The under construction Dubai Zoo aims to be as eco-friendly as possible, Dubai Municipality says. (Picture courtesy of Emirates 24/7).
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A Dubai Municipality official has said that the currently under construction safari park in Al Warqa will use solar power to generate electricity, as part of efforts to make it as eco-friendly as possible.
In a report by Emirates 24/7, the official said that solar energy would also be used to operate an artificial wadi system, transportation and amusement facilities within the park.
“The park will be spread over an area of 119 hectares. It will comprise a safari village, Arabian village, Asian Village and African village apart from a zoo for children, butterfly-park, botanical garden, resort, and golf course, in addition to educational and veterinary facilities,” the official was quoted as saying.
Approximately 1,000 animals from all over the world will be housed in a temperature controlled environment, he added. This would be crucial as a number of the animals would not be able to deal with the high heat and humidity of the summer.
“The annual power consumption expected to run the safari park is estimated to be about 630 MWH. Authorities aim to generate energy using 1250 photovoltaic panels, making an annual saving of $76,231 per year,” said the official.
The park will use off-grid hybrid photovoltaic systems for irrigation. These hybrid systems will use sunlight during the day and switch over to conventional electricity at night. The park will also use water and waste water recycling facilities for an artificial wadi, which will consist of water falls and boating facilities, the news website said.
Dubai’s current zoo is located in Jumeriah. A considerably smaller facility, the 1.5 hectare zoo was built in 1965. It has come under repeated criticism for its cramped enclosures and overcrowding.