ZOOS & ANIMAL PARKS UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Meadow Alpacas was a small and welcoming alpaca farm experience based in Ceredigion, Wales, offering visitors the chance to walk and interact with friendly alpacas in a beautiful countryside setting. The experience included guided alpaca walks followed by feeding sessions, alongside the opportunity to meet other animals on the smallholding including donkeys, goats, horses, sheep, pigs, and rabbits. A small gift shop and refreshment facilities added to the charm of the visit. Although the farm is no longer operating as a visitor attraction, the resident animals remain in the care of their owners and continue to be well loved. The listing for Meadow Alpacas is noted in association with the debbiez.co.uk website, which previously promoted alpaca walking experiences in rural Wales.

Platinum Heritage is a luxury desert safari operator based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with an additional presence in AlUla, Saudi Arabia. As part of the Hero Experiences Group, Platinum Heritage specializes in authentic, heritage-focused desert experiences that combine adventure with cultural immersion. Guests can traverse the dramatic sand dunes, explore ancient desert landscapes, enjoy traditional fine-dining safaris, and gain genuine insight into the culture and traditions of the Arabian Peninsula. The company is committed to sustainable tourism, working to preserve the natural environment and promote the authentic heritage of the region while supporting local communities. Whether seeking a luxurious overnight desert escape or a culturally enriching daytime excursion, Platinum Heritage offers thoughtfully crafted journeys for discerning travelers and families alike.

Al Marmoom Oasis is a desert experience destination located near Dubai, United Arab Emirates, offering visitors an immersive glimpse into the traditional Bedouin way of life. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Arabian desert, the oasis features camel caravan rides, horse riding, and the opportunity to encounter native desert wildlife in their natural environment. Guests can enjoy authentic Emirati hospitality with traditional meals including a Bedouin Breakfast and evening BBQ dinners beneath the stars. Accommodation options range from brief activity sessions to extended luxury overnight stays in dome retreats, making the oasis suitable for a variety of travelers. Al Marmoom Oasis blends heritage tourism, wildlife appreciation, and desert adventure into a unique cultural experience just a short distance from the city.

Sir Bani Yas Island is a remarkable wildlife reserve and nature destination located off the coast of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, originally established as a Royal Nature Reserve in 1971 by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Today the island is home to more than 11,000 animals from 30 species, many of which are critically endangered or vulnerable, including one of the world's largest herds of Arabian oryx numbering over 700 individuals, along with sand gazelles, Somali ostriches, giraffes, cheetahs, and dolphins. Visitors can explore the island's dramatic landscapes aboard custom 4x4 vehicles, enjoy guided wildlife safaris, kayaking, mountain biking, archery, hiking, and snorkeling. Dedicated conservation programs protect rare species and restore natural habitats, and the island serves as a compelling model for how wildlife preservation and eco-tourism can coexist in the region.

UAE Pygmy Zoo is a unique petting zoo and interactive animal attraction located at Al Zorah Marina in Ajman, United Arab Emirates. Marketed as the UAE's first pygmy zoo, the facility is centred around miniature and dwarf animals alongside a variety of birds, exotic species, and small breed dogs. Visitors can meet miniature horses, pygmy goats, dwarf donkeys, miniature cows and buffaloes, Arabian oryx, hedgehogs, and turtles, as well as a wide array of birds including peacocks, ostriches, eagles, owls, macaws, and parakeets. Camel and pony rides are available for children, and guests are encouraged to get close to and interact with the animals under the guidance of trained handlers. The zoo's hands-on, family-friendly approach makes it a popular destination for children and families in the Ajman area.

Sharjah Safari Park, located in Al Dhaid in the emirate of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, is the largest safari park outside Africa, home to more than 50,000 animals representing over 120 species. Inaugurated in 2022, the park is divided into 12 themed zones inspired by the diverse landscapes and terrains of the African continent, from the Serengeti to the Sahel, hosting lions, elephants, giraffes, black and white rhinoceroses, crocodiles, and many other mammals, birds, and reptiles including endangered species. Visitors explore the park via guided safari bus tours and on-foot trails, with highlights including giraffe feeding decks, a walk-through tropical bird sanctuary, and a Veterinary and Wildlife Rescue Centre. The park is strongly committed to breeding programs and conservation education, offering an immersive and informative experience for families and wildlife enthusiasts across the UAE.

The Animal Sanctuary at The Sustainable City in Dubai is a free-admission community wildlife experience set within an award-winning eco-friendly residential development in the heart of Dubai. The sanctuary is home to a friendly variety of animals including goats, donkeys, ducks, roosters, hens, peacocks, and cats, which roam freely throughout the lush green spaces of the car-free community. Visitors and families can hand-feed the animals, enjoy picnics on the lawns, and let children play in open spaces, all while experiencing an environment that demonstrates how urban living can coexist harmoniously with animal welfare and sustainability. Electric buggies and bicycles are the primary modes of transport within the community, adding to its peaceful, eco-conscious atmosphere. The sanctuary is a charming and educational outing for families seeking a relaxed and nature-connected experience in Dubai.

Al Dhannah City Farm Mini Zoo, also known as Ruwais City Farm, is a small community zoo located within the Ruwais nursery area of Al Dhannah in Abu Dhabi's western region of the United Arab Emirates. The farm is home to a diverse variety of animals including peacocks, ostriches, horses, deer, gazelles, rabbits, sheep, poultry, and a range of birds such as falcons and pigeons. Educational information boards throughout the grounds provide details about each animal species, making it a simple and informative experience for families and local residents. The facility operates daily from 9 am to 6 pm and is free to enter, offering accessible, family-friendly wildlife viewing. Paved walkways and a vending machine for refreshments add to visitor comfort at this welcoming community attraction.

Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is one of the world's largest indoor aquariums, situated within The Dubai Mall in the heart of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The facility holds 10 million litres of water and is home to over 33,000 aquatic animals representing more than 300 species, including 400 sharks and rays. A dramatic 48-metre, 270-degree glass tunnel allows visitors to walk beneath the main tank and marvel at sharks, rays, and schools of fish at close range. The Underwater Zoo takes guests through three ecological zones — rainforest, rocky shore, and ocean — where they encounter crocodiles, penguins, otters, jellyfish, piranhas, and more. Penguin Cove offers a climate-controlled habitat for Gentoo penguins. The attraction combines awe-inspiring marine spectacle with education about aquatic ecosystems, making it a top family destination in Dubai.

Sharjah Aquarium is the UAE's foremost government-operated educational marine attraction, opened in 2008 in the Al Khan waterfront district near the Sharjah Maritime Museum. Spanning 6,500 square metres across two floors, the facility features 21 aquariums holding 1.8 million litres of water and showcases nearly 100 species including clownfish, seahorses, moray eels, sea rays, and reef sharks across habitats ranging from coral reefs to mangroves. Interactive experiences include shark feeding sessions held three times weekly, main tank feedings, and touch pool sessions where visitors can handle marine life. Drop-in family workshops run on weekends for children aged 6 to 12. The aquarium also operates a sea turtle rehabilitation program and conducts annual marine cleanup campaigns, reflecting a genuine commitment to preserving the UAE's coastal marine biodiversity.

The Lost Chambers Aquarium is a mythical-themed underwater attraction located within Atlantis The Palm on Dubai's iconic Palm Jumeirah island. Home to more than 65,000 marine animals across 10 elaborately themed chambers and over 21 exhibits, the aquarium immerses visitors in the legend of the lost city of Atlantis. The centrepiece is the Ambassador Lagoon, an 11-million-litre marine habitat housing 250 species including sharks, rays, golden trevally, cobias, and crescent angelfish reflective of Arabian Gulf waters. Guests encounter seahorses, clownfish, jellyfish, giant cuttlefish, a Giant Pacific Octopus, and touch pools where starfish and sea cucumbers can be handled. Interactive dive and snorkel experiences are available for thrill-seekers. The Lost Chambers combines theatrical design with genuine marine wonder, offering a distinctive aquarium experience in the UAE.

Dolphin Bay is an exceptional marine interaction facility at Atlantis The Palm on Dubai's Palm Jumeirah, offering guests a range of tailored dolphin and sea lion experiences in a state-of-the-art lagoon setting. Options include the Dolphin Encounter, suitable for all ages and non-swimmers, which features a guided dip-and-play session with bottlenose dolphins in shallow waters; the Dolphin Swim, allowing guests to swim alongside these intelligent mammals in deeper water; and the Dolphin Kayak, an enchanting kayaking adventure through the lagoon where resident dolphins join alongside. Expert marine trainers provide educational commentary on dolphin behaviour, communication, and biology throughout each experience. Sea lion encounters are also available. Dolphin Bay experiences include complimentary same-day access to the Aquaventure Waterpark and Atlantis Beach, making for an unforgettable full-day adventure at one of Dubai's most iconic resorts.

Dubai Dolphinarium is a premier indoor marine entertainment facility located within Creek Park in the Deira area of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is home to the UAE's first and only resident bottlenose dolphins and seals, and offers daily shows, educational tours, meet-and-greet interactions, and swimming experiences with dolphins for guests aged eight and above. The main Dolphin and Seal Show runs at scheduled afternoon and evening sessions, combining acrobatics, entertainment, and education. Additional attractions include an exotic bird show, a mirror maze, and animal encounter experiences. The venue is well suited for families, school trips, and special events such as birthday parties. Expert educators guide visitors through insights into dolphin behaviour and marine animal communication, creating a fun and informative outing in the heart of Dubai.

The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi is the largest aquarium in the Middle East, located at Al Qana leisure destination in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Spanning over 9,000 square metres, this world-class facility opened in November 2021 and is home to more than 46,000 animals from over 300 species, including more than 200 sharks and rays representing 25 species. Ten themed zones transport visitors through diverse ecosystems, from the UAE's local coastal waters, Bu Tinah Island mangroves, and Abu Dhabi's largest indoor rainforest to Arctic and Amazon environments. Highlights include an Aqua Glass Bridge Walk suspended above a giant shark and ray tank, shark dive experiences, and a National Geographic Pristine Seas Exhibition. The aquarium's Wildlife Rescue Program is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing marine life back into UAE waters, combining spectacular entertainment with meaningful conservation.

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is a world-class marine-themed park located on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates. The park offers over 100 animal experiences and presentations, immersing visitors in the wonders of ocean life through interactive encounters, live animal presentations, thrilling rides, and character performances. A dedicated Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue Center operates alongside the park, responding to distressed marine animals in the region, and every ticket purchase directly supports this conservation effort. The facility emphasizes education and environmental stewardship, connecting families and guests of all ages to the importance of ocean ecosystems. With diverse dining options and a commitment to marine conservation, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi delivers an engaging and meaningful experience for all who visit.

Dubai Safari Park is the UAE's premier wildlife destination, situated in the Al Warqa district of Dubai. The park is home to over 3,000 animals representing more than 300 species, arranged across six immersive themed zones including the African Village, Asian Village, Explorer Village, and Arabian Desert Safari. Visitors can encounter elephants, giraffes, tigers, orangutans, the Arabian oryx, and many more remarkable animals through guided safari tours, live presentations, animal encounters, and interactive petting areas. The park operates a 24-hour veterinary care program and actively participates in international conservation initiatives, including the successful release of critically endangered Addax to Chad. A dedicated conservation and breeding program has also celebrated the births of giraffes and rhinos, making Dubai Safari Park as much a conservation center as it is a family attraction.

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected wetland reserve located at the mouth of Dubai Creek, approximately 10 kilometers from Downtown Dubai. Established in 1985 and officially declared a protected area in 1998, the sanctuary covers a mosaic of mangroves, mudflats, and shallow lagoons that provide vital habitat for migratory and resident waterbirds. The sanctuary is best known for its spectacular flocks of Greater Flamingos, which gather here in impressive numbers, particularly during the cooler winter months from November to March. In total, over 450 species of fauna have been recorded, including grey herons, great egrets, marsh harriers, spoonbills, ospreys, kingfishers, and numerous wading birds. Entry is free of charge, and bird hides with binoculars are provided, making Ras Al Khor an accessible and rewarding destination for birdwatchers and families in the heart of Dubai.

Wasit Wetland Centre is a protected nature reserve and award-winning conservation facility located in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Spanning 86 hectares of sabkha wetland, the centre encompasses salt plains, dunes, mudflats, salty lagoons, and freshwater pools that provide critical habitat for a remarkable diversity of birdlife. Over 200 bird species have been recorded here, including rare visitors such as the Northern Bald Ibis, Glossy Ibis, Marbled Duck, Purple Swamphen, and Pink-backed Pelican, alongside various mammals, reptiles, and insects. Designated as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 2019 and winner of the prestigious Aga Khan Award for Architecture, the centre features an architecturally striking underground visitor gallery, eight bird hides equipped with binoculars, and guided golf-buggy tours of the reserve. Originally restored from a former garbage dump, Wasit Wetland Centre stands as a testament to environmental restoration and urban biodiversity conservation.

Al Ain Zoo is the largest zoo in the Middle East, founded in 1968 by UAE founder Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and located in the city of Al Ain, Abu Dhabi. As a major conservation hub, the zoo is home to hundreds of animals including giraffes, endangered mammals, birds, and many other species, all housed within expansive natural habitats including open safari plains. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of family-friendly experiences such as safari adventures, animal feeding encounters, interactive educational presentations, and community events throughout the year. The zoo's mission centers on preserving regional wildlife and fragile ecosystems, making it both a recreational destination and a vital institution for biodiversity conservation in the Arabian Peninsula. Its blend of education, conservation, and adventure makes it an enduring attraction for families and wildlife enthusiasts from across the region and beyond.

Emirates Park Zoo and Resort is a distinctive wildlife attraction located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, uniquely combining a full-service zoo with onsite resort accommodations. The facility is home to a wide variety of rescued mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and aquatic species, and is recognized as the UAE's first autism-friendly outdoor zoo. Guests can enjoy interactive experiences including animal feeding, educational presentations, and riding encounters, as well as a World Butterfly Park and multiple dining options. As a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), the zoo upholds high standards of animal welfare and conservation. The resort concept allows families to feed, meet, and stay with animals all in one place, making Emirates Park Zoo and Resort a truly immersive and inclusive wildlife destination in the UAE.

Dubai Crocodile Park is a specialist wildlife attraction in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, dedicated to the fascinating world of Nile crocodiles. The park is home to approximately 250 Nile crocodiles, including some measuring up to five meters in length, which are exhibited in a naturalistic habitat featuring lakes, waterfalls, islands, and sandbanks inspired by African savanna environments. Visitors can explore a unique Natural History Museum tracing the evolutionary history of crocodilians, view crocodiles from underwater perspectives in an African lake-themed aquarium, and participate in baby crocodile discovery sessions held twice daily. Crocodile feeding experiences are offered on weekends, and specially curated educational programs are available for school groups from kindergarten through Grade 12. Dubai Crocodile Park offers an engaging and informative look at one of nature's most ancient and resilient predators.

Arabia's Wildlife Centre, located within the Sharjah Desert Park near Al Batayih in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, is the only zoological facility in the Arabian Peninsula dedicated exclusively to species native to the region. Opened in 1999, the centre showcases approximately 100 species of animals found across the Arabian Peninsula, including the iconic Arabian oryx, the endangered Arabian leopard, reptiles, ungulates, birds, invertebrates, marine life, and nocturnal animals, all displayed in the region's only fully indoor zoological facility. The complex is divided into four sections: the Arabian Wildlife Centre itself, a children's farm, an Islamic botanical garden, and a natural history museum, making it a comprehensive educational and cultural destination. The facility is managed under Sharjah's environmental protection authority and serves as an important center for public awareness of Arabian biodiversity and conservation.

The Zoo Wildlife Park is a privately owned wildlife facility situated in the Kabir area of Umm Al Quwain, United Arab Emirates, approximately 45 minutes from Dubai. Home to over 1,000 animals, the park features an impressive and diverse collection including lions, cheetahs, leopards, and the rare Golden Tabby Tiger among its big cats, as well as primates such as monkeys, baboons, and the popular orangutan Habouba. Visitors can also encounter giraffes, Arabian oryx, flamingos, macaws, ostriches, peacocks, pythons, tortoises, and crocodiles across themed areas including a reptile house, aviary, and primate corner. Interactive experiences allow families to feed animals, handle baby tigers and snakes, and enjoy camel and pony rides. The park also offers school visit programs, combining wildlife encounters with conservation education for students of all ages.

Kalba Bird of Prey Centre is a specialist raptor attraction located within the Khor Kalba nature reserve on the eastern coast of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. The centre features a remarkable collection of birds of prey including owls, eagles, buzzards, vultures, and falcons, with the UAE's national bird among its resident raptors. Visitors are treated to engaging free-flying demonstrations and educational presentations that highlight the ecology and behavior of these magnificent predators, as well as the significance of falconry in Bedouin heritage and culture. The facility also provides valuable information about migratory raptors that pass through the region, such as barn owls and greater spotted eagles. Open six days a week, the centre offers families and wildlife enthusiasts an accessible and informative introduction to the rich avian biodiversity of the Arabian Peninsula and its surrounding coastal habitats.

Al Buqaish Private Zoo is a licensed private wildlife facility located in Umm Al Quwain, United Arab Emirates. The zoo is home to over 400 animals spanning more than 40 species, offering visitors an unusually close and personal wildlife experience. The diverse collection includes majestic lions, tigers, leopards, giraffes, orangutans, and a variety of rare birds, as well as friendly animals such as goats, rabbits, and chickens that guests can pet and interact with directly. One of the highlights is hand-feeding giraffes, a memorable encounter popular with visitors of all ages. The intimate setting distinguishes Al Buqaish from larger commercial zoos, providing a unique and accessible opportunity to connect with a wide range of exotic and domestic animals in a private, family-friendly environment.

Ras Al Khaimah Zoo is a wildlife sanctuary located in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, with a strong focus on rescue and rehabilitation. Approximately 90 percent of the animals at the zoo have been rescued from illegal trade or private collections, giving them a protected and caring environment in which to thrive. The facility houses around 40 wild, rare, and endangered animals including African and white lions, golden tigers, black panthers, cheetahs, grey and Arabian wolves, chimpanzees, rare antelopes, deer, and a variety of tropical birds. Visitors can participate in unique interactive experiences such as bonding sessions with the world-famous chimpanzee Koba, bottle-feeding adult tigers, and gentle encounters with cheetahs. The zoo also features horse and camel riding, a children's mini zoo, restaurants, and family-friendly recreational areas, making it a rewarding destination for wildlife lovers across the Northern Emirates.