Spread out with diverse flora and fauna, the zoos in Saudi have always attracted a footfall of tourists. The old and young are invited to get a glimpse into the wildlife of Saudi Arabia. The zoos are home to some of the most exotic animals like the Arabian leopard, Arabian oryx, Nubian ibex, sand cat and more.

With food and snacks, adventurous rides and vendor shops make the zoos the ideal picnic spot. So, when are you planning to take your family to the zoo? Make it a fun day to remember for a long time.

Zoos In Saudi Arabia To Discover Exotic Animals

Before we go ahead, let me ask you this: have you ever been to a zoo? No? Don’t worry, you can always explore the zoos in Saudi Arabia. Tourists will get to see some of the most exotic animals they probably haven’t seen elsewhere.

  • Riyadh National Zoo, Riyadh
  • Dammam Zoo Park, Saihat
  • Taif Zoo, Taif
  • Al-Kharj Park Zoo, Al-Kharj
  • Al-Taraf Model Zoo, Al-Ahsa
  • Asfan Zoo, Jeddah
  • South Park for Animals, Abha
  • Al-Khobar Zoo, Khobar

1. Riyadh National Zoo, Riyadh

Riyadh National Zoo, Riyadh

Nestled in Almalaz District, Riyadh Zoo is home to over 190 animals including mammals, birds and reptiles. There is so much more to the zoo that meets the eye.  One of the biggest highlights of the zoo is the restaurants and coffee shops, outdoor plaza and the train ride. Yup, you heard, the zoo has a 20-minute train ride for kids. The ride takes the kids on a zoo tour where they get to see panthers, lions, tigers, gorillas, chimpanzees, elephants, crocodiles, zebras, giraffes, flamingos, and many more animals.

This particular zoo in Saudi Arabia is home to the famous Bengal Tiger, native to the Indian subcontinent.  One of the most exotic birds found at the zoo is the African houbara. The zoo is one of the most fascinating places to visit, don’t you agree?

Location: Mosab Ibn Umair St, الإحساء، Riyadh Saudi Arabia

Timings:

Saturday- Thursday: 9 am -5: 30 pm

Friday: 1 - 5:30 pm

Sunday- Closed

Entry Fee: Adults: SR 11.50, Kids: SR 5.75

Highlights: Panthers, lions, tigers, gorillas, chimpanzees, elephants, crocodiles, zebras, giraffes and flamingos

2. Dammam Zoo Park, Saihat

Dammam Zoo Park, Saihat

The most popular attraction in Dammam is the Dammam Zoo park, home to all kinds of animals, birds and fish.   Some of the most beautiful animals found at the zoo are crocodiles, hyenas, lions and tigers. It is one of the best zoo in Saudi Arabia ideal for kids as they can play all kinds of games and go on rides. Tourists visiting the zoo can enjoy tucking into some of the finest cuisines served at the restaurants.

So? Are you excited to explore the zoo? It is one of the ideal places one can spend an entire day at. What more can you ask for? This is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Location: Dammam, Sahihat

Timings: Get in touch with the local authorities and ask for the timings

Entry Fee: SR 10

Highlights: Crocodiles, hyenas, lions and tigers

3. Taif Zoo, Taif

Taif Zoo, Taif

One of the ideal places to go in Saudi Arabia with your kids is the Taif zoo, Taif.  Despite being a small zoo, it is home to a range of animals, that include elephants and giraffes. Did you know the zoo is home to a few special animals like 3 legged camels, a majestic elephant and 5-legged buffalo and camels.

The zoo hosts all kinds of horror shows, kids ride, sea lion and dolphin show, people can enjoy. People can even give themselves a treat to some of the finest cuisines and drinks at some of the restaurants. Tourists can even buy a few gifts for their family and friends at the small gift shops. One of the most unique things about the zoo is the dolphin and sea lion shows that are held every day.

Location: Taif, Saudi Arabia

Timings: Get in touch with the local authorities and ask for the timings

Entry Fee: 10 Riyals

Highlights: Kids Ride, Sea lion, dolphin show, elephants and giraffes

Suggested Read: Best Places to Visit in Turkey to Experience an Exotic Vacation

4.  Al-Kharj Park Zoo, Al-Kharj

Al-Kharj Park Zoo, Al-Kharj
Image Credit

One of the best things to do in Saudi Arabia is to explore the Al Kharj Park Zoo. Tourists visiting the zoo will have a unique experience and kids can enjoy some of the fun activities.

The stunning backdrop of Al Kharj is one of the many features of the park and is home to some of the most exotic animals like lions, tigers, leopards, bears etc. Bird watching is one of the many things to do, especially when it comes to Eagles, flamingos, vultures and many more. Both kids and adults can enjoy a few rides at the amusement park and a picnic as well. The gardens are lush green, which is one of the many perks. It is one of the many places people can enjoy themselves and have an amazing time of their lives.

Location: ريق الخرج، طريق الرياض - الخرج, الطريق، بعد مخرج 5 على الخط السريع، في حى العفجة., Al-Kharj Saudi Arabia

Timings: 4pm- 1 am, Wednesday: 4:3 pm- 1 am, Friday- 4 pm- 2am

Entry Fee: 10 riyals

Highlights: Lions, tigers, leopards, bears

5. Al-Taraf Model Zoo, Al-Ahsa

Al-Taraf Model Zoo, Al-Ahsa
Image is for reference purpose only

Said to be one of the best places to visit in the middle east, Al- Talfa park was constructed on a large area and is at present home to several animals like wild lions, monkeys, deer, ostriches and birds.

People are allowed to take pictures of the animals, the lake and birds.  Tourists can enjoy the lush green spaces and trees, and have a picnic with their family and friends. People can even have fun playing all kinds of games like cars and electric trains. It is one of the ideal and most unique zoos to explore as it is a once in a lifetime experience worth cherishing. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and make plans with your friends and family.

Location: Al Tarf 36377, Saudi Arabia

Timings: 9–11am, 3:30–9pm

Entry Fee: SR 15

Highlights: Wild lions, monkeys, deer, ostriches and birds

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6. Asfan Zoo, Jeddah

Asfan Zoo, Jeddah

The privately-owned zoo, Asfan Zoo is home to several wild animals like monkeys, hyenas, deer, giraffes, zebras, porcupines, raccoons etc. The animals preserving their wild nature have a large exhibit. Tourists visiting the zoo will get a glimpse of how the animals survive and can even have a picnic.

With so much to explore and enjoy, what more can anyone ask for? A zoo does offer a unique experience that people may not find anywhere else. So? Are you making plans to go to the zoo anytime soon? Make plans and go visit the zoo with your friends and family.

Location: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Timings: Get in touch with the local authorities and ask for the timings

Entry Fee: NA

Highlights: Monkeys, hyenas, deer, giraffes, zebras, porcupines, raccoons

7. South Park For Animals, Abha

South Park For Animals, Abha
Image Credit

Friends and families can spend an entire day at the south park for animals, surrounded by mountains in Abha. Tigers, lions, ostriches, deer, snakes and more are found at the zoo. It is an ideal place where kids can have the ideal time of their lives and enjoy a nice picnic and play in the park.

There are all kinds of restaurants that serve some of the finest cuisines people can enjoy and have the most ideal experience at the Abha Zoo. Exploring a zoo offers a different kind of experience which people shouldn’t miss out on. So? What are you waiting for? Go ahead and have the best time of your life.

Location: Abha, Saudi Arabia

Timings: Get in touch with the local authorities and ask about the timings

Entry Fee: NA

Highlights: Tigers, lions, ostriches, deer, snakes

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8. Al-Khobar Zoo, Khobar

Al-Khobar Zoo, Khobar
Image Credit

Mammals, wild animals, birds and fish are some of the species found at the Al Khobar Zoo. It is the one place where kids get to have some fun and get an educational experience. Under the supervision of the zoo workers, kids can feed the animals. Kids can play all kinds of games at the Entertainment Centre.

The Al Khobar Zoo is one of the many zoos in Saudi Arabia that attracts tourists from around the world every year. So, what are you waiting for? When are you planning to go visit the zoo?  Enjoy the moment and experience a new kind of attraction.

Location: Khobar, Saudi Arabia

Timings: NA

Entry Fee: NA

Highlights: Mammals, Wild Animals, Birds and Fish

What are you waiting for? The zoos in Saudi Arabia are the ideal places to visit for their exotic animals and much more. The experience is surreal and is not something one would experience anywhere else. Are you making plans to visit the zoos sometime soon? Go ahead, make plans and have the best time of your life.

Saudi Arabia is one of the most stunning places to explore for its attractions. It is not like any other place you’ve ever seen. So, if you ever make plans to visit Saudi Arabia, then avail of the Saudi Arabia holiday packages.

FAQs

Q1. Which is the best time to visit Saudi Arabia?

November To February is the best time to visit Saudi Arabia as the weather is pleasant. People can explore all kinds of attractions including the zoos, which offer an experience of a lifetime.

Q2. How many days can one spend in Saudi Arabia?

Tourists can spend at least 3 days in Saudi Arabia exploring every corner. It is one of the most stunning places to visit at least once.

Q3. Which are some of the zoos in Saudi Arabia people can visit?

Riyadh National Zoo, Riyadh, Dammam Zoo Park, Dammam, Taif Zoo, Taif, Al-Kharj Park Zoo, Al-Kharj, Al-Taraf Model Zoo, Al-Ahsa, Asfan Zoo, Jeddah, Park for Animals, Abha, Al-Khobar Zoo, Khobar are some of the zoos people should visit in Saudi Arabia.

Q4. Which are some of the special animals found in Taif zoo?

3 legged camels, a majestic elephant and 5-legged buffalo and camels are some of the special animals found in Taif zoo.

Q5. Is there any age restriction at Al- kharj Zoo?

No, there is no age restriction at Al-Kharj Zoo. But yes, there are different timings for both men and women.

Q6. Which is the best time to visit Asfan Zoo?

January and March are the best months to visit the zoo as the weather is pleasant and cool.

Q7. Where can people watch a dolphin show?

People can watch the dolphin show at Taif zoo. The zoo is home to a few special animals as well.

Q8. Is Saudi Arabia a safe place to explore?

Yes, Saudi Arabia is a safe place to visit. It is home to some of the most exotic animals found in the zoo.