Riyadh Zoo Reopens With Expanded Attractions and Immersive Wildlife Experiences

Riyadh – Riyadh Zoo has reopened to the public as part of Riyadh Season 2025, drawing large numbers of local residents, families, and tourists eager to explore its redesigned habitats and upgraded visitor facilities.

The revamped destination has quickly re-established itself as one of the capital’s most popular outdoor venues, offering a mix of entertainment, education, and wildlife encounters.

Situated across 161,000 sq. meters in the Al-Malaz area, the new layout takes visitors through zones modeled on global environments ranging from tropical rainforests to vivid pink lakes.

The design blends immersive landscapes with animal-focused learning experiences, reflecting a renewed emphasis on conservation awareness and accessible recreation.

Across the grounds, the zoo now houses more than 1,600 animals representing 170 species, distributed across six themed zones: Pink Lake, Wild Adventure, Enchanted Forest, The Swamp, Ape Escape, and Almalaz Bay.

Each section recreates distinctive habitats through naturalistic enclosures, specialized vegetation, and environmental soundscapes aimed at enhancing both comfort for the animals and engagement for the public.

Visitors have noted significant improvements since previous seasons, highlighting the addition of new attractions and more interactive spaces.

Parents, families, and first-time guests describe the experience as more vibrant, structured, and visually appealing compared to earlier years.

Among the most notable additions is the Elephant Experience, a viewing area designed to bring guests closer to the animals as they play, forage, and interact in their habitat.

The exhibit offers rare observational access and has become one of the most photographed features of the zoo.

Another highlight is the redesigned giraffe and African savanna walkway, featuring an elevated bridge that enables guests to stand eye-level with giraffes, elands, and other grazing species.

The feature encourages slow-paced viewing and provides opportunities for guided feeding sessions and educational interactions.

Children’s activities have also expanded, with animal feeding programs, craft zones, and interactive learning stations positioned throughout the pathways.

These additions aim to support youth engagement while making the overall experience more family-friendly and accessible.

Daily performances on the main stage add an entertainment component to the destination, offering shows such as the Silly Brothers, Blue Clown Circus, Magician Show, and Bubbles Show.

Roaming performers, including themed characters, musicians, drummers, and stilt walkers, contribute to the lively atmosphere throughout the day.

The site includes a wide range of guest services designed to encourage full-day visits, including restaurants, mobile food carts, shaded rest areas, souvenir shops, and children’s play zones.

Clear directional signage and wide walking paths help maintain smooth visitor movement across the various zones.

With a daily capacity of 12,000 visitors and operational hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the zoo has become one of the largest daytime attractions featured during Riyadh Season.

Ticket reservations are available through the Webook app, allowing visitors to plan their visits conveniently.

Many long-term residents have expressed appreciation for the upgrades, viewing the relaunch as a meaningful enhancement to the city’s recreational offerings.

Families visiting from different nationalities have echoed similar sentiments, noting that the zoo now offers a more organized and enriching experience.

Guests returning after previous seasons remarked that the new design, expanded habitats, and improved facilities make the destination feel more modern and inviting.

The emphasis on natural environments and interactive education has also resonated strongly with visitors seeking meaningful, family-oriented activities.

As a major component of Riyadh Season — one of the world’s largest annual entertainment festivals — the zoo plays an important role in the city’s wider tourism strategy.

Its redevelopment reflects ongoing national efforts to elevate cultural, recreational, and eco-focused attractions.

By integrating educational programming with immersive natural environments, Riyadh Zoo is positioning itself as both a leisure destination and a platform for greater appreciation of wildlife.

The latest enhancements have strengthened its status as a flagship attraction for 2025 and a significant contributor to the city’s growing tourism landscape.