Now open for the winter and offering free admission as part of Riyadh Season 2025, the Riyadh Zoo presents a seamless blend of history and modern design.
This massive 161,000 square metre venue in the capital city's Al-Malaz district brings the world's wildlife to life, featuring over 1,600 animals from 170 species. The zoo has created six main thematic zones, each designed to mirror natural habitats from different continents and simulate a seamless journey across global and natural ecosystems: Pink Lake, Wild Adventure, Enchanted Forest, The Swamp, Ape Escape, and Almalaz Bay.
The zoo's legacy stretches far beyond Riyadh Season. Originally referred to as the Riyadh Zoological Gardens, the destination opened in 1957 as a private menagerie for the Saudi Royal Family before opening to the public in 1987, continues to be a crucial fixture in the capital. The zoo underwent extensive refurbishment in 2008 which significantly boosted its popularity.
Interactive Experiences and New Exhibits
The zone offers a wide range of interactive and educational experiences. Visitors can take part in popular activities such as animal feeding and educational workshops for children.
New, signature experiences introduced for 2025 elevate the visitor-animal interaction:
- The Elephant Experience: This allows guests to observe elephants up close during natural behavioural moments, providing insight into their daily lives.
- The Giraffe & African Exhibit: This revamped zone features an elevated viewing bridge that brings visitors closer to giraffes and elands, offering unique photographic and observational opportunities.
Beyond the animal exhibits, Riyadh Zoo hosts an array of entertainment. Daily live performances are held on the main stage, including shows like Silly Brothers, Blue Clown Circus, Magician Show, and Bubbles Show. Additionally, roaming performances, such as Jungle Friends, Music Band & Drummers, and Flamingo Stilts, move through the pathways, adding a lively energy to the environment.
Where to get tickets & opening details
As one of the key zones of Riyadh Season, particularly popular with families, Riyadh Zoo welcomes visitors daily. This year the recently upgraded destination boasts a large capacity of up to 12,000 visitors. This makes Riyadh Zoo one of the city's largest open-air destinations of the winter season, reflecting Riyadh Season's position as a leading global entertainment destination offering innovative experiences designed to international standards.
Tickets are available to book online via Webook.
Riyadh Zoo, Al Malaz, Riyadh 12832
Open daily from 9am - 4pm,
Reserve your tickets here
@riyadh_zoo @riyadhseason
