Name: Al Ain Zoo
Rating: 4.5

Al Ain Zoo, Al Ain Overview

The Al Ain Zoo is a humongous 400-hectare park near the base of Jebel Hafeet is where visitors can see many beautiful species of animals in enclosures that closely resemble their natural habitats. Over 4,000 animals reside in the zoo out of which around 130 species are considered endangered. There are plenty of green public spaces for picnics alongside several playgrounds, a cafeteria and a train tour of the wildlife area. There’s also a bird show featuring predatory and night birds which occurs in the evening.

History of the Al Ain Zoo

The Al Ain zoo was founded in 1967 by the late Sheikh Zayed, founder of the United Arab Emirates. He created the zoo out of his concern for nature and wildlife of his homeland. This massive zoo was built with an objective of creating natural habitats for animals to live freely and has been a centre for the conservation of endangered species.

Flora and Fauna of Al Ain Zoo

Cat house: The zoo features a large cat house apart from a reptile house, an aquarium, a monkey compound and an aviary.

Yellow section: It houses the African lion, Bengal tiger, chimpanzee, puma, saltwater crocodile, panther, Nile crocodile and leopards. Rare animals like the Arabian antelopes and Oryx, Eland, Gazelles, and Lechwes can be found within this gigantic zoo.

Flower garden and a native plant garden that features plant species indigenous to the region.

Ticket Price

Ticket Prices at the Al Ain Zoo and Aquarium
Entertainer ticket (Zoo Access):
Adult: AED 30,
Children (3 - 12 years): AED 10

Explorer ticket (Zoo + SZDLC access):
Adult: AED 60,
Children (3 - 12 years): AED 40

Safari ticket (Zoo + safari access):
Group truck:
Adult: AED 200,
Children (3 - 12 years): AED 200,
Private SUV (1-6 pax): AED 1000

Safari Explorer ticket (Zoo + SZDLC access + Safari access):
Group truck:
Adult: AED 230,
Children (3 - 12 years): AED 230,
Private SUV (1-6 pax): AED 1150

Safari in Al Ain Zoo

The zoo can be explored easily and thoroughly through the safari service. There are packages extending across a wide range with the lowest starting at AED 200 per head.

Six People package: Here you get a private safari truck completely to yourself or whoever is accompanying you.
Price: AED 1000

Personal SUV: Apart from a personal SUV, you get a personal air-conditioned lounge too where you can unwind, relax and browse through the zoo at your own pace.
Price: AED 2500

Book the safari tickets online from the official Al-Ain Zoo website. However, keep in mind that the tickets are non-refundable.

Tips For Visiting Al Ain Zoo

Carry water, you get dehydrated quickly.
Don't forget the camera, the proximity to wild animals provide amazing opportunities for great shots.
Hiring a guide will allow you to get more out of the trip.
Feeding giraffes, riding camels petting animals at the 'Elezba' zoo are a few of the interactive activities available at the zoo.
A bird show featuring predatory and night birds starts at 7 PM. This show lasts for about half an hour.