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Bahrain's only wildlife park could receive a revamp with the introduction of more exotic animals and camping sites for visitors.
A proposal by five MPs from the National Action Bloc has been referred for study by Parliament’s public utilities and environment affairs committee.
The move is being spearheaded by area MP Bader Al Dossary who hopes to attract more visitors to the Al Areen Wildlife Park and Reserve as international tourism starts to recover from the devastation caused by Covid-19.
Al Areen, which opened in 1976, covers an area of seven square kilometres -- 3sqkm for the park and 4sqkm for the reserve. It currently features 82 species of birds, 45 species of animals and 25 species of plants. It is operated by the Supreme Council for the Environment (SCE).
“For the past 45 years the attractions have remained the same, even though some improvements in presentation have been carried out,” said Mr Al Dossary.
“The virtual tour on the website or the children’s corner that were introduced a few years ago can’t really be considered as progress because the actual park is still offering attractions and services of a low standard in my opinion.
“The facility should have camping sites so visitors can stay and enjoy the ambiance – this could be offered through investors.
“A new zoo also has to be built in which animals from across the globe could be brought in for study and to breed from and they would naturally appeal to visitors.
“It is not as if we want something like Berlin Zoo but things have to be addressed innovatively.”
The GDN reported in January 2018 that 323,286 people had visited the park in 2017, the latest available.
Parliament’s public utilities and environment affairs committee chairman Mohammed Buhamood said the park had not been neglected but its features remained on similar lines.
“The proposal is a step up from the current mediocrity,” he claimed. “The park is much the same as it has been for decades and it is time to be more creative and innovative.
“How the proposal gets implemented is a challenge but special zones could be allocated to keep the animals safe, alongside camping areas and food and beverage outlets.”
He added that careful study would have to be given to ensure that any new animal exhibits can survive the country’s weather conditions.
He accepts that post Covid budgetary restraints may hamper government funding in the project but private investors may appreciate its potential.
Southern Municipal Council chairman Bader Al Tamimi said the aim of the proposal was to incorporate additional features to attract tourists. “Al Areen has the potential to become so much better,” he said.
“The plan should be drawn up now and when things improve following the global pandemic, it could prove a wise investment when tourists and locals return and things return to normal.”
Officials from the SCE were unavailable for comment when contacted by the GDN.
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