Al Ain Zoo vs. Emirates Park Zoo? | ExpatWoman.com
 

Al Ain Zoo vs. Emirates Park Zoo?

178
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 February 2015 - 00:01

I haven't been to either park and am looking for reviews/experiences/pros/cons please

Thanks! :)

192
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 February 2015 - 09:36
I have just been to Emirates Park zoo and we were out within the hour! The aquarium was smelly, all animals were cramped in small enclosures, loads and loads of pigeons, some on their own in a tiny cage...we were not impressed at all! We have been to Al Ain zoo as well, and did love that one! Animals had lots more space and nicer enclosures. The only downside to Al Ain zoo were the restaurants/food options for us humans :biggrin: I had two very hungry teenage boys with me and a slice of pizza or a Donut for lunch just wasn't enough. So when you go there, be sure to bring a nice picnic.
674
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EW GURU
Latest post on 18 February 2015 - 08:36
Starting off by stating I'm not a massive fan of zoos, period, especially in this area. So my experience won't be the same as previous poster, not by a long shot. But... Al Ain is better. By far. Emirates park is too small and people push and shove (women and children!) to get to the animal food, and the animals are really cramped. Flies are everywhere, kids were really bothered and at the end the verdict was "boring". Al Ain was more like a zoo you would see in another area, some animals are at a distance though but to me it would be more worth it.
1987
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 18 February 2015 - 02:47
Emirates Park Zoo focuses on the "feed the animals" experience. Visitors buy handfuls of leafy greens and can feed most animals. There is a wide variety of animals on display, including elephants and seals and an aquarium. By prior arrangement, you can organize a session of feeding elephants bananas, at extra charge. Hygiene can be an issue in the late afternoon, particularly flies in the (human) eating areas. I don't recall seeing a prayer area. There is a seating area behind the bird section where you can eat food brought from home and gain easy access to clean bathrooms. For a private zoo, it's quite nice. Al Ain Zoo receives funding from Abu Dhabi govt and was renovated with help from the award-winning San Diego Zoo in California (which I have visited). The focus is on learning about animals whose natural habitat is similar to that provided by the climate in Al Ain, observing them in enclosures that allow each animal freedom of movement. No elephants or seals or aquarium. There is a "childrens petting farm" section. It is much larger than Emirates Park Zoo, and only permits feeding the giraffes. There is a large and clean masjid on site. There are shady, grassy picnic areas and hygienic, reasonably-priced cafes (1-2 are fast food, and the excellent Zarafa Cafe that serves generous and delicious portions of fish and chips, biryani and mee goreng--Indonesian stir-fried noodles with meat and veg). My family has enjoyed multiple visits to both parks.
 
 

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