This is Bahrain’s very own wildlife park with its “native” wildlife.
The Al Areen Wildlife Park is a nature reserve and zoo, in Sakhir. It is one of five other protected areas in the country and it is the only designated protected area on land, in the country.
The park covers a total area of 7 km sq and was first established in 1976. Species native to Bahrain, both plants and animals, as well as species originating from Africa, south Asia are present in the zoological park.
The park features 100,000 planted flora and trees and more than 45 species of animals, 82 species of birds and 25 species of flora.
Species present in the park include the Arabian oryx, which is extinct in the wild, Persian gazelle, springbok, saluki dogs, impala, fallow deer, Chapman’s zebra and desert hares.
Arabian species such as the scimitar-horned oryx, addax (which is rare in the wild), dama gazelle, giraffes, Nubian ibex, wild goat, barbary sheep and Asiatic onager are also present.
The park also employs a captive breeding policy of endangered species.
The Al Areen area covers a total area of 800 hectares, divided into two 400-hectares sections; one section dedicated to the public while the other section is a protected reserve, equipped with two surface reservoirs for flora and fauna.
The park has undergone multiple renovations in the previous decade, adding an aviary and an Arabian wild animals complex. Currently, a falcon stadium and a pet park are being planned for construction in the park.
Access to the park’s animals are provided by tour-buses from the main entrance. Entrance fee is BD1 (Adults) & BD0.500 (child 3–12 years).
Admission for child below 3 years old is free. Access to the reserve is restricted, except for specialists, researchers, veterinarians and the animals’ keepers.
Entrance to the reserve area of the park is prohibited unless prior permission is obtained.
The park itself is a 40-minute drive from Manama, connected by a highway, and is located adjacent to Bahrain International Circuit.