A massive Siberian bear, lions, cheetahs, zebras and a fantastic pair of white tigers already call the Al Bahia Family and Kids Park Zoo home. And in the sort of move usually reserved by those who are in possession of a massive floating ark, they’ll very soon be joined by a whole host of furry, scaly and feathery neighbours, as the park launches a major expansion project.
The zoo is unique in that it allows kids to interact with the animals, providing a tangible learning experience rather than a stroll through a park with sullen beasts trapped in cages. Currently, the place houses just under 700 animals in natural environments, and has enjoyed massive success with visits from schools and tour groups.
It also runs popular programmes, such as animal feeding – including bottle-feeding baby animals – riding (camels, horses, donkeys, and maybe the occasional parent) and plenty of animal shows. It is also home to one of the most heart-warming kids’ activities in the country, Nabtati; a programme designed to nurture a child’s connection with nature and the environment. Nabtati allows kids to plant a seed in the zoo’s farm, and encourages them to return often and water their plants. The kids get a chance to watch their plants grow over time, learning about the biological processes that keep our world green at the same time.
So while Al Bahia is already one of the best places in the emirate for budding Steve Irwins to discover more about their natural environment and the wildlife that inhabits it, plans have recently been unveiled to make the park even more educational, fun and interactive. In the next year, the project will introduce motel-style chalets, a full-sized ice-rink, an indoor Marine Zone with 26 salt water and four fresh water tanks, a butterfly park, a play and gaming zone, and increased ‘natural’ outdoor animal enclosures added to the existing four-hectares of attractions. There are also plans for a reptile and amphibian house, a chimpanzee park and a parrot enclosure, as well as an Arabian fort-style entrance and an expanded food court. Overall, it’s estimated the park will be twice the size it is now this time next year.
‘We are unique among the UAE’s zoos in that kids get the chance to interact with the animals and actually feed them; we provide a very hands-on experience that is lacking in other zoos around the Middle East. This educational emphasis will continue in the park’s new features when they come online,’ says general manager Mark Wright.
All well and good, you might think, but what about that rapidly climbing mercury? Fret not, you pasty people. The park has a clever misting system to keep everyone cool (visitors and furry residents alike), which will also be implemented in the new areas.
So, if you find yourself at the mercy of a pack of hyperactive monkeys in the coming months, venture out to Al Bahia for some hands-on, educational fun.
Entrance is Dhs20 for adults and Dhs5 for children under six. Entry to the ocean park, which will be finished this month, costs an additional Dhs5, and is free for kids under two. Packages are available for schools and large institutions.
