This 900 hectare park near the base of Jebel Hafeet is where visitors can see a large animal collection in enclosures that closely resemble their natural habitats. There are plenty of green public spaces for picnics and also playgrounds, a cafeteria and a train tour of the wildlife area.
The Al Ain Zoo is home to over 4,000 animals, with at least 30% of its 180 species considered endangered. Conservation efforts have been strengthened by partnerships with San Diego Zoo, the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden in Miami, and the World Association of Zoos & Aquariums.
Giraffe feeding, camel riding and ‘Elezba’ petting zoo are the latest interactive activities. Visitors can enjoy feeding the giraffe treats such as carrots or lettuce five times daily in a special area. Designed in the style of a local farm, the ‘Elezba’ petting zoo lets families feed and play with sheep, goats, camels, llamas, chicken and ducks, enjoy camel riding or picnic in a designated area.
The general opening hours for the zoo are from 9am to 8pm, however during the hot summer months (June-September), the facility operates from 4pm-10pm. For more information, please visit awpr.ae
Children’s Garden
A fun-filled, outdoor learning scheme designed to inspire children with a love for biodiversity, this garden demonstratesnthe beauty of plants.
The garden features a rolling hill, mixed use play areas, picnic spots, a flower garden and native plant garden with species indigenous to the UAE, a recycling garden and a vegetable, fruit and herb garden. With spectacular African Baobab trees framing the area, the towering trunks offer a genuine horticulture lesson in how specific plants can adapt to dry soil conditions.
Website: www.awpr.ae
Where: near Traffic Police, Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain
Telephone: +971 3 7041500