It is a fact undeterred that despite a minuscule size of land area, Qatar has an immense diversity of not only human community but it serves as a home for a vast range of wildlife. The kind of animal species that Qatar has might not be very popular for the rest of the world, but isn't that a charm of exploring an unknown land! Here are few most popular zoos in Qatar that highlight its incredible flora & fauna. The best feature of many of these wildlife parks is the combination of fun adventure activities and scope for a day out with family and friends. The amazing in-house cafés, hangout area and play areas are an additional pull for kids and adults.
Al Dosari Zoo Game Reserve
Amongst the most famous wildlife parks in Qatar, the Al Dosari Zoo Game Reserve is a habitat for many exotic Qatar animals and serves as an educational center. Knowledge about different species, their characteristics, life pattern and behavior around local culture can be traced here.
Also known as Al Shaniyah, the Park in-houses the following Qatar national animal- Arabian oryxes, Arabian wolves and Barbari sheep, deer, ostrich, camels and emus and cat species such as cheetahs, tigers and lion can be spotted here. All the animals here are well kept considering their natural surroundings. The wildlife park is famous for Arabian oryxes, ostrich, Arabian wolves, emus, big cats etc. The property is not a government reserve but on the contrary, is owned by a local family. It is a very well renowned park for fun activities! Reach out and spend an entire day at the reserve with your loved ones.
Timing: 7 am to 7 pm.
Location: Ash-Shahaniyah 91042, Qatar
Irkaya Farm
A heaven for photographers, Irkaya Farm is a home for spectacular animal and bird species. With its rare species of reptiles and birds, the Irkaya Farm is one of the most beautiful and unexplored attractions that are yet to be discovered. It sits in the centre of the desert, gleaming like an emerald. The most amazing fact is that the farm can be seen from space. Dominated by the most dangerous species of reptiles, visitors need to take extra care of the crawlies. It is famous for spiders, snakes and migratory birds.
Irkaya Farm Timing: 6 am to 11 pm
Location: Irkaya Farm is located off Abu Samra Road about 50 kilometers west of Doha.
Al khor Park Zoo
Al khor zoo is the largest wildlife park since 2010. On an excursion with family, you are going to make millions of memories here. Visitors not only get to have an amazing experience gazing at these beautiful creatures but there is also a plethora of fun activities for them. The Park has an aviary, well maintained green parks, miniature golf course, battery-operated train, cafes, sitting area and fountains for the guest. For children, the premises incorporates Ampitheater, basketball court, a big playground, skating area in short Al-Khor park is not just a wildlife Zoo but is amongst the famous places to travel in Qatar.
The Park is a home for more than 315 animals and different 49 species of wilds. A new section for 290 new species of reptiles and birds have been recently introduced. Being one of the most famous and oldest wildlife parks, it has a footfall of more than 500,000 visitors in a year.
Al Khor zoo Timing: 5am to 12 midnight
Location:CXF+Q58, Al Khor, Qatar
Suggested Read: 5/6 Park: Explore The Emerald Of Qatar
Baladna Park
Apart from the theme parks in Qatar, yet another most exquisite place to visit is Baladna park Qatar. It is one of the top tourist attractions, and visitors can experience a day with animals and learn about farm life in Qatar. Enjoy fun activities at extreme sports zone featuring obstacles, outdoor wall climbing. Zipline with hanging bridges is the most loved part here for those who want an adrenaline rush. Other activities include bungee trampoline, go-karting, and multiple seater bicycle riding.
This family entertainment park has a zoo with camels, zebras, ponies, monkeys, and a wide range of reptiles in a cave.
Baladna Park Timing: Sunday to Thursday: 10am – 7pm, Friday: 12pm – 8pm, Saturday: 10am -8pm. Kindly check the schedule with Baladna Farm before heading out there.
Location: Baladna Farm and Park is on Al Shamal Road, Exit 44 towards Al Khor.
Doha Zoo
Situated about a 30minute drive from the city centre, Doha Zoo is a miniature animal kingdom and offers a great opportunity to see some of the more traditional zoo animals and the region’s desert creatures.
The rare species including the Oryx which is currently an endangered species is also housed in the zoo. Doha Zoo is the only venue where visitors can view Oryx in captivity other than the Oryx Farm in the Al Shahaniya region of central Qatar.
Doha Zoo Timing 8:00am till 12:00pm and again from 2:30pm till 7:30pm.
Location: 15 kilometres out of Doha city on the Salwa Road south, in the industrial area near the Equestrian Club.
Suggested Read: Al Shaqab Qatar For Its Tradition of Equestrian Excellence
6 Fascinating Wilds That You Can Have Your Eyes On, While Visiting The Zoos In Qatar!
Qatar is admired for its beauty and spectacular wildlife. The country has a rare genus of animals, given to the land and climatic conditions. Albeit, the species are rare, their incredibility is worth a gaze! Follow the list to check out a few of these spellbinding creatures.
Oryx
Arabian Oryx is a small antelope and the proud national animal of Qatar. The adorable straight horned animal with a beauty spot on its nose got extinct in the later ’90s but it has gone a long way of fighting its extinction and being reintroduced as wildlife, but it is still endangered.
Falcon
Qatar has 6 different kinds of Falcons; the Amur Falcon, Sooty Falcon, Lanner Falcon, Saker Falcon, Peregrine Falcon and the Barbary Falcon. For its sharp eyesight, it is often used as a hunting tool. It is a popular pet and associated with wealth and nobility.
Suggested Read: Falcon Souq: One Of A Kind Market Dedicated To Falconry
Desert Hedgehog
This adorable little munchkin also lives in the desert and if you are lucky enough you can catch its glimpse in the zoos in Qatar. Being a desert animal, it has to adopt eating habits as per the availability of food in the desert. From insect to Scorpio, it can get its hand on any!
Spine Tail Agama
The agama changes colours as its body temperature fluctuates. During a fight, it defends itself with its muscular, rock-solid tail. It is strictly vegetarian.
Horned Vipers
The Arabian horned viper habitats in the desert, and is wide awake active during the night. Its poison is fatal as its consequences can be seen within 100 seconds. And Of course, who would not be captivated by the cuteness of horned snake!
Honey Badger
One of the most notorious animals of the desert who would attack any animal to its survival. A fun fact about honey badger is that is tireless in a fight and can eat almost anyone or anything from honey to large poisonous snakes. This is one of the few most intelligent species that can use tools as well for its escape.
Besides enjoying fun activities in Qatar, you must not miss the amazing species of wildlife inhabiting the country. With jaw-dropping characteristics and beauty of animals will bring out the hidden cameraperson in you. Not only do you get a visual treat but the adventure sports that visitors indulge in gives immense pleasure and joy. Go through the list of these astounding zoos in Qatar and visit at least two of these. Well, there is no harm in visiting all though!
FAQs
The Al Khor park is located at a short distance of 10 mins of drive from Al Khor.
The Park has an aviary, well maintained green parks, miniature golf course, battery-operated train, cafes, sitting area and fountains for the guest. For children, the premises incorporates Ampitheater, basketball court, a big playground, skating area in short Al-Khor park is not just a wildlife Zoo but is amongst the famous places to travel in Qatar.
15 kilometers out of Doha city on the Salwa Road south, in the industrial area near the Equestrian Club
This family entertainment park has a zoo with camels, zebras, ponies, monkeys, and a wide range of reptiles in a cave.
Irkaya Farm is located off Abu Samra Road about 50 kilometers west of Doha.
Arabian Oryx is a small antelope and the proud national animal of Qatar. The adorable straight horned animal with a beauty spot on nose got extinct in later 90’s but it has gone along way of fighting its extinction and being reintroduced as wildlife, but it is still endangered.
Arabian oryxes, Arabian wolves and barbari sheep, deer, ostrich, camels and emus and cat species such as cheetahs, tigers and lion can be spotted here.
Sunday to Thursday: 10am – 7pm, Friday: 12pm – 8pm, Saturday: 10am -8pm. Kindly check the schedule with Baladna Farm before heading out there.
