Rabat - With thousands of animals, 130 distinct species, and five authentic ecosystems, the Rabat Zoo provides both an entertaining and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
The Rabat Zoo features five authentic gardens (The Atlas Mountains, The Desert, The Savannah, The Rainforest, and The Wetlands), which mimic the actual diverse ecosystems of Morocco. While walking through the different gardens, visitors feel as if they are immersed in the unique nature of each one. Known as the “wild encounter,” the zoo allows for up close and personal views of animals. It is a center visitors can experience nature and wildlife.
Morocco has very distinct ecosystems due to the infusion of oceans, the Mediterranean, and the Sahara. Therefore, the Atlas Mountains are home to over 40 species of mammals, 140 species of birds, and 30 species of reptiles and amphibians. The Atlas Mountains exhibit at the zoo features the African lion and the Barbary sheep and macaque. The garden also contains typical Moroccan foliage, creating a harmonic and authentic environment with the animals.
The Desert houses animals that thrive in sandy and rocky terrains. These animals, mostly found in the Sahara Desert, are unique to Africa. Not only can visitors see the common animals specific to the desert, such as various species of antelope, but they can also see endangered and rare animals that are under protection, such as the desert monitor lizard and the cheetah.
The cheetah is considered a vulnerable species, as they are lacking genetic diversity to reproduce at high rates successfully. Further, they are illegally sold through street markets to be taken as pets in parts of Africa. However, these pets have low survival rates.
The Savannah is one of the main attractions of the zoo, as it houses many animals native to Africa: elephants, lions, white rhinos, giraffes, baboons, and African ostriches. The species found here are very diverse. One large exhibit houses many species of animals, where they coexist in a balanced ecosystem. These animals are quite active; it isn’t uncommon to see gazelles running through the field or elephants spraying themselves with dirt or water.
The Rainforest garden provides a different experience entirely. Housing mostly primates, birds, and snakes, the rainforest contains landscapes of dense forests and swamps. The animals in the rainforest are quite entertaining; guests can watch mandrils chase each other and chimpanzees show off their powerful hands and feet.
The Wetlands of the zoo contain numerous species of birds, mostly roaming free in their unenclosed water territories, we well as hippos, fish, and crocodiles. One of the highlights of this area is the peafowl exhibit. Inside a mesh enclosure, visitors can take a walk through the peafowl territory, where the birds roam free, crossing the paths and jumping around on the hills and grass. The males, known as peacocks, frequently display their feathers as a courtship ritual to females. Visitors can witness this intimidating but impressive display as the peafowl scurry around their home.
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