Al Ain Zoo

Al Ain Safari Zoo opened in 1969 and is the largest zoo in the United Arab Emirates. Mammals such as Arabian antelope and Arabian oryx can be seen as well as African gazelles and giraffes. Large cat enclosures contain lions, tigers, black and spotted leopards, and jaguars. The zoo is known for its research facilities, especially its breeding program for endangered native animals, as more than 30 percent of the species that can be seen here are currently on the endangered list. The zoo's latest project is Al Ain Safari, a 217-hectare site where Arabian and African Gulf animals (including some endangered species) live in a more natural environment. Visiting this section of the zoo is done with a jeep or truck tour only. There are plenty of family features, including a petting zoo, giraffe feeding activities, camel rides and a children's park, which encourage learning about biodiversity.