The Riyadh Zoo holds 1,400 animals and 30 species in the 58-acre complex and is located within the city itself. It has both indoor and outdoor exhibitions which are maintained by more than 100 employees who work both day and night. The zoo is in tip-top condition. “The Riyadh Zoo is responsible for all aspects of security and safety for the many thousands of visitors who come to the zoo on a yearly basis. Saudis, Saudi families, children, residents must all be safe from dangers,” stated Abdul Al-Azir Al-Zamil, the general manager of Parks and Recreation in Riyadh. The Riyadh zoo also specializes exclusively in animals indigenous to the Middle East. Visitors of all ages can experience the thrill of seeing animals from the region at close range. The increasingly rare Arabian Oryx is one of the highest viewed attraction at the zoo. Other noticeable animals include the Arabian wolf, fox, cats as well as the Arabian leopard. Interestingly, the particular leopard on view at the Riyadh Zoo, grows fur on its feet in order to protect against the hot desert sand. The world famous falcons of the Saudi Arabian and Middle East are also a great attraction. Getting to observe the falcon and its hunting techniques is a unique experience in itself. Other animals on view include kangaroos, hyenas, lions, monkeys, rhinoceros, gazelles, tigers, elephant, zebras and camels. The safety and security standards at the zoo are critically important as the complex is dealing with the interaction at a close range of people and hundreds of animals which are on view in open cages or within enclosed structures. Parents and guardians must at all times watch the children at the zoo, where they are and what they are doing. Children must never be allowed to wander on their own or go too close to the open cage. They must be kept within sight and must be guided to safe places for viewing the animals. Another aspect of zoo safety is food. Visitors must ascertain that they know what kind of food they are allowed to feed the animals. Popcorn and the like are fine, but visitors must not pass cans or other metal objects - which can physically hurt the animal - through cages. Al-Hammed Al-Hussain, an official at Riyadh Zoo told Saudi Gazette: “Visitors must be made aware that feeding animals could injure them, especially if visitors throw cans of liquid inside the animals' habitat. Visitors must exercise restraint and logic in their actions near the animals and must concentrate on enjoying themselves and not destroying environment.” Riyadh Zoo is open to families every day during the evenings and all day over the weekend. The zoo is closed on Saturday. The ticket for adults costs 10 riyals and five riyals for children.
