via Trip.com

It has been announced that Egypt’s most popular zoo, the Giza Zoo, and nearby Orman Park, is shutting down to undergo extensive renovation. Many have speculated that, under this plan, the zoo’s current ownership rights have been ceded and passed to the developer in charge of the refurbishment, leading to much criticism. However, these claims have been refuted; this article highlights the practical necessity of the grand renovation of the zoo.

A Poor and Neglected Space for Animals

via TripAdvisor

Research shows that the Giza Zoo’s current structure has led to the deaths of many of the animals. This results from its poor infrastructure, including small and unkept cages, unable to provide the animals with the resources they need to survive, and neglect by zookeepers and workers to the needs of the animals, resulting in no proper care. The zoo has revealed that it cannot replace the animals that passed, diminishing its purpose as a zoo.

The Plan Outlined in the Renovation

via Headout

The renovation plan is expected to take place over 18 months. It allocates one billion EGP, provided by the National Authority for Military Protection (NAMP) and other government bodies, dedicated solely to improving the state of the animal park. To do so, it will expand the grounds and structure them to replicate the natural living spaces of the animals – meaning it will be cage-free! Instead, a path will be built for the public to walk on as they admire the animals from afar.

Government authorities have reiterated that under the renovation, all historical sites will be preserved, including the Eiffel Bridge, Royal Hall, Tea Island, Animal Museum, and Monkeys Gabalaya. In addition, they have confirmed that the zoo will remain a possession of the government ministry, and ownership rights will not be ceded to any internal or external party. The official spokesman for the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, Mohamed al-Qersh, declared that the NAMP is in charge of all renovation, management, operation, and maintenance of the zoo before and after the improvement plans.