a day ago
Jeddah's newest indoor jungle brings nature to the city this summer
JEDDAH: Families in Jeddah are skipping summertime's typical indoor mall circuit and heading somewhere … wilder.
The newly opened Forest Wonders indoor jungle is offering a nature-inspired escape in the heart of the coastal city, including turtles to pat, goats to feed and lemurs to meet.
'As far as I know, such animal jungles don't just offer fun experiences but also educate the public about wildlife conservation,' 36-year-old Abdullah Al-Hashmi told Arab News while waiting in line with his family on opening day.
'It is a new experience for (the kids) and they are excited about it,' he said.
• The newly opened Forest Wonders indoor jungle is offering a nature-inspired escape.
• It features more than 200 animals in themed zones such as the Meercat Zone, Raccoon Enclosure, and the Secret Garden.
• Young visitors can color, plant or play skill games between feeding stations and animal encounters.
Located on King Abdulaziz Road, the jungle-like venue opened on July 16 as part of this year's Jeddah Season.
The air-conditioned space, covering 7,500 sq. m, features more than 200 animals in themed zones such as the Meercat Zone, Raccoon Enclosure, Bird Park and the Secret Garden, where rare animals are hidden among the foliage.
'It was fun and we enjoyed every zone or area,' said Jameel Al-Shikhi, visiting with his wife and two children.
'The kids had fun with the most of the animals and they still want to see more.'
From flamingos and reptiles to cats and birds, the experience blends wildlife interaction with environmental education, including on topics such as sustainability, farming and animal care.
Young visitors can color, plant or play skill games between feeding stations and animal encounters.
'It is really connecting people with animals and the kids enjoyed many activities such playing, feeding, planting, drawing and watching the diverse animals closely,' Al-Shikhi said.
According to officials of the National Events Center, the 45-day Forest Wonders is a part of the broader Jeddah Season push to offer diverse, family-oriented entertainment.
Whether it is snapping a photo with a raccoon, learning about farming or simply watching a lemur, Forest Wonders offers a breath of fresh, leafy air in the middle of Jeddah's urban summer.
