Plans for a new zoo - 280 times the size of the present zoo - have taken a major leap forward. Lately Dubai Zoo has come under fierce attack for its cramped conditions which allow less than 20 square metres for each animal.
The zoo is situated at a two-hectare plot at Jumeirah which is shared by 1,000 species - including rare and endangered animals - as well as staff offices and a visitor centre.
At that time it was built, the zoo was the first on the Arabian Peninsula.
"But things have changed, Dubai has grown exponentially since those early days, and we need a bigger, better zoo that more adequately reflects the citys rapid development," acknowledged a municipal official. "We are now working towards this."
Civic officials said their main project this year is to start building the new Dh610 million zoo near Mushrif Park, which will take three years to complete.
Qasim Sultan, Director General of Dubai Municipality, said the new zoo would create a major landmark for national and international visitors, also serving as a key educational centre and an example of sustainable development, conservation and eco-tourism.
Tenders have already been put out to interested construction companies and the first phase will cost Dh200 million.
Sultan said: "A 560-hectare site has been identified for setting up a zoo on the outskirts of the city, near Mushrif Park. This will include a core zoo consisting of six major habitats: Sub-Saharan Africa, Arabian Desert, a wadi valley, Arabian coastal desert, Asian temperate forest and Himalayan hillside."
He said the zoo would also include a wildlife safari, a bedouin camp (camel safari), a night safari, a biodiversity museum, captive breeding and conservation areas, a birds of prey show and a veterinary centre for zoo creatures and privately-owned animals.
Members of the public have in recent months become increasingly vociferous about the closed confines of the existing zoo, with the animals kept in small enclosures that had first been designed to house a collection way back in 1967.
"The animal pens are little better than the notorious pet shops in Satwa and Jumeirah," said an incensed animal lover and voluntary worker with dogs shelter K9 Friends.
Animal lover Tanya, from France, said: "There is an urgent need to move the poor animals to a more suitable place. They are suffering here. Nearby residents are also complaining of the smell from the zoo."
Other visitors have also complained about the cramped quarters and say it is high time the animals were relocated to larger premises.
Dubai Zoo currently features indigenous Arabian species as well as a variety of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibious creatures, fish and some exotic animals including the endangered Royal Bengal Tiger and the Axis Deer.
It attracts around 140,000 visitors a year.
Tourist favourite is Diana, a four-year-old gorilla, which was given to the zoo in 2000 after being found in an illegal shipment at Dubai International Airport.
Keeping pace with changing times
* Dubai zoo is the oldest zoo in the Arabian Peninsula.
* It was first established in 1967 by an Austrian working in Dubai who transformed a two-hectare sandy area in Jumeirah.
* The existing zoo was formerly known as Jumeirah Aquarium Zoo which was built for 500,00 rupees (the currency at that time)
* In 1971 Dubai Municipality acquired the zoo and continues to manage it.
* The zoo is shared by 1,000 species - including rare and endangered animals - as well as staff offices and a visitor centre.
* In 1986-1989 the zoo was renovated and redesigned to its current state.
* The zoo is expected to relocate over the next three years.
* The new zoo will be built for Dh610-million near Mushrif Park.
* It will also serve as a key educational centre and an example of sustainable development, conservation and eco-tourism.
Gulf News
