Egypt Initiates Major Renovation of Giza Zoo and Orman Botanical Garden"

Egypt has commenced a major restoration project for two of its oldest and most treasured attractions: the Giza Zoo and the Orman Botanical Garden. The refurbishment, beginning July 9th, is part of a concerted effort to revive these historic landmarks, as per an announcement from Ahmed Ibrahim, media adviser to the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation.

The Ministry of Military Production's committee has been tasked with the monumental undertaking of upgrading both the park and the zoo. The revitalization plan was first unveiled in December by Maged El-Serty, CEO of the National Military Production Company for Projects, during a conversation with TV host Lamees El-Hadidi. El-Serty has estimated that the project, particularly the renovation of Giza Zoo, will span approximately 18 months.

The Giza Zoo, established in 1891 by Khedive Ismail, has the unique distinction of being the oldest zoo in Africa and the third oldest worldwide. However, due to non-compliance with international animal housing standards, the Giza Zoo was removed from the list of internationally recognized zoos in 2004. The primary objective of the renovation is to elevate the zoo to international standards and regain its global recognition.

The restoration project will metamorphose the Giza Zoo into a modern open-range zoo adhering to the most stringent international safety standards, as stated in the Ministry's announcement. The project also envisages introducing new and rare animal species to enhance the zoo's biodiversity.

Despite the revamp, the ownership of the zoo will remain with the Ministry of Agriculture, while the Veterinary Services Authority will undertake its technical supervision. The restoration will also preserve the distinctive historical essence of the parks, their unique plant and tree species, and will be overseen by the African Union of Zoos, the International Union of Zoos, along with Egyptian national companies, headed by the Military Production Projects Company. Bernard Harrison and Friends, a global leader in zoo development consultancy, will be part of this transformative project.

Parallel to the renovation of the zoo, the adjacent Orman Botanical Garden, another creation of Khedive Ismail, will undergo significant refurbishment. A unique feature of this project will be the operation of a gondola lift linking the Giza Zoo and the Orman Botanical Garden, adding an extra layer of connectivity and appeal to these attractions.