Officials at the Emirates Park Zoo and Resort in Abu Dhabi have announced an extension plan that will double the zoo’s space in order to house additional animals.

In addition to the new animals, the zoo also seeks to create new educational programmes that are compatible with the Abu Dhabi Education Council system.

Dr Waleed Sha’aban, manager of the Emirates Park Zoo and Resort, said that the zoo, a major tourist attraction, also conducts interactive sessions in schools to educate children about animal conservation and the animal world.

The additional features in the first phase will take about two to three months approximately to be completed, he said.

“Spanning an area of 40 hectares, amphibians, Camelid and nocturnal animals will be included in the new phase with an environment that replicates their natural habitat,” Dr Sha’aban told Gulf News.

If endangered species were to be brought as part of this new extension, a breeding program will be established in order to protect the animals, he said.

To aid the zoo’s expansion plans and support its recreational and educational projects, a sum of Dh600,000 was donated by the Zone Parking Solutions, an innovative parking company.

Ali Hamad Lakhraim Al Zaabi, Chairman of Zone Parking Solutions, said this will strengthen Abu Dhabi’s status in becoming one of the important tourist destinations.

Dr Sha’aban said that the zoo’s expansion is aimed at enhancing its conservation programmes as well as promoting its educational goals.