The Family & Kids Park Zoo in Al Bahia, a north-east suburb of the UAE capital, is undergoing significant expansion that will eventually see 35 motel-style chalets, a full-size ice-rink, an indoor Marine Zone with 26 salt water and four fresh water tanks, Butterfly Park, Play & Gaming Zone and increased ‘natural’ outdoor animal enclosures added to the four-hectare park’s existing attractions.

With 660 animals, including a majestic pair of white tigers, a 31-year-old, 300kg-plus Siberian bear, lions, cheetahs and dozens of zebras already housed in the zoo’s ‘Predators’ and ‘Wild Animals’ enclosures, the under-construction additions will double the park’s total size as they are phased in over the next 12 months.
The existing park-wide ‘misting system’ which keeps animals and patrons cool in the summer months will stretch across the new areas, which will also include a ‘Reptile & Amphibian House’, ‘Chimpanzee Park’ and ‘Parrot Park’. A new, Arabian fort-themed entrance and an expanded food court are also in the offing.

“We are unique among the UAE’s zoos in that kids get the chance to interact with the animals and actually feed them; we provide a very hands-on experience that is lacking in other zoos around the Middle East,” said Mark Wright, General Manager, Family & Kids Park Zoo – a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).

“The educational emphasis will continue in the park’s new features when they come online. The expanded areas will allow us to accommodate more animals of different varieties, making us an even more attractive proposition for existing and new customers,” added Wright.

With the majority of the park’s custom stemming from Abu Dhabi-based schools and day visitors, Wright stressed that the new facilities will attract and cater for visitors from other emirates and beyond.

“We’re a 40-minute drive from Dubai and a 30-minute drive from Abu Dhabi city centre, so pretty equidistant between the two. For families making weekend or day trips between the cities, we’re a perfect and affordable stop-off point,” said Wright.

“Similarly, with Yas Island only 10 minutes drive from the park, we’re hoping to leverage the area’s increased hotel guest business and give people something a little different to do during their visits to Abu Dhabi.”

The family-orientated park, which opened in November 2008, is open October through April from 9:30am to 8pm Sunday – Wednesday, with closing times expanded to 9pm on Thursday - Saturday. To ensure the animals’ welfare, the park is open from 4pm to 9pm during the summer months of May – September. To supplement the zoo’s outdoor offerings, certain areas of the park - such as the soon-to-open Play Zone and Gaming Zone - will remain open from 9:30am to 1am all year round. Ramadan opening timings are from 8pm to 12am.

Entrance to the park is AED20 for adults and AED5 for children of six years and under. Entry to the Ocean Park, which will be finished this month, costs an additional AED5, with two year olds and under entering the indoor area for free. Special admission charges – with all activities and animal feeding opportunities - are available for schools. Large corporate groups can also be accommodated, with special rates that include F&B options.
 

We accept Guest Posts

Download the Dubai City Guide iPhone mobile app

DubaiCityGuide.com is owned and managed by Cyber Gear