Riyadh National Zoo

The largest zoo in Saudi Arabia, Riyadh Zoo is the best entertainment zone for kids on a tour of Saudi Arabia. Located in the splendid capital city of Riyadh, this zoo is spread over 55 acres of land.

Visitors will be astounded by the myriad forms of wildlife present in Riyadh Zoo. More than 40 species of animals and birds inhabit this place - seals, kangaroos, griffon vultures, tapirs, hyenas, lions, monkeys, rhinoceros, gazelles, leopards, tigers, reptiles, elephants, camels, etc can be easily spotted at the Riyadh Zoo.

Riyadh Zoo also houses the magnificent Riyadh Zoological Gardens that has exhibits on zoology and varied forms of flora and fauna. One of the most-visited attractions of Saudi Arabia, this zoo was set up in the year 1957. Initially it was a small-scale zoo that housed animals gifted to members of the ruling clan of Saudi Arabia.

In 1987, Riyadh Zoo was refurbished and opened to the public. This new place was designed to provide comfort to its inhabitants. Animals housed in this zoo have sufficient moving and resting space. With more than 1,400 animals present in the Riyadh Zoo, it has become a must-visit for tourists of all ages.

However, there are certain restrictions related to visiting this place. Children can be accompanied by either their fathers or mothers. Families are not allowed to enter Riyadh Zoo together. Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays are reserved for women; Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays are reserved for men.

Riyadh Zoo is open on all days of the week, except Saturdays. Opening hours are between 9am and 6pm.

If you wish to say 'hello' to your animal friends, head straight towards the Riyadh National Zoo. Spread over 55 acres, the zoo is Saudi Arabia's largest. Tapirs, seals, kangaroos, llamas, the rare griffon vultures along with Arabian leopards, lions, hyenas etc. are found here. Take a stroll at the Riyadh Zoological Gardens, which are on the zoo premises. Note that children can be accompanied by only one parent; whole families cannot visit the zoo. Women can see the animals on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays while, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays are reserved for men.