ABU DHABI Fancy feeding crocodiles? Well you can now do that at the UAE’s first private animal park.
That’s not the only reason to visit Emirates Park Zoo though. The park, which boasts over 250 species of animals has added new attractions such as a hippo house, a dedicated equine area, adventure climbing and more as part of its ongoing expansion drive.
Five-year-old Otto is the first inhabitant of the 400 square metre hippo house that comes fitted with two night rooms, temperature-controlled pool and a holding and exhibit area. “He feeds on elephant grass, dry alfa, apple, veggies and sheep pellets,” said Waleed Sha’aban, the zoo operations manager.
Sha’aban said plans are also underway to have a safari within the park. “It is currently in design stage, construction should begin by December,” he said.
Other additions
Other new additions to the park include meerkats, otters, two mandrills, variety of birds of prey, camels and equines.
“The meerkats live inside burrows which they dig with their long, sharp claws. They look cute with their bushy brown-striped fur and small pointed face and are social animals,” said Sha’aban.
“Otters are a big hit with visitors, especially children who are fascinated by their underwater skills. Their webbed feet help them swim and they possess seal-like abilities to hold their breath under water,” he said.
The equine area houses two horses, four ponies and seven donkeys. A number of cockatoos, parrots and toucans are new entrants to the zoo as are a number of hump-back camels and lamas.
The park also has a resort with over 60 chalets overlooking a giraffe park.
Zoo Zip and Climb
To add some fun and adventure, children can now tiptoe on tight ropes to get a bird’s eye-view of the park. The aerial adventure is supervised by zoo staff. The adventure circuit includes zip lines from one end of the park to the other
Summer camp
Designed for kids between the age of six and 12 years, the camp offers fun activities, projects, walk-throughs and learning about wildlife and conservation. The camp is on from July 2 until August 31 between 9 am and 2pm (Sunday to Thursday).
