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19 March 2024

Saudi man has over 2,000 animals

10-year-old zoo employs nearly 40 workers and attracts thousands of visitors everyday. (Supplied)

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By Staff

A Saudi man who has been fond of animals and birds since childhood owns nearly 150 species of more than 2,000 animals crammed in a small zoo he has set up at his own expense, according to a local newspaper.

'Sabq' quoted Faisal Asiri as saying he pays nearly SR250,000 (Dh250,000) rent a year for the zoo land in the southern Saudi town of Abha.

(Supplied)

He said the zoo comprises lions and other predators, deer, horses, reptiles, falcons and other species of animals and birds, adding that the 10-year-old zoo employs nearly 40 workers and attracts thousands of visitors every day, including school children.

“I call on authorities to give me land to set up a big zoo as the animals and birds are breeding and need a bigger place in the future…I am paying SR250,000 rent for this zoo and I hope the authorities to respond to my call,” he said.

“I have received many offers from the UAE and other Gulf countries to move the zoo there but I want to stay in my area because I love it.”