Grand Zoo... A Kuwaiti dream project

KUWAIT, Dec 22 (KUNA) -- While many would like to visit the current Zoo in Al-Omariya area, especially during the winter season, a dream for a grand facility to host animals of various kinds is still lingering in the minds of people living in Kuwait.
The Public Authority for Agriculture Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAFR) recently proposed a KD-112-million (USD 336 million) Grand Zoo project to be opened west of Jahra Road.
Top officials at PAAFR, including Director General Faisal Al-Hasawi and Deputy Director Dr. Ali Al-Qattan, told KUNA that the project, which will attract millions of visitors, was still in its early stages.
The project will be separated into five zones, which includes parking, entry and exit gates, and open-air animals' displays, in addition to areas for services, paths, and utilities.
The project will generate job opportunities for both Kuwaitis and expatriates. The private sector might be involved in the process of building the Zoo.
The project had been planned since the 1970s and 80s; however, it was put on halt due to the Iraqi invasion.
The project came back to light in 2008 and PAAFR was assigned to study its prospects. The initial estimate of the project was at KD 20 million (USD 60 million).
The current Zoo in Al-Omariya, opened in 1968, will continue to operate, but the grand Zoo project will be more of an open-air experience. (end) mf.gta