Riyadh Zoo, Riyadh

The Riyadh Zoo, also known locally as Malaz Zoo, spans about 55 acres, making it the largest zoo in the country. Founded in 1957 as a royal menagerie for King Saud bin Abdulaziz, the zoo was revamped and opened to the public in 1987, later welcoming animals from across the globe by 1988.

Today, the park is home to over 1,500 animals representing around 196 species from every continent, including lions, elephants, kangaroos, seals, tapirs, and countless birds and reptiles. Noteworthy inhabitants include endangered Saudi native species such as the Arabian oryx, Arabian desert leopard, and the houbara bustard.

Beyond just observation, Riyadh Zoo offers dynamic experiences: a train ride tours the zoo in about 20 minutes, giving a broad view of exhibits; the Croc Cave, Kangaroo Yard, and Bird Zone let visitors get closer to wildlife in safe, interactive zones. There’s also a new bird show, hands‑on farm area, and educational talks that raise awareness about conservation and local ecology.

Visitor facilities are quite family‑friendly: spacious landscaped grounds with benches, shaded areas, prayer halls for men and women, cafés and snack kiosks, and even a 5D theatre or open-air theatre for performances. An onsite restaurant and several mobile stalls ensure you won’t go hungry.