Dubai Safari Park reopens to visitors after two-year closure

Guests can see African elephants or go on a tour with an animal keeper

A white lion is viewed by zoo visitors. Victor Besa for The National

The Dubai Safari aviary. Victor Besa for The National

Dubai Safari picnic area. Victor Besa for The National

The African stop entrance. Victor Besa for The National

The park on Al Awir Road on the outskirts of Dubai. Victor Besa for The National

The aviary. Victor Besa for The National

Mandarin ducks at the aviary. Victor Besa for The National

A hyena roving around its area. Victor Besa for The National

Screw horned antelope. Victor Besa for The National

Mandarin ducks at the aviary. Victor Besa for The National

Screw horned antelope. Victor Besa for The National

Dubai Safari features a wide range of open exhibits across four themed villages – African, Asian, Arabian and an open Safari Village. Victor Besa for The National

The zoo shuttle. Victor Besa for The National

Dubai Safari features a wide range of open exhibits across four themed villages – African, Asian, Arabian and an open Safari Village. Victor Besa for The National

A new and improved Dubai Safari reopened its doors on Monday to welcome visitors to learn about rare and endangered species from around the world.

The park closed in May 2018, only five months after a grand opening, following a change in management and to allow extensive work to be completed to animal enclosures.

Home to about 3,000 animals including giraffes, lions and rhinoceros, the park in Al Warqa 4 now features African elephants.

Guests can also spend a day with an animal keeper.

A bus transports visitors around each of the three zones within the park, each themed with animals from Asia, Africa and Arabia.

"In addition to the customer experience, the physiological and psychological well-being of the animals at Dubai Safari Park is of the upmost importance," a Dubai Municipality spokesman said.

“The park is committed to creating an environment where the animals in its care can thrive.

“Staff will also be involved in a range of welfare, behaviour, and veterinary research programmes.”

The park stretches across 119 hectares and is open daily from 9am until 5pm.

To book a visit go online at www.dubaisafari.ae.