Emirates Park Zoo and Resort
Are you looking for the perfect budget-friendly day out with friends and family in Abu Dhabi? The newly revamped Emirates Park Zoo and Resort is just what you are looking for! This zoo is not just a great place to take your kids to, it also has a large feeding area allowing your little ones to see the animals up close and interact with them. The zoo is also attached to an Abu Dhabi resort, making it a great spot for a different kind of staycation. Here is the complete guide to the Emirates Park Zoo and Resort located just off the highway to Dubai, at Al Bahia. Read on to find out details about the tickets, opening hours, special shows and more at this zoo in Abu Dhabi.
Things to do in Emirates Park Zoo
The Emirates Park Zoo opened up as a small feeding farm in 2008, before expanding into a full-blown zoo in 2012. Since then the management has worked hard at maintaining the zoo to high standards and adding attractions to bring in more visitors over the years. It is one of the best places to take your kids in Abu Dhabi and provides for lively entertainment for the adults too, especially if you spend hours watching the fascinating lives of wild animals on Nat Geo.
Emirates park zoo map
Here is how the attractions in the Emirates Zoo are spread out.
Now let’s take a closer look at what the Emirates Park zoo offers its visitors.
The Animals at Emirates Park Zoo
There are over 1700 animals at the zoo, so if you are an animal lover, you are going to love watching them here. The zoo is divided into different zones. Here are all the areas in the Emirates Park Zoo where you can find your favourite mammals, reptiles, birds and more:
Camel Farm:
This is the area in this Abu Dhabi zoo that hosts the indigenous desert animals. Over here you can feed the camels and get to see them up close and personal. They are fairly demanding when it comes to the grass, so make sure your children maintain a healthy distance to avoid being accidentally bitten. Near the camels, there are also other cattle, including bison, jersey cows and more.
Crocodile Pool:
This is the part of the Emirates zoo where you can see Nile crocodiles, alligators and other varieties of the fearsome amphibious predators.
Hippo House:
You can watch the resident hippopotamus frolicking in the water in this zone located just before the birds of prey zone.
Birds of Prey:
As the name suggests, here’s where you can see the owls, buzzards, hawks, eagles and vultures. If you are like us, you too will be fascinated by their piercing gaze and unwavering stares.
Primate Paradise:
It’s the place to monkey around with different varieties of the species. From cheeky capuchin monkeys to adorable marmoset monkeys that gaze adoringly at you, there’s plenty to see at this area of the park.
Mammal Cave:
This cavernous zone is where you get to meet the many mammals calling the zoo home. There are white racoons, fennec foxes, smaller varieties of wild cats, and other furry animals. Keep a watch out for the cheeky racoons who are happy to make faces at you while you admire their rambunctious antics.
Equine Enclosure:
Say hello to the horses, ponies, donkeys, llamas and alpacas at this enclosure where you can also feed the animals. They are quite social and friendly with some even putting their cheeks out to be petted. Remember that they can bite, so be sure to maintain a safe distance. You can also ride a pony or horse by paying an additional fee at the park.
Giraffe Park:
Here’s where you should come if you would like to feed the giraffes. The towering creatures will happily munch on the grass, that you can feed them at the feeding area that has been built upstairs to the accommodate the tall heights of the giraffes in residences. You will also find zebras, deer and a few ostriches in this enclosure.
Bird Park:
This is the area where you can see all sorts of beautiful birds. From pigeon, ducks, geese and other varieties of fowl to brightly coloured parrots and gracefully chirping lovebirds, there’s a lot to observe here if you are a fan of ornithology. It is currently closed for renovation but is expected to open shortly.
Reptile House:
Turtles, iguanas, smaller snakes, chameleons and more dwell in the cool recesses of the reptile house. You will have to have a keen sense of observation to spot some of the deceptively camouflaged creatures here.
Snake Alley:
As you walk through the Snake Alley you will see some gorgeously patterned pythons, boa constrictors, and even the famed anaconda. If you are in luck and happen to pass by during feeding time, you might even be able to see the massive python swallow its prey!
Bear Cave:
The brown bear looks like a happy camper and he traipses around his recreated cave. He is known to take long naps so you might have to stop by more than once to get a chance to spot him.
Flamingo Park:
Just across from the bear cave is the Flamingo Park where the graceful, pink-tipped flamingos are gathered around.
Wildlife Walk:
Easily one of the most exciting attractions in Emirates Park Zoo, the wildlife walk is home to three playful lions, several majestic tigers, two rescued cheetahs who have beaten cancer, two rather lazy leopards, an unbelievably good looking pair of white tigers and some regal Asian elephants. You can also see some varieties of deer, oryx and other herbivores too in this area. Don’t miss out on the heartwarming tale of Jasper and Shazzly, the two rescue cheetahs, who fought bravely against malnutrition and even leukaemia. Jasper is turning into quite the celebrity now that he has learnt to paint! You can also feed the elephants in this zone.
Animal Theatre:
One of the other interesting things to do in Emirates Park Zoo is to watch the Sea Lion show. The resident sea lion comes out to regale audiences with his playful antics and it’s quite an entertaining show, so plan your visit to this zoo in Abu Dhabi in such a way that you don’t miss out on the sea lion show.
Petting Zoo:
A large area with different types of goats, sheep, and other farm animals, this is where your kids will enjoy the most. They can feed the animals, see them at close quarters and enjoy interacting with them.
While most of the park is set outdoors, there are air-conditioned areas within the park. The Wildlife Walk, Reptile House and Snake Alley are all air-conditioned. We do recommend coming in the early evenings to enjoy the park to the fullest. If you like to spend time feeding the animals and walking around the park, you will need to spend a minimum of three hours here.
Other Attractions in Emirates Park Zoo
While the animals are certainly the biggest attractions in Emirates Park Zoo, there are other things to do here as well. The Emirates Park Zoo has a range of facilities such as a gaming arcade, a nursery for children, a clinic attached to the nursery, developed and equipped to the best international standards, and an additional nursery for children with special needs.
There is also a children’s salon, a souvenir shop and handicrafts store where visitors can buy painting created by Jasper, the rescued cheetah. There are also a few restaurants and cafes in the zoo for you to get refreshments if you are tired after walking around the park.
There are also activities that you can sign up for at the park. You can contact the Emirates Park Zoo to find out the timings of these activities and shows.
There is also the Emirates Park Resort, where visitors can book chalets to stay in and enjoy the spa and other recreational facilities.
Emirates zoo timings
Here are timings for the Emirates Park Zoo. These timings are subject to change during Ramadan.
- Sunday – Saturday: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
Tickets for Emirates Park Zoo Entry, Activities and Experiences
Apart from the general entry tickets to this Abu Dhabi zoo, there are also additional tickets where you can combine experiences or activities. Here are the Emirates park zoo ticket rates:
- Emirates Park Zoo Tickets: Adults AED 35, Children between 3-16: AED 30 and free entry for children under 3 years.
- Breakfast with Parrots: You and the family can have breakfast with Jelly and his flying mates at the park. AED 99 for adults, AED 80 for kids ( 4-12 years old) and free for kids below 3 years old. This includes entry to the park too.
- Breakfast with Giraffes: A chance to eat with the tallest herbivores in the park. AED 1,048.95 for five people, including entry to the park.
- They have also recently introduced a lunch with leopards, but prices for this have not been announced as yet.
You can buy the Emirates park zoo tickets on the official website, but there are usually highly reasonable Emirates Park Zoo offers on Groupon and Entertainer. So make sure to check them out if you want to get a steal of a deal on the zoo visit.
There are designated areas for parking, but it can get pretty crowded during weekends, so you may end up having to walk quite a bit. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
Emirates park zoo contact number
For more information on any of the information mentioned here you can call the following numbers:
- Emirates park zoo contact number:+971-2-501-0000
- Emirates park resort contact number: +971-2-506-9000
The Emirates Park Zoo is the perfect place for the whole family to have a fun day in which they can learn about all the details of wildlife. It is an important destination for children to develop their knowledge of animal welfare and conservation methods. Are you excited to take your kids to this awesome wildlife centre in Abu Dhabi? Let us know in the comments section below.
If your kids enjoy meeting animals and interacting with them, you could also check out the Safari Park Dubai once it re-opens. Stay tuned to the best property blog in Abu Dhabi for more such insightful articles.
