Exotic animals give a new look to the renovated Al Ain Zoo.

New exotic animals at Al Ain zoo

New exotic animals, shaded walkways and more dining options were introduced on Tuesday at the renovated Al Ain Zoo.

The zoo added three gazelle species, including the chital, nilgai and the blackbuck, to its mixed Asian exhibit.

The exhibit, between the children’s zoo and play area, features a variety of Asian animals that roam in an open field.

A new children’s zoo offers youngsters a chance to interact with a variety of birds in an aviary or play with a tortoise near a pond.

A family area, another addition built as part of the renovations, allows kids to take part in different activities offered by the zoo. This is in addition to the giraffe feeding platform, which encourages visitors to feed the animals.

The walkway leading guests from the zoo’s main entrance to the upgraded cat house exhibit is now covered, protecting guests from the sun as they stroll towards the African lions, leopards, jaguars, pumas and tigers.

The zoo says its cat collection is one of the largest in the world. The main entrance has also been enhanced to accommodate visitors with special mobility needs, including families with strollers.

“Board members of the Zoo and Aquarium Public Institution in Al Ain, headed by Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, are committed to enhancing visitor experiences, providing services that will not only entertain but educate,” said Ghanim Al Hajeri, director general of Al Ain Zoo.

VIP packages offer guests access to the Ahlan Lounge, private shuttles and tours.

Dining options have also improved with the addition of the Flamingo Cafe and Mixed African Cafe.

Al Ain Zoo, which boasts a collection of more than 4,000 animals spanning 197 species, is open 9am to 8pm daily through December. Tickets cost Dh20 per adult and Dh10 for children ages 3 to 12. Children younger than 3 years old can enter for free.

“Al Ain Zoo is part of a larger and more ambitious vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to conserve arid wildlife, and as such the zoo is home to an internationally important conservation programme focusing on the wildlife of the world’s arid regions,” Mr Al Hajeri said.