- Dubai’s very own tropical rainforest to be the new home for flying foxes – one of the largest Megabat species in the world capable of sustained flight
- Guests will be able to meet the new flying foxes from 16 September onwards
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 20 September 2022: Nature lovers unite! It’s time for a true tropical encounter, complete with the very fascinating flying foxes – now taking flight at one of Dubai’s most popular attractions – The Green Planet Dubai. Starting 16th September 2022, guests will be able to meet the Middle East’s first flying foxes at the biodome.
Home to over 3,000 plants and animals across four indoor rainforest levels, the city’s very own tropical rainforest is all set to host its visitors to yet another fun experience with the latest addition to its rich ecosystem. Highly social with tawny fur that glistens in the sun, flying foxes are one of the biggest bat species in the world capable of sustained flight. Calling it their new home, living alongside the lemurs, sloths and parrots, these new residents will be seen flying freely across the enclosed biodome. Green enthusiasts will get to engage and get up close with these fascinating mammals. They will be able to click pictures with them and learn more about these super social folks commonly known as Malaysian flying foxes.
These Megabats play an important role in keeping native forests healthy by dispersing seeds and pollinating flowering plants, with a wingspan of 1.8m or more. The wingspan of the flying foxes arriving at The Green Planet will be up to 1m and weigh up to 1kg.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recently evaluated their species as nearly threatened. With a body length of 27-38cms, they have an average life span of 15 years in the wild. However, under human care, they can live up to 30 years. The Green Planet’s conservation efforts will form part of crucial global work to protect the species
Adding to the six unique zones featuring sloths, piranhas, tropical birds and reptiles, these aerial wonders will be included as part of the single-day experience at the Green Planet Dubai.
Follow the Green Planet social media channels for the latest updates:
Instagram: @theGreenPlanetDubai
Facebook: @theGreenPlanetDubai
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Fun Facts:
- Flying fox species vary in body weight, ranging from 0.6-1.1kg with males are usually larger than females.
- They find food with their keen sense of smell and navigate by using their excellent eyesight.
- They have long, sharp curved claws which allow them to hang upside-down on the trees without using any energy.
- These social mammals can roost in the thousands, and give birth to one offspring at a time, with twins being a great rarity. They feed in groups and may fly up to 50km to reach their feeding spot.
- These fascinating creatures who originate from South and Southeast Asia, Australia, East Africa and some islands in the Indian and Pacific oceans.
About Green Planet
One of Dubai’s most popular attractions for residents and tourists, the Green Planet is a magnificent four-story biodome located in City Walk, Dubai. Counted as one of the most brilliantly engineered biodomes in the world, the canopy stands at an astonishing height of 30-45 metres above the ground and forms the roof of the rainforest, providing a panoramic view across the rainforest ecosystem.
The Green Planet was conceptualized to bring together nature and the science of nature, alongside visitor attractions and experiences to help raise awareness of the world’s most diverse ecosystems. The attraction is home to animals from across the globe, from the cute to the deadly.
Visiting The Green Planet is a great educational experience for adults and kids alike and there are multiple experiences to help get the most from a visit, including school trips, tropical thunderstorms, snorkelling with the piranhas or even becoming ‘Zookeeper for the day’ with the support of experts in the field. There are several rainforest-themed shopping and dining centres for visitors
Single Day tickets to the venue are priced at AED 140 upon arrival, or AED 125 when purchasing online for adults. For children, tickets cost AED 120 on arrival, or AED 110 when booking through the website.