Emirates Park Zoo and Resort’s new 6,500 sq m zoo extension that hosts a herd of exotic animals opened today, marking the start of a year-long facelift programme.

The area is home to hippopotamus, camels, sheep, goats and birds.

The extension of the zoo’s premise is the first stage of the Emirates Park Zoo and Resort renovation that aims to make the establishment the premium zoo- resort destination of the region.

The development was officially opened by the chairman of Emirates Park Zoo and Resort Dr Nasser Lkhreibani Al Nuaimi.

The new space allows visitors to see the zoo’s newest member, a hippopotamus, and provides a fabulous view for resort guests who can enjoy the zoo from their suite balconies. To entertain and educate children and families, fun animal shows are hosted at the state-of-the-art amphitheater that seats 400 persons.

Dr Waleed Sha’aban, zoo operations manager, said: “It was a powerful experience to be on ground level with the animals and see them in their natural habitat. We try to give our visitors a coherent sense of the authentic environment like the African savanna or the Australian outback.”

“We believe that guests will fall in love and connect with our animal family who are some of the world’s most amazing and disappearing wildlife,” added Dr Sha’aban.

Emirates Park Zoo and Resort, Abu Dhabi, is located on the Abu Dhabi - Dubai highway, 30 minutes away from Abu Dhabi and only two minutes from the Formula F1 assembly point. The resort is the first establishment in the UAE with an adjoined private zoo.

The zoo houses a Giraffe Park, Snake Alley, Bonnet Water Tank and a Mandrill Monkey House that is backed by the leading parking operator of the Middle East, Zone Parking Solutions. A star attraction of the establishment, the Elephant Enclosure, is sponsored by product powerhouse Abu Dhabi Coop. – TradeArabia News Service