The park has around 3000 animals from 78 species of mammals – including 10 different carnivores and 17 primates, 50 types of reptiles, 111 kinds of birds, and amphibians and invertebrates.[7][8]
The park replaced the Dubai Zoo on its 50th anniversary.[9][10] On 15 May 2018, the park closed for renovations and improvements until being reopened in October 2020.[11][12]
History
The old Dubai zoo was replaced by Dubai Safari Park when It only had a collection of 1000 animals. The park consists of 12.8 million square feet of area.[13] The old park had faced criticism internationally about the conditions the animals were kept in: caged up, very little space, barely able to move. It was obvious that there had to be a much larger, more open, more modern habitat for the animals.
Keeping in mind the tourism increase in Dubai, Dubai Municipality took the decision of increasing and moderating the Dubai zoo. $40.8 million were allocated to the project. The Project was given to Meraas, the main shareholder of Dubai Parks and Resorts operator. Parques Reunidos was hired as operation manager.[14] The park was opened on 12 December 2017, but closed for renovations and improvements in May 2018.[11]
Dubai Safari Park has five key areas: African Village, Explorer village, Asian Village, Arabian Desert Safari, and Al Wadi.[15] Visitors can also explore the free-roaming areas, such as the Safari Journey and Kids Farm.
The park also has two themed souvenir shops Zwadi and Soko, which are located in African Village and the main building respectively. Each shop has a range of items, such as toys, plush animals, apparel, gifts and souvenirs to commemorate the visit to the park.
African Village
Home to a range of animal species from the continent of Africa, housing some of the world’s largest and smallest land mammals, from the African elephant to the Meerkat.
Explorer Village
Explorer village is an open area where visitors can go by bus and have an amazing close encounter with animals from Africa and Asia, including giraffes, lions and tigers.
Safari Journey A unique 45-minute experience where you will embark on a drive-through adventure and have the opportunity to spot animals from Africa and Asia from a close range inside one of our Safari Buses. You will be accompanied by our knowledgeable guides, who will talk about the animals, answer your questions and feed your curiosity with interesting stories and fun facts.
Asian Village
The village is influenced by the ornate architecture of Asia and is home to animals from Asia, including the Komodo dragon and Indian elephant.[16]
Arabian Desert Safari
Arabian Desert Safari is a drive-through attraction spanning over 60,000 square meters, and is inspired by the vast deserts of Western Asia, including its mountains, flowers and plants. The main highlight of the Arabian Desert Safari in Dubai Safari Park[17] is the Petting Zoo or Children’s Farm. The zoo allows you and your kids to interact with the animals. It has animal species from the Arabian Peninsula, like the Arabian oryx and Arabian wolf.[18]
Al Wadi
Al Wadi "The Valley" area is created for relaxation after the long safari visit. The ground is lush green with ponds of fishes where you can watch fishes and waterfalls.
Kids Farm
The Kids Farm is a newly created section, which has some of the park's friendliest animals, including sheep, donkeys, ponies, goats, ducks, birds, amongst others. The area is designed with a view kept in mind of learning for children.
