The Green Planet Zoo

The Green Planet is an indoor rainforest zoo and greenhouse in Dubai, full of tropical plants and amazing birds and animals. Inside, a tropical rainforest climate has been recreated, and many residents can be seen up close without cages.

It is especially fun for children. The zoo is compact but built on several levels: the route starts at the top, among the canopy, and works down to the "forest floor".

What to see inside

A giant tree grows in the centre of the building, with all the levels built around it.

Residents. Bright birds fly overhead, sloths sleep on the branches and lemurs peek out; there are anteaters, bats and flying foxes, monkeys, turtles, lizards, snakes (dangerous ones behind glass) and fish, including piranhas.

Animal encounters. For an extra fee: sloth, bird, reptile and other encounters, a "Zookeeper for a Day" programme and, on Fridays and Saturdays, camping in the rainforest.

How to get there

The zoo is at City Walk, about 3 km from Downtown. A taxi is the easiest option; by car, use the City Walk parking.

Tips before you go

The zoo itself takes an hour to an hour and a half; allow more if you book an animal encounter.

Tickets are cheaper online than at the desk. City Walk next door has cafés, shops and pedestrian streets.