Al Ain zoo opens gates to nocturnal visitors

Al Ain: Al Ain Zoo has launched its summer programme offering people an opportunity to visit its exhibits and gardens at night to avoid the sizzling daylight weather conditions.

The programme, called Summer Night Zoo, offers a unique and enjoyable experience, said Mark Craig, Director of Al Ain Zoo. The zoo will be open from 4pm till 10pm throughout the week and will continue until September.

Craig said new animals such as meerkats and rhinos, extended picnic areas, and new signage had been added to enrich the visitor's experience.

Amenities

"Many of our animals are nocturnal and therefore active at night. This is a great opportunity for visitors to witness the animals interacting in their natural habitat," he said.

The zoo has installed sufficient lights, picnic areas and pathways for visitors to view the wildlife that include the Arabian Oryx, giraffe, zebra, Nubian Ibex, lions, crocodiles, and a variety of primate species.

A restaurant has recently opened at the zoo and sells a variety of food for all the family.

Majid Al Mansouri, managing director of the zoo, said the summer night programme had set a new benchmark for wildlife tourism in the Middle East.

"I am confident that it will be an unforgettable experience for the whole family. It is a great opportunity to escape the summer heat, enjoy the dramatic landscape of the zoo and experience something unique in the UAE," he said.

He said the zoo had been transformed into an enjoyable and informative destination for the whole family and the experience now be extended beyond daytime.

Visitors can wander through 45 hectares and see over 600 animals in their natural habitat.

The new features include an extended viewing area of the mixed African exhibit with the addition of five White Rhinos from South Africa. These threatened species will be part of a breeding programme and share their extensive space with giraffe, zebra, fringe-eared Oryx, Thompson gazelle, Dama gazelle, wildebeest and ostrich.

"For the first time in the Middle East these animals can be seen together at night when they will be most active," he said.

A special feature of the programme is the Night Bird Show, the first of its kind in the world.

The show will be performed every night at 7.30pm and visitors will be able to experience a variety of free-flying birds of prey under special lighting, in their natural environments. Species include falcons, owls, eagles and an odd surprise.

Timings and charges

- Timings: From 4pm to 10pm every night

- Tickets: Dh15 for adults and Dh5 for children

--Children under 6 years: Free

--Night Bird Show: 7.30pm

--Feeding of Mixed African Exhibit 7.30pm

--Feeding of Mixed Arabian Exhibit: Open from 7.30pm

--Reptile House: Open from 4pm to 9pm

--Bird House: Open from 4pm to 9pm

--Nocturnal House: Open from 4pm to 9pm

--Restaurant: Open from 4pm to 11pm