Egypt to more than double animal species in Giza Zoo, protect heritage trees

CAIRO – 8 September 2023: Egypt will more than double the animal species that its iconic Giza Zoo accommodates to 186 up from 71, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli said on Thursday.

Madbouli made the remarks in a meeting with officials of bodies in the project to develop the more than a century-old zoo, which is implemented by the Ministry of Military Production.

During the meeting, Madbouli said the state will protect the trees of the zoo, which total more than 5,000 and will also safeguard its heritage trees garden.

The government is also working to improve the well-being of those trees, increase the number of paths and water bodies, and improve animal shelters.

During the meeting, officials presented the final design for the development project of Giza Zoo. The design divides the zoo into several areas representing different geographic regions, namely Asia, Africa and America.

The zoo will also include a safari trips area, a bird tent, and an elephant zoo.

Moreover, the zoo will operate for additional hours in the evening, allowing visitors to enjoy a night zone that will be added to the garden.

Madbouli ordered submitting the plans and designs to the Supreme Council for Planning and Urban Development for approval in order to start the implementation of the development project.

Giza Zoo development

Giza Zoo and Orman Garden closed their doors in July to undergo a renovation plan that is scheduled to last for 18 months.

Giza Zoo is the first garden of its kind in the Middle East. The zoo used to receive millions of visitors per year.

The development of the zoo will cost at least EGP 1 billion, the Ministry of Agriculture, which owns the zoo, said earlier this year.

The National Authority for Military Production (NAMP) will be in charge of the development process as well as the management, operation and maintenance of the zoo, the Ministry of Agriculture said.

The development process will be carried out in cooperation with a coalition of global and local private companies, the ministry said. However, it did not mention the companies’ names.