At Emirates Park Zoo and Resort in Abu Dhabi, unique experiences such as having breakfast with giraffes or dinner with leopards and parrots are offered. Dr. Walid Shaaban, CEO of the park, explains, “Breakfast with the giraffes is not only entertaining but also educational. With daily slots limited to two hours, these experiences are often fully booked.”
“We aim to create unique, nature-based experiences that inspire visitors to connect with and protect animals,” Dr. Shaaban continues. “By offering experiences like breakfast with giraffes or dinner with leopards, we foster a deep appreciation for wildlife. This approach helps visitors develop a love for animals, making them more receptive to conservation messages. We believe that these inspiring and memorable experiences encourage a greater commitment to protecting nature.”
Emirates Park Zoo is home to 1,800 animals, including giraffes, elephants, hippopotamuses, tigers, leopards, bears, and tropical birds. The zoo also features a diverse collection of reptiles, amphibians, and insects like bees, ants, and worms, creating a rich ecosystem. Initially opened as a Kids Park in 2008, it was rebranded as Emirates Park Zoo & Resort in 2012.
The rebranding included the addition of chalets, a mini safari, a petting zoo, and a reptile house. Recently, the zoo welcomed new animals such as a giraffe named Eid and a baby hippopotamus named Cutie Beauty. They also saw the birth of two-humped camels for the first time at the zoo. Additionally, an interactive koi fish pool has been established, allowing visitors, especially children, to hand-feed colourful koi fish.
The zoo operates year-round from 9 AM to 8 PM, with air-conditioned areas available during the hottest parts of the day in summer. Entry fees are Dh50 per person for standard entry and Dh120 for an explorer ticket, which includes unlimited access to animal presentations.
