Construction begins on Qatar's 'world-class zoo'

Work on the new Doha Zoo is underway, with two local construction companies awarded major contracts worth a combined total of US$32 million (QR118 million) to begin the mega-zoo project.

The first company, Aswan Trading and Contracting Co., has been tasked with site preparations and the eventual demolition of buildings and facilities within Doha’s current zoo, which closed abruptly in August 2012.

To be constructed alongside the existing facility, opposite Doha’s Aspire Park and Villaggio Mall, the new 75 hectare site will be seven times the size of the former 30-year-old zoo.

The new Zoo will feature 3,000 animals, drive-through safaris, an elephant walk-way and three hotels, including a luxury tree-top hotel. It will link with the Aspire Park and Villagio mall via a cable car, dedicated tram system and a custom-built walk-way.

The project is the culmination of work between Qatar's Public Works Authority (Ashghal), construction supervisors KEO International Consultants and HHCP+PJA, with the total cost of the development expected to be in the region of US$63 million (QR230 million).

Aswan began site preparation works on the Zoo in March, under its 14-month, US$12.3 million (QR45 million) deal.

Mindful that construction work will take place alongside animals that continue to reside onsite, an Ashghal spokeswoman told Doha News “the health and wellness of the Doha Zoo’s animals are of utmost priority. The enabling works that have commenced will be undertaken while ensuring the protection and maintenance of all the natural environments of the Zoo.”

The animals will remain at the former zoo for at least another year, as a second contractor begins building an animal containment facility to house them when construction moves forward.

The concept master plan for the new Zoo will includes several regions themed around three continents: an African safari, an Asian woodland and a South American rainforest.

The Zoo will also include an area with a controlled biosphere roof system that will ‘rain’ once an hour.

The new Doha Zoo is expected to be completed in 2017.

Click here to visit the Doha Zoo website.

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