- Address: Al Dhaid Rd | E88, Sharjah Airport Road at interchange 9, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Tel: +971 6 531 1999
- Website: epaashj.ae
The Zoo in Sharjah is the only one in the UAE , where the living conditions of animals in the natural habitat have been fully recreated.
general information
In September 1999, on the territory of 100 hectares near the city of Sharjah , one of the best zoos in the UAE was opened. An incredible combination of ancient fauna in the museum expositions with peacefully living zoo inhabitants captivates visitors from the very first minutes. The whole territory is divided into 3 parts: the center of the wild nature of Arabia (zoo), the museum of botany and the natural sciences of Sharjah and the children's farm. When creating this center, all the factors of nature were taken into account, because the task of the zoo in Sharjah is to restore all kinds of animals that lived in antiquity on this land in the museum exposition, and also to preserve the living people. The entire territory is built on artificial irrigation, but in the future it is planned to abandon it and change the landscape so that the ecosystem functions autonomously.
What to see?
The Zoo in Sharjah is an attempt to restore the fauna of the Arabian Peninsula. Among all the diversity here are collected very rare and even endangered species of animals and plants. Visitors will be very comfortable in the Sharjah Zoo. A unique air conditioning system allows guests to walk through cool corridors, while animals stay in their natural conditions.
Zoo in Sharjah is fascinating and interesting:
- Collection of fauna. In the zoo there are predators, artiodactyls, invertebrates, reptiles, night animals, birds, etc. All sections of the inhabitants with changing lighting: for example, in dark sections one can see animals active only at night.
- Scientific developments. On the territory of the zoo there is the Center for Selection of Endangered Wild Animals and Plants of Arab Countries with the Research Department of the Selection Institute, but there is no entry for strangers.
- Course of excursion. On the territory there are more than 100 species of animals, and to start acquaintance with them in the zoo of Sharjah, you can watch a video about the fauna and flora of Arabia. After that it will be more convenient to visit the aquarium, terrarium and house of insects, where many snakes, lizards, scorpions and spiders live. In an aquarium among tropical fish you will see a rare species of blind fish that lives in the caves of Oman.
- Ornithofauna. Huge aviaries with birds are also interesting. Some recreate the conditions of the desert, in other fences of the lake and river. Among the birds you can see and hear singers, predators, flamingos and peacocks.
- Night and other animals. The main cat of the zoo is the caracal - a desert and wild animal, it can be recognized by the tassels on the ears. In the "night animals" section, during the zoo's work it is always night, but thanks to special lighting it is possible to find out how these animals behave at this time of day. Among the "nocturnal" inhabitants you will see porcupines, foxes, mongooses, hedgehogs and more than 12 species of rodents. At the end of the walk you can visit wolves, baboons, Arabian leopard and hyenas.
Zoo Sharjah is visited not only by ecotourism lovers, but also by those who are far from these tourist predilections, because here one can have a great time with children. Throughout the perimeter of the zoo in Sharjah, information displays with a park plan and detailed information on its inhabitants are installed.
Features of visit
Zoo in Sharjah works all days of the week, except Tuesday, according to the schedule: Saturday - Wednesday from 09:00 to 20:30, Thursday - from 11:00 to 20:30, Friday - from 14:00 to 17:30. It is possible to organize group and individual excursions . There is a cafe on the territory of the zoo.
Admission costs for adults - $ 4, children over 12 years - $ 1.36, up to 12 years - admission is free.
How to get there?
Zoo from the city of Sharjah is located half an hour drive, 26 km. Public transport does not go here, tourists get mostly taxis. Be sure to arrange with the driver so that after some time you are taken away, otherwise it will be problematic to leave.