Al Ain Zoo will be on summer break from Sunday to allow the facility to develop new and improved exhibits and activities before its 45th anniversary in December.
Zoo timings will now be Thursday to Saturday, 6pm to 10pm.
“To minimise inconvenience – and to coincide with the animals’ natural resting times – we have opted to implement these plans during the quieter weekdays over the summer period,” said Ghanim Al Hajeri, general director of the zoo.
The summer break will include the debut of an exhibit featuring the Asian ungulate species chital (spotted deer), nilgai (Asian antelope), and blackbuck.
The petting zoo, Elezba, will be revamped, encouraging more guest interaction with animals with a walk-in aviary, tortoise enclosure, bird feeding, and family area.
An activities area with life-size chess pieces will be available, and visitors are invited to observe the animals in a natural imitation of the wild. The zoo will be open each day of the Eid Al Fitr holiday before returning to the abbreviated schedule until October 1.
“We look forward to sharing more details about our plans for Eid Al Fitr very soon, and to welcoming guests to spend the holiday with us,” Mr Al Hajeri said.
The zoo has free entry to under-12s when accompanied by two adults, until the end of Ramadan.
