The zoo covers about 80 acres (32 ha),[2] and is home to many endangered species, as well as a selection of endemic fauna.

The first to be built in the Middle East and Africa, rare species have been successfully bred in the zoo—including the first California sea lion to be born in the region.

[5] When the zoo was built, the exhibits with semi-natural habitats were considered spacious by European standards.

[8] By the end of World War II the zoo claimed 4,700 exhibits, with a total of 700 mammals and 500 reptiles.

[9] As of 2010, it is a member of the African Association of Zoos and Aquaria (PAAZAB),[4] and is working towards getting re-accredited by WAZA.

Mammals at the zoo include giraffes, southern white rhinos, common hippos, brown bears, black bears, raccoons, African elephants, sea lions, tigers, lions, cheetahs, zebras, agoutis, monkeys, yellow baboons, Hamadryas baboons, bonobos, red foxes, guinea fowl, parrots, pelicans, ostrichs, emus, Bactrian camels, deer, wild sheep, Dorcas gazelles, and gemsboks, scimitar horned oryxes, and raccoons.

[5] The zoo also includes a suspension bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel that lets visitors view the animals from above.