Al Ain Safari Zoo was opened in 1969 and is the largest zoo in the United Arab Emirates. Mammals such as the Arabian antelope and the Arabian Oryx can be seen as well as the African gazelle and giraffes. Big cat enclosures contain lions, leopards, black and spotted leopards, and jaguars. The zoo is known for its research facilities, especially the breeding program for native endangered animals, as more than 30 percent of the species that can be seen here are currently on the endangered list. The zoo's latest project is the Al Ain Safari, spread over 217 hectares, where the animals of the Arabian and African Gulf (including some endangered species) live in a more natural environment. Visiting this section of the zoo is done with a jeep or truck tour only. There are plenty of family features, including a petting zoo, giraffe feeding activities, camel rides and a children's park, that encourage learning about biodiversity.