Saturday 18 / May / 2024
Running a zoo is surely not one of the first things that comes to mind when you think of taking up a hobby. It was, however, a pet project (no pun intended) for Ahmed bin Abdul Rahim Al Balushi, the owner of Al Nu’man Park, a zoo located in the Wilayat of Barka in the Governorate of South Batinah, some 40 minutes, or 65 kilometres from the Omani capital of Muscat. Opened on 18 November, 2009, in the village of Nu’man, near the Nu’man heritage house, the zoo spans over 10,000 square metres.
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The idea to establish Al Nu’man Park evolved from his hobby of buying animals, many of whom he had for more than 20 years. The park is open for visitors from 9am to 9pm, with nominal entry fees used to take care of animals.
There are different kinds of animals in the park, including predators and domesticated animals, in addition to reptiles and birds.
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There is also a lion and a leopard as well as hyenas, foxes, nymphs, snakes, crocodiles and several species of monkeys,. There are many birds, as well, including chickens, ducks, geese, ostriches, peacocks, and rare and colourful birds, such as eagles and falcons. The park has rest and accommodation facilities for visitors from outside the Wilayat of Barka, at nominal prices. Several facilities, including a swimming pool, a special site for barbecues, restaurants, and shops, are also available inside the park.
