The Resort of Port El Kantoui in Tunisia offers many different attractions for the visitor. However in the heat of the Tunisian sun most of the time all that the majority of the holidaymakers there will want to do is to relax on the beach or by the pool or slowly stroll around the Resort. One place that I discovered during my recent visit, which did not require the need for too much energy, was the local mini Zoo and Botanical Park.
This place is called the Parc Oasis Zoo and Botanical Park and is situated right in the heart of the Resort close to the Marina and the main square. Entry into the Zoo for Adults costs 5 Dinars (£2) with half price admission for Children.
From the outside this place looks rather small so my expectations were not particularly high, but because of the low cost I decided that it was worth a visit.
As you enter into the Zoo there is a small wooden hut where you part with your money and then you go through a turnstile. The first thing that greets you are a couple of Camels which you can stroke or stand and pose with for a photograph.
Following the footpath, which meanders through the Park you then come across a whole variety of different Animals. These include Rabbits and Guinea Pigs, Ducks, Geese, Parrots, Pheasants, Guinea Pigs, Lovebirds and Zebra Finches. Elsewhere along the route there are also Ostriches, Emus, and Goats.
All of the Animals are either held within cages or enclosed within fenced off areas, so with the exception of the Camels and Goats it is not possible to get very close to the Animals.
Overall the selection of Animals is rather small but it is well set out and all of the Animals seem to be well looked after, with food and fresh water in all of the cages.
The principle aim of the Zoo is to operate as a conservation area and there is a breeding program in place for many of the Animals and Birds. The young Animals and Birds are however kept out of sight of the general public.
The Botanical Gardens is not a separate part of the Park but instead the numerous Plants are set out between the pathways and within the fenced off areas. Many of the Trees and Plants are endangered species. The majority of both the Animals and Plants have signs in front of them advising of the name in several languages along with a brief note about their natural habitat etc.
The path takes you around the Zoo and Botanical Gardens in a full circle so eventually you will find yourself back at the entrance where you first came in. In this area there are some Toilets and also a small kiosk selling drinks and refreshments. It is also possible to buy Bird food from here and a limited amount of produce and souvenirs. The fresh produce on sale includes fresh Duck eggs and even Ostrich eggs.
Overall I found this attraction to be quite small and it is something that you can quite easily walk around within around an hour. Having said that however the entrance fee is very cheap and therefore it is well worth a one off visit whilst you are in the Resort, especially if you have kids and want to pass on a bit of time. This place also has the added bonus of offering a fair amount of shade.
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Jul 27th, 2006
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