Emirates Park Zoo & Resort Strengthens its Educational Programmes to Bring Learning Beyond the Classroom

Building on more than a decade of school visits, the zoo continues to enhance curriculum-aligned learning experiences that connect classroom concepts with real-world discovery through wildlife, conservation and hands-on engagement

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Emirates Park Zoo & Resort continues to strengthen its long-standing educational programmes for schools, building on more than a decade of experience welcoming students and educators to the zoo. As an ADEK-approved school trip destination, the zoo provides curriculum-aligned learning experiences that complement classroom education through direct observation, educator-led sessions and hands-on engagement with wildlife. 

The programmes cover a range of topics including biodiversity, ecosystems, animal behaviour, pollinators, rainforest ecosystems, endangered species and desert wildlife. Through real-world encounters with animals and their habitats, students are encouraged to connect academic concepts with practical examples, helping bring lessons to life beyond the classroom. 

“Learning shouldn’t stop at the classroom door,” said Dr. Walid Shaaban, Group CEO, Emirates Park Zoo & Resort. “For more than a decade, we have welcomed school groups and worked with educators to create opportunities for students to experience what they learn about in a real-world environment. When a student sees an animal’s adaptation in front of them or understands how a species contributes to a wider ecosystem, a classroom concept becomes something they can observe and experience. That connection is at the heart of our approach to school education.” 

The zoo’s educational programmes are designed to complement the learning taking place in schools, giving students opportunities to observe animal behaviour, explore ecosystems and understand the importance of biodiversity and conservation through guided experiences. 

The impact of these experiences can also extend beyond a single school visit. Over the years, Emirates Park Zoo & Resort has seen students return after their initial school trips with a deeper interest in wildlife and conservation, including some who have later returned as volunteers. 

“We’ve seen students come back years later, not simply as visitors, but as volunteers, because something about their first experience at the zoo stayed with them,” added Mr. Waleed. “For us, that is one of the most meaningful outcomes of our education programmes. It shows how an early connection with wildlife can develop into a lasting interest in conservation and environmental responsibility.” 

As Emirates Park Zoo & Resort continues to evolve its education offering, it remains focused on providing schools with meaningful, experiential learning opportunities that complement formal curricula and support broader efforts to promote sustainability, environmental awareness and conservation among younger generations in the UAE. 

Through its continued engagement with schools, educators and students, the zoo aims to make wildlife education more accessible, relevant and memorable helping students understand not only the animals they encounter, but also the role they can play in protecting the natural world.

About Emirates Park Zoo and Resort

Emirates Park Zoo and Resort in Abu Dhabi, globally acclaimed for its wildlife haven, is a unique attraction. Holding prestigious awards such as best zoo operator in the Middle East and full institutional memberships such as WAZA (The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums) and AZA (The Association of Zoos & Aquariums), the facility seamlessly integrates a zoo, resort, veterinary clinic, retail store, restaurant, cafe, catering, and pet hotel. The visitors can witness around 250 species, comprising 1,125 fascinating animals, ranging from majestic mammals, diverse birds, and intriguing reptiles to enchanting aquatic life. From mighty elephants to tiny wonders like snails, the collection offers a diverse and captivating experience. The diverse animal encounters such as breakfast with giraffes, lunch with big cats and dinner with majestic elephants, each encounter is uniquely tailored to visitors’ delight. Last but not least, guests engage in conservation education through interactive exhibits, guided tours, and educational programs, ensuring a memorable retreat. Promoting animal welfare awareness and actively engaging in conservation research to safeguard wildlife at the zoo is at the heart of our mission. Explore the wonders of nature and wildlife at your convenience throughout the week.