"Dubai - not a paradise for animals" Top 5 Page for this destination Dubai Tourist Trap Tip by JessH

Dubai is modern, shiny, clean, and "oh-so-perfect", or so it seems. It is definitely not the place for animal lovers or people with common sense on respecting animals.

The UAE still lacks a national agency for the protection of animals to provide a much-needed boost for animal rights. No clear laws, regulations, etc. are in place!

Dubai Zoo is one example of this: tiny cages, no escape from the stifling heat, no mental enrichment, untrained staff, and all of this since the 1970's.
The present zoo in Jumeirah is cramped, with about 1,000 species sharing just 17,500 square metres (including offices/visitor centre). This works out to less than 9 square metres for each animal! (see photos)
Residents agree: "This place where the animals are kept cannot be described as a zoo." In a newspaper poll 84% voted in favour of a new zoo. Apparently, a new zoo is in the process of being built, and the municipality has assured us that it will be much better... let's hope so.

--> UPDATE 2012: Finally! Could it be true? Will the poor long-suffering animals of the Dubai zoo get a new, more spacious and modern home? Click here: http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/general/dubai-safari-to-cover-400-hectares-1.1022592

Also, Dubai also has a "Dolphinarium". There has been a huge public outcry against this as keeping dolphins in small tanks, forcing them to do tricks is cruel and completely outdated "entertainment". Dubai claims that this is in the interest of 'conservation & educating children'. This is not true and is already being condemned by PETA and other animal rights organisations (I wrote to PETA and informed them of the planned project). Show your support on www.nodolphinshow.com!

No-one wants cruelty in their holidays...

Unique Suggestions: Voice your opinion to the Dubai Deparment of Tourism, and let them know that in order for Dubai to become (and remain) a prime destination for tourists, the animals at Dubai Zoo must be given better quality of life and better care & surroundings!

Also, see if you would like to support the work of 2 of the UAE's volunteer-run animal rescue organisations:
K9 Friends http://www.k9friends.com
rescues dogs that need help
Read a recent article on the plight of a neglected dog & the insufficient laws here...

Feline Friends http://www.felinefriendsuae.com
rescues street cats, abused cats, etc. (we adopted our cat Kazimir at one of their open days :-)

Fun Alternatives: But it's a vicious circle: I don't want to tell people not to visit Dubai Zoo, because then it will loose money on entrance fees, etc. But I do believe that you have the right, as a visitor & as a parent, to know the truth and to be aware of what to expect...

Do you want to take your kids to see tigers walking up and down and up and down along their concrete walls with a dazed look on their faces? Or great apes pulling their fur out because of boredom?
It's up to you, but we are all trying to find a way to improve the lives of these unfortunate creatures... without being deported for speaking our minds...