Shahd Alhamdan

Saudi Gazette

Anyone who visits Bahrain and likes nature should spend an entire day at the Al-Areen Wildlife Part—they surely will not be disappointed.



The park, which opens daily at 8 am until 4 or 5 pm, is home to an array of animals. Visitors are given tours on buses. Situated a 40-minute drive from Manama, Al-Areen is home to gardens, parks, gift shops, a café and an education center where children can watch educational movies.



The entire area is divided into two sections- one comprising a nature reserve and the second recreational parks. The entire complex is home to around 80 types of animals, 100 birds and 100 types of desert plans. It also houses two kinds of monkeys, one from India and the other from Saudi Arabia. There are also several types of deer, birds and giraffes. Wild animals are also on display, including lions and bear.



“This park was the first of its kind wildlife park in the Gulf. It was established in 1976,” said Fadhel Al-Abdullah, an employee. “We receive many visitors and in the mornings you can find schoolchildren visiting,” he added.



“There are nine gardens, including the Wild Flora Garden and The Bahrain Japan Friendship which showcases the flag of the two countries. Thai town is a new garden that the park is working on and which will open soon … its design will be very much Thai-like,” he added.



The park was established not only to educate and entertain visitors but also protect rare animals by providing a refuge for endangered species.