Emirates Park Zoo and Resort’s new 6,500 sq. m. zoo extension, that hosts exotic animals, opened today, marking the start of a year-long facelift. The area is home to hippopotami, camels, sheep, goats and an assortment of birds.

The extension of the zoo’s premises is the first stage of the Emirates Park Zoo and Resort renovation that aims to make the establishment the premium zoo-resort destination in the region. The development was officially opened by the Chairman of Emirates Park Zoo and Resort, Dr. Nasser Lakhreibani Al Nuaimi.

The new space allows visitors to see the zoo’s newest member, a hippopotamus, in its natural habitat, 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 at Emirates Park Zoo, said that "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, which includes some of the world’s most amazing and disappearing wildlife," added Dr. Sha’aban.