• 1967 The zoo is built in Jumeirah by a Dubai resident and later becomes a landmark as it is indicated as the "town's end"
  • 1971 Management of the zoo is taken over by Dubai Municipality
  • 1984 Dubai Municipality approves new expansion for Al Mushrif Park with the setting up of a modern zoo
  • 1989 A male chimpanzee is the first animal born at the zoo since 1985.
  • 1989 It is reported that zoo officials were forced to send some animals to Europe and Asia due to overcrowding.
  • 1990 Dubai zoo closes for renovation and maintenance work.
  • 1991 Reopens after renovation.
  • 2003 Dubai Municipality announces it will build a new Dh610 million zoo on 560 hectares of land behind Al Mushrif Park
  • 2004 Plans to build new zoo put on hold for reasons unknown.
  • 2005 It is reported that plans for the new zoo have been shelved.
  • 2007 Dubai Municipality announces that new zoo will be built on 500 acres of land in Dubailand and will boast zoo safari, night zoo and educational facilities for children.
  • 2007 Construction of the new zoo in Dubailand postponed for the fourth time.
  • 2010 Dubai zoo's budget cut from Dh1.1 million to Dh840,000.
  • 2010 Two activists from the international animal rights group Peta stage protest against Dubai Zoo's poor conditions.