The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

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The Giza Zoo and adjacent Orman Gardens are set to undergo major renovations for the coming 18 months starting today after parliamentary approval for the transfer of management of both sites from the Ministry of Agriculture to the Ministry of Military Production. The renovated zoo is set to follow an “open-range” system without cages.

The renovations will be carried out by the National Authority for Military Production in partnership with other private firms and will run the zoo under a 25-year contract. The head of the Ministry of Agriculture’s Veterinary Services Department, Ehab Saber, stressed the necessity of such renovations for the sake of the animals’ welfare. After years of neglect, the historic zoo was removed from the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums in 2004, despite being among the oldest. It opened to the public in 1891 and was the third zoo established worldwide and the first in Africa.

It has been reported that some of the zoo’s animals will be transferred to other locations throughout the renovation period. Worldwide Zoo Consultants for the development and management of specialised animal facilities, attractions, and projects have been contracted for the training of workers and ensuring proper feeding methods.