CAIRO – The renovation of the Giza Zoo has been planned by the world’s best consultant specialized in developing zoos, said Ahmed Ibrahim, the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation Media Advisor.
He told MENA on Friday that the consultant has already contributed to developing 12 zoos worldwide, including London Zoo.
The renovation of Giza Zoo and Orman Garden will be carried out under a 25-year usufruct contract for an annual rent that will be increased every year.
The zoo and the garden will remain owned by the Ministry of Agriculture, he added.
The renovation of Giza Zoo and Orman Garden intends to improve the efficiency of their services, maximize the use of their components while protecting their archaeological character, rare plants and trees, and restore their heritage and past glamor.
The development process, also, aims at revitalizing the gardens as open areas that offer a much-needed green breathing space for the public, he said, adding that work is being done to turn the zoo into an open global parks without walls, using the best international safety standards.
The Giza Zoo, which was built by Khedive Ismail and opened on March 1, 1891, is the third oldest in the world and the oldest in Africa.
The zoo was first established as a botanical garden over an area of about 80 acres.
