Dubai: This could well be the last summer for the inmates of the Dubai Zoo as the much-anticipated Dubai Safari Park is on track for its year-end launch. As the park prepares to house 10,500 animals of 380 species, some of which are rare and endangered, the work in progress is a case study in how a development of this order can be etched out of a landfill for construction waste. When XPRESS visited the site recently, hundreds of workers were giving the finishing touches to the park which will be no less than a world-class sanctuary.
Essa Al Haj Al Maidoor, deputy director-general of Dubai Municipality, gave us the latest updates on the project in an interview. Excerpts:
How is the Dubai Safari Park shaping up?
The project is being developed in two phases. The first phase comprises eight zones - an Entrance Plaza, Children Zoo, Safari Village, Arabian Village, Asian Village, African Village, Al Wadi and service areas across 119 hectares. The second phase is double in size and features a botanical garden. We are also building a golf course in the park and work on that has already started.
Why golf?
It adds a lifestyle value to the project without harming the animals. The golf course will be built on a hill – 40 metres high towards Mushrif and Al Warqa. In fact, the green expanse of the golfing area will act as a buffer between the safari park and the residential communities on the other side.
So Dubai Safari Park is more than just a zoo?
Absolutely. We hope to build a world-class sanctuary. We plan to have a research centre and a breeding centre to preserve rare species, a veterinary hospital and more. The aim is to create a fully sustainable environment for the animals we are adopting from all over the world. The Dubai Safari Park is also part of WAZA, the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, concerned with preserving the bio-diversity of animals across the globe.
In what other ways will the park promote a sustainable environment?
The area on which the park has been built used to be a landfill. In order to transform this to a usable space, we have used all the available technology in the world. The entire park will be powered by solar energy which will absorb sunlight during the day and convert this into conventional electricity in the night. The main building will include smart, secure and environmentally friendly services, including the use of treated water.
Have you got the staff in place to take care of the animals?
Our priority is to keep the animals safe and healthy. Every animal behaves differently and we will have more than 500 experts to take care of them. We will respect the privacy and freedom of animals. There are several water mists around the park to keep the area cool in summer for them. They will go through a quarantine and adaptation process before being introduced into the park for the public.
Is this the last summer for the animals in Dubai Zoo?
Indeed it is. Besides these animals, we are also bringing new animals from around the world – this will be done as smoothly as possible.
What is the total cost of the project?
The first phase costs around Dh1.5 billion. The entire project, when completed, is expected to touch around Dh2 billion. Ninety per cent of the cost is towards building a habitat for the animals.
What is the footfall you are anticipating when the park opens?
An average of 20-25,000 people every day.
What about the entry tickets?
We are working on that. Rest assured, they will be affordable.
