Giza Zoo Set for a Grand Revival After Historic Integration with Orman Botanical Garden

Millions of Egyptians eagerly await the reopening of the Giza Zoo following the completion of its comprehensive development project. The project aims to transform the zoo into one of the region’s premier recreational and tourist destinations, while preserving its historical value. This initiative is part of the state’s plan to modernize and upgrade heritage parks by developing infrastructure, adding new services and recreational areas, and connecting the zoo to the Orman Botanical Garden to create a unified tourist destination.

The Giza Zoo’s development plan, following its connection to the Orman Botanical Garden, involves redesigning the animal enclosures and modernizing the walkways, while preserving the eight historical landmarks within the gardens. These landmarks include:

• The Eiffel Bridge
• The Japanese Hall
• The Royal Hall
• Tea Island and the Gezira Garden
• The Zoological Museum

The two gardens will also be connected by a modern tunnel, allowing visitors to easily move between them and seamlessly enjoy the animals and stunning natural beauty. The renovation plan includes upgrading the infrastructure, improving animal display environments, and enhancing service efficiency. It also involves implementing a project to connect the Giza Zoo and the Orman Botanical Garden into a unified tourist and recreational route, creating a comprehensive destination that combines entertainment, nature, and heritage in the heart of Greater Cairo.

The official opening of the zoo to visitors will be later in 2026, following approval of the development by the African Association of Zoos and Aquaria (AAZA), which is monitoring the development process and ensuring the readiness of the animals and all facilities to guarantee safe and efficient operation. The development is being carried out in collaboration with a select group of international consultants and experts to ensure the application of the highest standards of animal welfare and botanical garden maintenance, while preserving the distinctive archaeological and historical character of both gardens.

Giza Zoo is the largest zoo within a city, spanning 112 acres. It boasts over 3,000 historic trees and rare plants, in addition to 186 species of mammals, birds, and reptiles. Founded during the reign of Khedive Ismail, it is the third oldest zoo in the world. Giza Zoo’s redevelopment officially commenced on July 9, 2023, following the handover of the zoo to the responsible consortium. Since then, the modernization process has been underway to bring it up to international standards while preserving its distinctive historical and architectural character.