Wednesday 08 / May / 2024
Muscat: In an eagerly anticipated event, Safari World, Oman’s largest zoo, is poised to unveil its wonders to the public with a soft opening scheduled on the second day of Eid al Fitr in the wilayat of Ibra, nestled within North Sharqiyah Governorate.
Director of Safari World, Khalfan Said Al Maamari, unveiled the scale of the venture, revealing that the zoo sprawls across an impressive 286,000 square metres, promising to showcase over 300 types of animals.
Initially, Safari World will debut its first phase, covering an expansive 120,000 square metres.
The zoo promises a wide array of wildlife, including majestic tigers, zebras, lions, deer, various birds, household pets, apex predators, and rare animals like the Arabian oryx. Al Maamari underscored the commitment to recreating natural habitats for each species on display.
He said: “Aside from its rich biodiversity, Safari World will offer visitors a plethora of activities to engage in, ranging from bird and pony shows to lion and crocodile feeding. The aim is to provide guests with a holistic entertainment experience, complete with a water park and a dedicated area for family activities.”
Al Maamari shed light on the challenges encountered during the zoo’s construction, spanning a decade of meticulous planning and execution. He highlighted the logistical complexities involved in sourcing animals from different countries, a task that demanded extraordinary efforts.
Safari World stands as a pioneering project in Oman, aligned with the vision outlined in Oman Vision 2040.
Al Maamari said, “The project is based on four main pillars, emphasising the Omani identity through distinguished engineering design and aesthetic taste. It also seeks to create added value for the Sultanate of Oman in tourism, science, and social fields by housing rare animals, attracting students and researchers.”
Moreover, the project holds promises of economic growth, with opportunities for employment among the youth and avenues for investors to contribute to the region’s development.
The zoo boasts a diverse collection of animals sourced from around the globe, spanning Europe, Australia, Africa, Russia, Asia, and local regions. Plans are underway to expand the roster, aiming to house over a thousand animals in the future.
Outlining the zoo’s future endeavours, which include establishing an entertainment area, electronic games, and integrated rest zones, Al Maamari said, “Safari World aspires to offer tourists a comprehensive and unforgettable experience, further enriching Oman’s tourism landscape.”
