Minister Farouk confirmed that the modernization covers the zoo’s entire 112-feddan area and is being carried out in close coordination with state institutions, international consultants, and global zoo-welfare organizations.
Farouk told Extra News late Sunday that the redevelopment includes completing the pedestrian tunnel linking Giza Zoo to Orman Garden, as well as redesigning all major animal habitats.
Animals have been relocated to temporary facilities to ensure their safety during construction, with the most sensitive areas, such as the African savannah and Asian zones, undergoing full reconstruction.
He said animal transfers are among the most complex parts of the project, requiring the replication of natural habitats and strict adherence to welfare protocols under supervision from experts from South Africa and several European countries.
Farouk added that restoration of the zoo’s heritage structures is progressing rapidly, and a pilot operating phase will precede the official reopening.
The Ministry of Agriculture and the veterinary authority will maintain full oversight of the privately managed facility to ensure international standards are consistently applied.
Farouk emphasized that Egypt is seeking accreditation from global organizations, including the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) and the Pan-African Association of Zoos and Aquaria (PAAZA).
Giza Zoo, opened in 1891 and once considered one of the world’s top zoological parks, suffered decades of deterioration, losing its international classification in the early 2000s.
In 2022, the government launched a plan to revive the zoo and the adjacent Orman Garden by preserving state ownership while assigning operations to a specialized private-sector company.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly described the project as “a dream the government is collectively working to deliver.”
At a meeting with senior ministers, national consultants, international zoo experts, and representatives of the operating company, the government reviewed major progress in engineering, heritage restoration, and animal welfare upgrades.
Cabinet Spokesperson Mohamed Elhomosany said the project’s designs, habitat plans, and restoration strategy have been approved by international bodies, earning global confidence certifications.
Mohamed Kamel, head of the National Alliance for the Development of Giza Zoo and Orman Garden, which includes the Military Production Engineering Projects Company and the private operator Hadaeq, confirmed in earlier statements that the zoo will not reopen before 2026, as the African Association of Zoos continues monitoring to ensure the readiness of animals and infrastructure.
Kamel said more than 118 new species have been added to modernize the animal population, with plans underway to import 362 more animals.
Three Asian elephants will be housed in a new 4.5-feddan habitat. Terminally ill lions suffering from conditions such as tuberculosis were humanely euthanized under international protocols to protect other animals and staff. Current spending ranges from EGP 1.07 to EGP 1.8 billion, with total investment expected to reach EGP 4 billion.
The redevelopment also includes cultural and educational initiatives.
Former education minister Tarek Shawki oversees the educational component, including new biology and animal-science centres, while former culture minister Inas Abdel-Dayem leads cultural and artistic programming.
A national sculpture competition selected four Egyptian artists to create permanent installations within the redeveloped park.
Development Details
The redevelopment of Giza Zoo and Orman Garden spans 112 feddans, with each site divided into three zones for phased construction and specialized functions.
A new pedestrian tunnel links the two parks, creating a unified ecological and visitor experience.
Animal-care upgrades are central to the project. All animals have been moved to temporary, climate-controlled shelters while their new habitats are being built.
The African savannah and Asian zones are being reconstructed in accordance with international welfare standards.
The zoo has introduced more than 118 new species and plans to import an additional 362 animals.
A spacious 4.5-feddan elephant habitat has been built with dedicated bathing pools, and new hippo and aquatic-animal facilities meet strict global standards.
Historic restoration is another key focus. More than 90 percent of heritage structures have been restored, including the Royal Palace, Old Gate, Japanese Kiosk, iron suspension bridge, artificial grottoes, lakes, and iconic bird-watching towers.
These restored sites will be part of a dedicated nighttime zone offering cultural programmes, guided tours, and evening activities.
To support the zoo’s transformation into a modern zoological institution, a specialized veterinary hospital is under construction, equipped with CT imaging, X-ray systems, advanced diagnostic labs, and a licensed veterinary pharmacy.
The Animal Health Institute will conduct regular testing to protect animals, staff, and visitors. New food-preparation facilities meet international standards, enabling species-specific nutrition programmes supervised by foreign and local experts.
The operational model introduces strict rules to ensure visitor safety and animal welfare. Outside food will be prohibited, feeding interactions will be controlled and supervised, and exhibits will provide larger spaces aligned with international best practices.
Digital infrastructure will make Giza Zoo “the smartest zoo in the world,” offering visitors access to animal histories and interactive content through smart systems supported by full CCTV coverage.
Educational and cultural components are central to the visitor experience. Three learning centres will focus on biology, laboratory sciences, and early childhood education, while cultural programming will include sculpture, music, and nighttime events.
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