An Ultimate Guide to Riyadh Zoo
In the heart of the Saudi capital, Riyadh Zoo awaits as one of the top family destinations that captivates visitors of all ages. Surrounded by nature and the sounds of diverse animals, this zoo takes you on an exciting journey around the world, where you can meet creatures from Africa, Asia, and America without leaving the city!
With a unique blend of entertainment and knowledge, Riyadh Zoo is more than just a place to see animals; it's a comprehensive experience that offers unforgettable moments in an environment carefully designed to be safe, attractive, and full of surprises. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast or looking for a special family outing, you'll find more than you expected at this zoo.
Riyadh Zoo Overview
Riyadh Zoo is one of the oldest and largest zoos in Saudi Arabia, located in the Al-Malaz district, covering an area of about 164,000 square meters. It dates back to 1957 when it was established by King Saud bin Abdulaziz as a private zoo for the royal family, initially housing animals given as gifts from world leaders. In 1987, the zoo was officially opened to the public after a complete redevelopment.
The zoo went through periods of neglect, leading to a decline in its standards. However, by 2009, the government began to rehabilitate it and regulate visitor access, which led to a significant increase in the number of visitors, reaching about 600,000 annually, making it one of the top tourist attractions in the capital.
The zoo is home to more than 1,500 animals from 196 species, including rare and endangered species such as the Arabian Oryx, Desert Leopard, and Houbara Bustard. The management has worked to create an environment that mimics the natural habitats of the animals, along with recreational services such as a train ride. The zoo also features green spaces and natural landscapes, making it an ideal place for family entertainment and learning.
Riyadh Zoo Address:
Riyadh Zoo is located in Al-Malaz district, Riyadh, specifically on the Al-Ahsa/Al-Malaz Road, near King Fahd Medical City.
Here’s the location.
The zoo is open daily except Sundays, from0 9:30 to 17:30, and on Fridays from 13:00 to 17:30.
Riyadh Zoo Entrance Fees:
While visiting Riyadh Zoo is not free, the fees are considered symbolic and affordable for all categories, making it an accessible entertainment destination for everyone. Here are the fee details:
- Adult ticket: SAR 11.5
- Children over 3 years old: SAR 5
- School students on school visits: 2
- Train ride inside the zoo: SAR 2 per person
- Free entry for children under 3 years old.
Types of Animals at Riyadh Zoo
Riyadh Zoo houses over 1,500 animals representing about 200 different species from around the world, including local species, rare wild animals, and endangered species. The animals are divided into several main categories, offering visitors a rich and diverse experience:
Large Animals:
Popular with visitors due to their rarity in the wild, including:
- Elephants, giraffes
- Camels, llamas
- Gorillas, bears
- Reptiles
Reptiles:
The zoo has a variety of famous reptiles, including:
- Snakes
- Crocodiles
Birds:
The zoo has around 80 species of birds from various environments, including:
- Flamingos
- Ducks, geese
- Colorful parrots
Small Animals:
Smart and playful animals that can be seen up close, such as:
- Monkeys
- Turtles, rabbits
- Raccoons
Predators:
Located in safe cages to ensure visitors’ safety, including:
- Lions, tigers, leopards
- Wolves, foxes, hyenas
- Rhinos, hippos
Best Activities to Do at Riyadh Zoo
A visit to Riyadh Zoo is not limited to just seeing animals; it offers complete entertainment and educational experience suitable for the entire family. Here are the top activities and events you can enjoy inside the zoo:
- Photography: Don't miss the chance to capture stunning photos of the animals or with your family against the green spaces and scenic views.
- Attending Trained Animal Shows: Enjoy entertaining shows featuring trained animals such as monkeys and birds, in safe and delightful performances that bring joy to visitors of all ages.
- Interactive Cinema: Experience a unique educational adventure through the 3D interactive cinema that takes you into the animal world with sound effects, visual effects, moving seats, and special glasses.
- Visiting the Children's Play Area: The zoo has a safe area dedicated to children, featuring a variety of fun games, giving kids the opportunity to play and explore.
- Outdoor Dining: The zoo offers a variety of restaurants and cafes serving snacks and diverse meals to suit all tastes, with comfortable seating in green spaces.
- Train Tour Inside the Zoo: Take the internal train for a pleasant 20-minute tour through the various sections of the zoo, giving you a relaxed opportunity to view the animals without long walks.
- Strolling and Relaxing: The zoo features shaded green areas, making it an ideal place for a walk, relaxing on the grass, or even practicing yoga and reading.
- Shopping at the Gift Shop: Purchase a special souvenir from the zoo's gift shop, such as animal toys or educational materials for kids, to remember your experience.
- Escape from the Monkey Experience: In an energetic and interactive experience, engage with chimpanzees in a safe area under the supervision of a specialized team. These intelligent creatures will amaze you with their playful behavior and social interactions, making this an unforgettable experience.
- Renting Transport Carts and Comfortable Chairs: For visitors' comfort, transport carts can be rented, along with mobile chairs to help the elderly and families with children enjoy a comfortable tour.
- Joining Educational and Guided Tours: The zoo occasionally organizes educational tours for schools and groups, where guides provide information about animal species and their importance in the environment.
- Explore the Crocodile Lair in the Swamp: Don't miss the chance to enter the swamp area, where you can get up close to giant crocodiles and observe them! You'll learn about their behavior, diet, and ecological role in an interactive experience combining education and fun.
- Discover the Bongo House: In this unique corner, you'll enter the world of Bongo antelopes and other rare creatures. The Bongo House is an educational space designed specifically to raise environmental awareness, especially among children and students, offering interesting information about wildlife and conservation efforts in a simple and engaging way.
In conclusion, visiting Riyadh Zoo is a comprehensive entertainment and educational journey that takes you on a global tour through the animal kingdom. Whether you're traveling with family or looking for a unique experience in the heart of the capital, Riyadh Zoo is your ideal destination for a fun-filled day of discoveries and surprises. Don't miss this unique experience and book your Riyadh flight on WINGIE to enjoy the best deals for an unforgettable trip to Saudi Arabia.
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