The Giza Zoo
Khedive Ismail constructed the Giza zoo, which opened on March 1, 1891. On around 50 feddan (51 acres) that were formerly a part of the Harem gardens, it was constructed. A banyan tree that was planted in 1871 is one of the several plants that Ismail brought in from South America, Africa, and India. Originally acquired from Ismail’s personal menagerie, the zoo’s collection included 180 birds and 78 more species.
The Giza zoo is still one of the most popular tourist attraction among Egyptians, with hundreds of school children visiting every day from outside the city, and schools in Cairo organizing weekly visits to the zoo. Animals, birds, and reptiles of all types are popular among visitors.
The Zoo is regarded as a huge display of African wildlife. It is home to a variety of animals and birds that have been extinct in Egypt. They will be returned to their natural habitats, from which they became extinct. Mountain goats and rams, Egyptian gazelles, and herons are among them.
The Giza Zoo is divided into five mountainous sections, the largest of which is Citadel Hill, which was built in 1867. It is adorned with statues of the Fayoum rhinoceros, crocodiles, and odd birds, all of which are extinct. Its plateau is encircled by a small park that may be accessed through a spiral walk.
It has plant-covered walkways, a variety of streams, a resting hall in the center, and numerous cement and pebble statues of birds and reptiles. The streams run into waterfalls that lead to a lake with two islands joined by a wooden bridge, passing through caverns with white coral reefs hanging down. Two artificial hills in front of the lions’ home are joined by a unique iron suspended bridge, Egypt’s only one.
There is a museum in the garden, in addition to the various animals. It was created in 1906. It is divided into three huge rooms that house vast groups of embalmed Egyptian and foreign birds, reptiles, fish, and animals, as well as bones. There are two more halls with a variety of creatures, reptiles, and birds on display. For this purpose, an embalming plant is located behind the museum.
The Giza Zoo also serves as a research center for experts interested in animal and avian behavior. In Egypt, five non-governmental groups run programs to urge people to protect wild animals and raise environmental awareness.
Address: Oula, Giza District, Giza Governorate
It opens at 9 AM Wed
Phone: +202 35708895
Number of animals: 6,000
Opened: March 1, 1891
No. of species: 175
Important Note: The Giza Zoo is closed for renovation. In December 2022, the government announced the zoo would be closed for a year for renovation, but as of December 2024, the Giza Zoo is still closed for renovation.
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