The Sharjah Zoo is open every day except Tuesdays. This is not a traditional zoo with animals locked in cages. In this place, the conditions resemble the wild. On the territory of the facility, you can also get acquainted with plants typical of the UAE, visit a children's farm.
History of creation
The park, named the Arab Wildlife Center, was opened in 1999 to protect endangered plant and animal species. They receive maximum care at the Sharjah Zoo. The goal was set: to revive the typical flora and fauna of the Arabian Peninsula, so it is easy to see the plants and animals that exist in this peninsula in the park. The task was completed in full. It is considered to be the largest safari park outside of Africa, with an area of 8 square kilometers under the open sky.
Short description
There are 100,000 trees on the territory of the Sharjah Zoo, 120 species of animals live here. The spacious aviaries have recreated the natural habitat of birds and animals, they can walk freely. Guests of the Wildlife Center move through special corridors that protect visitors and animals from each other. You can see lions, leopards, gazelles, giraffes, rhinos, flamingos and crocodiles.
When it's too hot outside, the zoo closes, and the animals are moved to air-conditioned rooms to provide them with a comfortable environment. The center is usually open on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9.00 to 18.30, on Friday the working day starts at 14.00, and on Saturday and Sunday – 11.00, on Tuesday – a day off. The schedule may change, so it is better to check the information with the park staff. Admission is free for children under 12 years old.
The best time to visit
October-April is considered to be the most favorable period for a trip to the zoo in Sharjah. At this time, the air temperature is moderate, so exploring the area will be the easiest. It is better to arrive a few hours before closing time in order to take a longer walk in an unusual place.
You can also visit the petting zoo, which is also called the children's farm, where Arabian horses, donkeys, cows, goats, and sheep live. Animals can be petted, ponies and camels can be ridden, ducks can be fed in the pond. After such a busy day, you can eat in cafes and restaurants.
Features of the Sharjah Zoo
It is inconvenient to walk around the park, so there is a tram service for guests. You can get from one aviary to another by tram, which saves time and increases convenience. There is no need to pay extra for travel, it is enough just to show a ticket providing entrance to the Arab Wildlife Center in Sharjah. This way, you can see more animals. Families with children often come here, and this is a real adventure for them. For a fee, you can explore the park on a Land Cruiser 300, usually this option is suitable for VIP guests. Each of the zones is surrounded by a special fence, and it looks a bit like the scenery from Jurassic Park.
How to get
The zoo in Sharjah is located 26 kilometers from the city center, behind the international airport. It is necessary to get to the Al-Tidd area, to the territory of the Bardi Reserve with a length of more than 16 kilometers. The most convenient way to get there is by taxi or rented car. The road runs along the E88 highway, parking is provided for visitors.
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