Al Ain Zoo

Opened in 1969, Al Ain Zoo is the United Arab Emirates' largest zoo.

Endemic mammals such as the Arabian antelope and Arabian oryx can be seen, as well as African gazelles, giraffes, and eland.

The big cat enclosures feature lions, tigers, pumas, black and spotted leopards, and jaguars. There is also a monkey compound, an aviary section, and a reptile house.

The zoo is famous for its research facilities, particularly the breeding program for endangered native animals, with more than 30 percent of the species that can be seen here currently on the endangered list.

The zoo's latest venture is the Al Ain Safari, a 217-hectare extension, where African and Arabian Gulf animals (including some critically endangered species) live in a more natural environment. Visiting this section of the zoo is by jeep or truck tour only.