Dubai Zoo to close on November 5

The National -- Dubai Zoo is to close on Sunday November 5 in preparation for the opening of Dubai Safari Park.

The zoo has been open in Jumeirah for 50 years and most of the animals will be moved to the new safari project.

"The zoo has been a testimony to the leadership's commitment and keenness all these years to be ahead in wildlife conservation and providing entertainment services to the local community,” said Khalid Al Suwaidi, director of the leisure facilities department at Dubai Municipality.

A closing ceremony will be held on the final day and members of the public can enter free of charge.

The age of the old zoo and conditions, particularly in the summer, have long been the subject of complaint by residents and animal welfare groups.

Dubai Safari Park is expected to open late this year or in early 2018.

The new facility will have space for about 5,000 animals but it is thought it will open with about half that number.

The park, located close to Dragonmart, will also have an elephant conservation programme and a sanctuary for rescued exotic animals.