animal.
On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 4 to 6 p.m., visitors can join the lemur walk and enter the lemur enclosure. Every day at 3 p.m., the reptile exhibit offers an opportunity to get up close with various reptile
2. Feeding the Animals
Feeding the animals has been one of the best activities to-do at the Al Ain Zoo. Giraffes, with their friendly conduct, use their long, purple tongues to grab lettuce and carrots right out of your hands. This experience costs Dhs32 for a group of four and is available every day from 3 to 8 p.m.
It’s especially fun for kids who can hold a small plate of seeds and let the birds eat right out of their hands. Additionally, visitors can step back and observe how various animals are fed at different times throughout the zoo. Every day at 5 p.m., you can watch the chimpanzees eat, and on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 5 p.m., you can watch the crocodiles being fed. At 3 p.m. daily, the penguins’ lively fish-feeding session is also a highlight. Some animals, like giraffes, can eat from your hand, allowing you to buy food and share a special moment with them.
3- Enjoy animal ride
At the Children’s Zoo, your child can have an exciting option to tour in style by riding a horse, camel, or pony that will give them an amazing experience. Each ride costs Dhs16. The rides are available daily from 3 PM to 8 PM
4-Amuse yourself with animal shows
During the zoo visit, you can enjoy special shows featuring trained animals performing fascinating and entertaining acts. You might see clever parrots flying and doing tricks, or sea lions playing in the water. These performances are both exciting and educational by showcasing the unique abilities of different animals. It is recommended to sit and enjoy the show without upsetting the animals. It’s a wonderful way to have fun and learn something new about them with your kids.
5- Experience Al-Ain Safari
The Al Ain Safari, located in the Hajar Mountains near the Al Ain Zoo, features an African Safari section that is now open to the public. This expansive safari is one of the world’s largest, showcasing lions, giraffes, and white rhinoceroses from Africa. Visitors can also see other animals such as zebras, antelope, wildebeests, gazelles, and ostriches etc.
The Al Ain Safari offers various tour packages, including private SUV tours and safari truck tours. The SUV tours, which can accommodate up to six people, last about an hour and are available daily with scheduled times. The safari truck tours, lasting approximately 45 minutes, can accommodate up to 22 people but are not recommended for children under five years old.
Tickets information
Al Ain Zoo offers various ticketing options, including standard admission tickets and memberships.
Tickets can be purchased online for convenience.
Standard admission tickets cost Dhs32 for adults and Dhs11 for children ages 3 to 12; children under 3 enter for free.
Annual passes are available for Dhs237 for adults and Dhs95 for children ages 3 to 12.
Annual pass holders receive discounts, including up to 30% off on safari SUV, 50% off on safari truck, 20% off on shopping, food, and drinks, and 20% off on the Al Maha Royal ticket.
A family pass for five people costs Dh662, allowing entry for two adults and three children; additional children can be added for Dhs95 each.
Both annual pass and family pass holders can enjoy cost savings.
Tips before visiting the zoo
Determine your destinations, activities, and transportation.
Pack only essential items like clothing, toiletries, and documents.
Keep yourself secure and follow safety guidelines.
Drink plenty of water, especially in hot weather, to avoid dehydration.
Take breaks and ensure you get enough sleep to combat travel fatigue.
Familiarize yourself with a few key phrases in the local language for communication.
Keep in mind the respect of local customs and treat people with kindness.
Get yourself educated with local emergency contacts and be cautious while exploring.
Capture memories, but also try to enjoy the moments without the camera.
Embrace new experiences and diverse cultures for a more fulfilling trip.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Al Ain Zoo stands as a beacon of conservation and education by showcasing a commitment to preserving biodiversity and fostering a deeper understanding of the natural world. Through its diverse collection of species and immersive exhibits, the zoo provides visitors with an opportunity to connect with wildlife and inspire a sense of stewardship towards our planet. By engaging in conservation initiatives and promoting environmental awareness, Al Ain Zoo not only enriches the lives of its visitors but also plays a vital role in safeguarding the future of countless species for generations to come.
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