Giza Zoo

About Giza Zoo

Zoological garden in Giza, Egypt

Giza Zoo, known locally as Geninet el-Hayawanat, is the largest zoological garden in Egypt and the Middle East and the first to be built in Africa. Founded in 1891, it was once called the crown jewel of African zoos. It covers about 80 acres (32 hectares) in Giza near the riverside, forming one of the few green areas in the city and including Giza's largest park. The zoo keeps native and African species, including a number of endangered animals, and has historically bred rare species successfully, among them the first California sea lion born in the region; English Wikipedia describes it as the third-oldest zoo in the world. For decades it has been the traditional outing for Cairo families on feast days and holidays, and remains an inexpensive popular excursion. Wikivoyage notes that it is an old-fashioned zoo with a poor record for safety and animal welfare, which is worth bearing in mind when planning a visit with children.

Where:

Cairo, Egypt