A visit to the Al Ain Zoo seems like a good idea. We have been chilling out by the pool for the best part of the day, I even snuck in a massage at the spa. The zoo is advertised for Ramadan hours which means that it is open late for when things get going after iftar. By the time we leave the hotel though it’s nearly 6pm. I make the call that we should still go. We are out now, so we stop in at McDonalds drive through and get something for the boys along the way, they won’t make it until iftar (7pm), even if there is something at the zoo that they like.
We arrive and purchase our entry tickets, meeting Brad, Di and Kenny out the front. There are some gazelle on the way in, they look at us like we are imposing, but really, we are making a beeline for the cheetahs. And there they are.
One is grooming itself under a tree. As we approach it turns towards a sound from the side, watching, listening. I can see it’s muscles twitching, then she is off. We double back a little bit and there are two together sitting along the fence line in the cooling sand. The day has been hot and they are both panting. They watch us, watching them.
A little further along are some hyenas. They are watching, sniffing through a crack in the perspex screen, they can smell the spread of food of the family breaking their fast on a bench in front of them. They pace, restless and we move further around to see them from afar.
Next there are some giraffes and signs to hippos and crocodiles but it is now getting dark and we give those a miss. We are looking for the big cats and come across some flamingos along the way. The boys are getting tired and Harley no longer wants to walk so I give him a piggy back and try to make some fun of it.
We follow the signs towards the big cats. There are lions, tigers, leopards and pumas on the map as well as monkeys, baboon, gorillas and chimpanzees. I’d like to see the Arabian Sand Cat, they look pretty interesting. Unfortunately none of them turn out to be as easy to find as we might think. Eventually we meet up with Brad, Di and Kenny again after they stopped to find Kenny some food. They are almost as confused about the map as we are. Just as I give up we find the lions. They are visible although both the lion and lioness look like they have settled in for the night, stretched out sleeping. The lion lifts his head and gives us a long stare then gives a weary yawn and rolls over on his other side.
We see an Arabian wolf, some Barbary sheep and a gemsbok. Kenny has picked up a bit but my boys are fading fast. We decide to head off and make a rest stop at the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre. It is large and strangely Canberra-esque with its curved concrete lines, unusual shape and modern inside. It looks worth exploring but there is no way that is going to happen now and I kick myself for not allowing more time.
On the way out we see some Arabian oryx, more gazelle and Nubian Tahr. By the time we make it back to the hotel the boys are fast asleep. As I put Harley into bed he gives a weary yawn and rolls over to his other side. I smile as I know he’ll be back to his usual fierce self tomorrow, just like the lions.
Good To Know
We checked the website before we went. The information was incorrect in terms of prices and timing. If you are unsure and don’t want any surprises, it may be best to call before arriving.
The Al Ain Zoo is a nice zoo. The enclosures are natural and nicely done and there is plenty of variety in the animals to see. Additional activities like giraffe feeding, penguin feeding, the lemur walk, reptile encounters a hippo and croc exhibit and a Wings of the Sahara show are available for an additional cost. Check specific times to avoid disappointment.
Would I Return?
No, at least I wouldn’t make a special trip. Perhaps I’m spoiled when it comes to zoos but in the future I’ll stick to Taronga Zoo, Australia Zoo, Canberra Zoo and Melbourne Zoo if distance allows. If not, Emirates zoo is closer and more convenient for now at least.
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