At the Al Ain Zoo, visitors can feed giraffes up close, take camel rides, and interact with a variety of animals. This zoo is the region's largest and most acclaimed, with transparent enclosures housing locals and exotics such as Arabian oryx, Barbary sheep, rhinos, hippos, tigers, and lions.
In addition to being well known for its conservation and breeding programs, this zoo offers visitors the chance to walk through a lemur enclosure. Picnic areas and play areas are available along with restaurants and cafes for lunch. Additionally, the wildlife area can be toured by train.
At the Zoo, the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre is housed in a beautiful building that has been awarded the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification. In addition to it, the Desert Conservation Center is a great place for learning about the UAE's natural environment.
A park with 217 hectares of land has many species of animals, including lions, white rhinos, zebras, wildebeests, gazelles, kudu, scimitar oryx, and addax. Dinner with the Lions is a wonderful way to end your evening. Enjoy a sumptuous meal while you watch the lions at play.
Al Ain Zoo Highlights
• Exploring over 200 species in an untamed manner is no less than a delight for wildlife lovers.
• Enjoy seeing the animals having their meals or even try your hands at feeding a few giraffes.
• The Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Center is available to the public which educates us about the desert lifestyle and its ecosystem which includes the flora and fauna as well.
• A visit to the crocodile and hippo exhibits to have a close look at them.
• You get to enjoy the Desert Socks Show which is the most famous attraction here.
• Enjoy feeding the penguin.
• Zoo has a great collection of Arab Sand Cats.
• Enjoy the various activities while camping here which include art and craft, recycling, face painting, gardening, and team-building games.
How To Reach Al Ain Zoo
From Dubai: The location is approx 130 km and it is easily reachable through car/taxi via Al Ain - Dubai Rd/E66.
From Abu Dhabi: Take line 990 bus from Al Ain - Tawam Hospital to Al Ain - Zoo and you will reach in no time.
Best Time To Visit Al Ain Zoo
The Zoo is operational from 9:00 AM to 8:00 Pm daily yet the best time to visit is during the weekdays, as on weekends it is generally crowded. Additionally, make sure that you visit here early in the morning to catch a glimpses of the morning routines of these wild animals.
Animals at Al Ain zoo
The zoo was founded in 1969 and is the largest in the United Arab Emirates. Aside from endemic mammals such as Arabian antelopes, giraffes, and elands, visitors can also see African giraffes, African gazelles, and Arabian oryx. In the big cat enclosures, you can find lions, tigers, pumas, jaguars, and leopards. In addition, the establishment has an aviary, a monkey enclosure, and a reptile house.
More than 30 percent of the animals that can be found here are extinct. The zoo is known for its research facilities and breeding programs. With the Al Ain Safori, the zoo's latest expansion, animals from Africa and the Arabian Gulf (including some critically endangered species) are visitable in a more natural setting. You can only visit this area of the zoo by Jeep or truck. The most popular birds you can spot here include the Desert Eagle Owl, Chilean Flamingo, Emu Bird, Blue-necked OstrichLesser Flamingo, Steppe Eagle, Vulturine Guineafowl, Greater Flamingo.
Experiences at Al Ain zoo
In addition to the petting zoo, the camel rides give you an overview of the zoo while riding over the humped animal. Giraffe feeding activities which is the most pleasurable activity you are supposed to pay a little for the grass that is fed to these lovely towering creatures. There is a children's garden, which encourages biodiversity education for the kids. There are many other family-friendly attractions that could be experienced. The most loved attraction here is the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Center, which features exhibits dedicated to the Arabian Gulf's desert ecology and environment. The zoo also has a garden for kids and various educational and team-building activities making for an offbeat experience of the zoo.
The most lovely experiences here include Al Ain Mountain Bike ride, Bicycle trail, Cheetah Run, Penguin Feeding, Parrot Show, Wings Of The Sahara Show, Reptile encounter, budgie feeding, etc. The most memorable experience here is that the zoo's owners are happy to host your special event or party either on-site or inside their well-equipped venue. The proficient chefs will prepare your favorite cuisines for the breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets. Bring your guests to the zoo, the staff is ready to serve them delicious juices, fancy main courses, and delightful desserts.
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