The upgrade work on Al Ain Zoo has started.
The US$41m project will include a reptile park, elephant safari, gorilla sanctuary and sand cat conservation exhibit, said the Abu Dhabi General Service Company.
It is part of a plan by the Abu Dhabi Government to become a global leader in preserving wildlife, said the state news agency WAM.
The AED30m reptile park will take up 11,500sq.m replacing the current reptile house and the AED93.5m elephant safari is destined to create a natural habitat for 15 African elephants.
A safari exhibition will also be included in the 17.5 hectares of land. The gorilla sanctuary will take up 8,725sq.m and will cost AED17.89m and the sand cat exhibit will cost AED10.7 and involve the construction of visitor corridors and areas.
