About the zoo
Giza Zoo is a good choice if you are interested in wildlife. It keeps many endangered species and a selection of native animals, and it is considered one of the largest collections in Africa of animals and birds that are now extinct in Egypt, such as Barbary sheep, Nubian ibex, Egyptian gazelles and herons.
More than ten million visitors, Egyptian and foreign, come each year. As well as seeing the animals, they walk the paths paved with coloured pebbles set in mosaic patterns, past streams, lakes, bridges and the hilly enclosures where the animals live.
What to see
Places to see include the Citadel Grotto, the Girandole Grotto, Tea Island, two artificial hills, the Suspension Bridge and the Animal Museum, whose three halls display rare mummified animals, skeletons, skulls and the skins of most wild animals, birds and reptiles.
For children there is a reptile house, electric cars, a 3D cinema showing films about animals, a play garden and a petting zoo where they can hold some of the mammals and reptiles.
Animal species at the zoo
- Mammals: the large red kangaroo with its short red-brown fur, the Asian elephant, the African elephant (the largest living land mammal), black and brown lemurs, and others.
- Birds: ostriches, the solitary southern cassowary, the emu, which lays clutches of 15–25 eggs, the great white pelican, the grey heron, and others.
- Reptiles: the Nile crocodile, the American alligator, the Egyptian cobra, the common egg-eater, the Montpellier snake, and others.
- Baby animals: hatching Egyptian geese, a yellow-faced Amazon, a greater kudu calf and a baby kangaroo called Revo.
History
The zoo’s history goes back to Khedive Ismail (1863–1879), who planned to open it officially for the inauguration of the Suez Canal in 1869. Captain Stanley S. Flower was its first director and held the post until 1924.
Size and location
The zoo covers about 80 acres and was first laid out as a botanical garden. It is near Cairo University and has 5 main gates on all sides. Students and researchers in zoology sometimes use it for study.
Frequently asked questions
Is Giza Zoo open?
The zoo has been closed in recent years for a major redevelopment. Check its current status locally before planning a visit.
What is special about Giza Zoo?
Opened under Khedive Ismail in the nineteenth century, it is one of the oldest zoos in Africa. Its historic gardens include the Citadel Grotto, the Suspension Bridge and mosaic pebble paths.
What animals live there?
The collection has included elephants, red kangaroos, lemurs, ostriches, cassowaries, pelicans, Nile crocodiles and Egyptian cobras, plus native species such as Barbary sheep and Nubian ibex.
What else is there?
An Animal Museum with mummified animals, skeletons and skulls, a reptile house and a petting area for children.
Where is it?
In Giza near Cairo University, across from the Orman Garden, with gates on several sides.
