Around 500,000 visitors visited Egypt's Giza Zoo during midyear recess, Mohamed Ragaie, the head of the ministry's central department of zoos and wildlife conservation said.

Ragaie said the zoo prepped to receive visitors during recess, cancelling vacations to all veterinarians and workers, and Tuesday's day off for the zoo.

Ticket prices for adults was set at EGP 5, with children free, he said.

Egyptian schools and universities' half-year break began 25 January and ran for two weeks, with schools and universities resuming on Saturday and Sunday. 

Ragaie said a first phase of development is being finalized, in an attempt to restore its status as an important tourist and entertainment destination.

The Giza Zoo received a number of new animals, including Bengal Tigers, Arabian oryx, Russian bear and Red kangaroo, he said, adding that the zoo is still awaiting the delivery of two giraffes and two zebras through an exchange.

The Giza Zoo is a popular holidays hangout for Egyptians, especially those with lower incomes since the ticket price is relatively cheap.

The zoo was opened to the public in 1891, and is under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture.

The zoo covers an area of around 80 acres near the west bank of the Nile in Giza district, and has a variety of wild animals as well as rare species of plants.