Dubai Safari Park is home to around 3,000 animals. 78 species of mammals, 50 types of reptiles and 111 kinds of birds, plus amphibians and invertebrates, all live on the 119-hectare site. It is home to several different zones, such as the African, Arabian, Asian, and Open Safari villages. Each zone replicates the natural environment of the animals that inhabit it.
Animals include 10 different carnivores, 17 primates, 50 types of reptiles, 111 kinds of birds, plus amphibians and invertebrates. Crocodiles, buffalos, lions, tigers, hippos, rhinos, zebras, elephants, baboons, cheetahs, antelopes, hyenas, and giraffes are, among others, all featured.
Given this scale and the number of different habitats, the park requires sophisticated animal life support systems and filtration systems to keep its inhabitants happy and healthy. To meet this need, the attraction turned to the expertise of MAT Filtration Technologies. MAT is a manufacturer of high-efficiency water filtration equipment and a provider of engineering services.
Meet hippos at Dubai Safari Park
The relationship between MAT and Dubai Safari Park came about in 2020. At this time, Dubai Safari Park chose MAT Filtration Technologies for the complete Animal Life Support System (ALSS) of the hippopotamus exhibit.
Providing a system for two hippopotamus habitats in the Dubai Safari Park was a formidable technological challenge. Filtering the main pool of an adult hippopotamus is a tough task for biological filtration technology. However, the system MAT delivered as part of a retrofit design and installation project to fix existing water quality problems was successful. It allows for crystal-clear views of the hippopotamuses underwater. Importantly, the team achieved this without the use of chloramines and corrosive chemicals.
Dubai Park’s hippo exhibits comprise a giant hippopotamus exhibit, as well as a pygmy hippopotamus one. In the pygmy hippo habitat, monkeys play in the trees above. MAT filtration technologies redesigned, supplied, installed and commissioned the complete Animal Life Support Systems (ALSS) for both exhibits.
MAT is an expert in supplying the correct equipment and securing water quality under WAZA, AZA, and EAZA exhibit standards. Its leading filtration systems use ozone and UV to achieve disinfection.
For this project, the company added ACO Technology (Active catalytic oxidizers) for the first time. ACO is an animal-friendly disinfection process. It works by harvesting the sun’s UV beams to catalyse the formation of free radicals. This increases the RedOx potential (a water body’s ability to cleanse itself or break down waste products and contaminants) in the water.
MAT Filtration Technologies and MAT Zoos
In spring 2023, MAT, already renowned as a manufacturer of high-efficiency water filtration equipment and provider of engineering services, launched its new Zoological Operations Division. By combining its extensive knowledge and experience in zoos and wildlife conservation with zoological and veterinary skills, as well as recreation technology, the company aims to establish itself as a leading specialist in this area.
The MAT Zoos team has expertise in management, consultation, and zoological and curatorial operations for zoos and aquariums. They offer a range of services, including concept development, operational management, veterinary care, hiring, curatorial services, and assistance with AZA, WAZA, and EAZA accreditation.
Pedro Ignacio Garcia-Miguel Gomez is the global facilities senior manager at MAT Zoos. Describing the unique elements of Dubai Safari Park, the factors that make it special, and some of the highlights, he says:
“There are 85 animal and human contact ponds. 46 mechanical rooms around the park, both with and without filtration systems, serve these ponds. Taking care of all the mechanical rooms and the equipment around the park, on a daily basis, makes the project special and unique in its field.”
Describing the key factors a zoo or aquarium should take into consideration when choosing animal life support systems (ALSS), Gomez says:
“ALSS should be specifically designed for the end user, which means the animals. Pond, aquarium and ALSS should be custom designed for the animal to be introduced in the exhibit to serve and perform at its best.”
Putting animal welfare first
Outlining the products and services that MAT brought to Dubai Safari Park, and how these meet the park’s needs, he explains:
“MAT is a company specialising in animal systems. We understand the challenges, requirements and responsibilities of working with and for animals. Dubai Safari Park doesn’t just need a maintenance company. It needs a company that specialises in animal systems, to not only take care of the systems but to prioritise the animals first and foremost.”
This made MAT the best choice for this project. In terms of how the company approaches a new project and the importance of listening to each individual client’s needs, he comments:
“MAT has experience with ALSS concerning system design, equipment design, equipment manufacturing and service, operation & maintenance, and can cover all the aspects of this kind of project from A to Z. Regarding the individual client’s needs, it’s critical to listen and understand all the client requirements. That enables us to provide a specialised and bespoke service.
“For all our projects, we start with the question: ‘What’s best for the animals? What’s best for the client?’
“From that point, we then ascertain how we can apply the answers to these questions harmoniously.”
Speaking to the sustainability of MAT’s ALSS solutions, he adds
“Sustainability is one of the most important elements of our job. The very essence of the filtration systems is to provide optimal conditions for the animals. And to do so with minimal resource consumption.”
Dubai Safari Park
When Dubai Safari opened in 2017 it was to overwhelming interest. Having decided to offer an introductory free entry scheme ahead of the official opening, the Dh 1 billion wildlife attraction was inundated with visitors in its first week. More than 100,000 visitors leapt at the opportunity, queuing to explore the new park.
The testing phase allowed the Dubai Safari Park team to monitor and assess the park’s overall operations. This enabled them to gather valuable feedback and fine-tune the visitor experience.
In 2020, as part of its rebranding strategy, Dubai Municipality revitalised the park’s operation. It sharpened the focus on customer experience and education initiatives. It also highlighted the range of animal welfare and conservation strategies that underpin the park’s ethos and mission.
Today, the 119-hectare sanctuary is home to nearly 3,000 animals from all over the world. It comprises the African Village, which features animals ranging from the African elephant to the meerkat, the Asian Village, with animals from every habitat from forest to pond, the Arabian Desert Safari, from which a cheetah might be glimpsed, the Explorer Village, and Adventure Valley.
Then there are free-roaming areas and standout attractions. This includes the Kids’ Farm and a Safari Journey. Here, visitors can spot animals including crocodiles, buffalos, lions, tigers, hippos, rhinos, zebras, baboons, antelopes, hyenas and giraffes close-up.
Bird shows, educational programmes and animal feeding experiences underline the institution’s conservation messaging. Dubai Safari Park affords visitors a chance to connect with nature and gain a deeper understanding of our planet’s fragile ecosystems.
Conservation and sustainability
Dubai Safari Park is powered primarily by solar energy. It has a commitment to education, conservation, and animal welfare. The park’s species and biodiversity conservation initiatives are on a global scale. It also partners with other leading organisations and participates in breeding and species survival programmes.
Speaking to blooloop, a spokesman gave an introduction to Dubai Safari Park, its mission, and the factors that make it unique:
“Dubai Safari Park places a strong emphasis on animal welfare and conservation education. In terms of sustainability, buildings and electric vehicles use energy from solar panels. The park has an onsite reverse osmosis plant. This filters and recycles water for animal water bodies, and repurposes food and animal waste into organic compost used as fertilizer across the park.”
Commenting on the destination’s highlights, they add:
“At the park, the animals live in unique zones that represent their natural habitat and the region where they originate from. In addition to the five key attractions – the African Village, Asian Village, Arabian Desert Safari, Explorer Village, and Kids Farm – visitors can also explore and experience standout attractions, and the brand-new private experience, Behind the Scenes, as well as the Dine in the Wild and Jungle Capture experiences.”
Animal welfare at Dubai Safari Park
Ensuring that the animals are happy and well cared for is a top priority:
“Dubai Safari Park has an expert animal care team responsible for taking care of animals’ welfare. Good animal welfare requires an understanding not only of the animals’ physical needs but also of their social and environmental requirements. Dubai Safari Park puts animal welfare high on its priority list. It is continually working at improving the quality of life for all animals in its care.
“Exhibits are designed to allow the different species to behave as much as possible as they would in the wild. Social groupings are always carefully managed to promote social interaction and breeding where required. The animals are given choices in where they wish to be or interact or not. Much attention is given to enriching their exhibits and holdings to keep them active and in good condition.”
Touching on some of the key considerations when choosing animal life support systems:
“Dubai Safari Park places a lot of emphasis on animal welfare and conservation. All animals live in unique environments that meet their needs. It is important to provide a clean source of water in their enclosures. Dubai Safari Park also conducts regular water testing for all waterbodies and maintains parameters for each species to ensure all PH levels and temperatures are maintained. The park also provides sustainable water sources to avoid changing water too many times.”
Dubai Safari Park’s mission
As far as the future is concerned:
“Dubai Safari Park will continue to fulfil its vision to be leading in the field of inspiring action for sustainable wildlife. The park intends to introduce marine animals, fish, and other species as part of their display. Dubai Safari Park has already joined several international breeding programs for endangered animal species. It will join more such programs in the future.
“Dubai Safari Park aims to become a leading zoo in the good care and breeding of endangered animal species and will contribute to national and international efforts to restore these species to safety.”
