Closed in 2014, the Aïn Sebaâ Zoo remains one of the most emblematic and most anticipated urban projects in the Casablanca metropolis. Designed as a next-generation zoological park, the site was meant to include three geographic zones (Africa, Asia, and America) and house more than 300 animals representing 75 species. To this day, the zoo remains closed to the public, despite the investments made.
With a total budget of 250 million dirhams, the project is funded by the General Directorate of Local Authorities (130 million), the municipality of Casablanca (80 million), and the Casablanca-Settat region (40 million). Its management was entrusted to the company Dream Village, under a delegated management agreement covering a period of twenty years.
While Casablancans have been waiting for over a decade for the reopening of the historic Aïn Sebaâ Zoo, local authorities are picking up the pace. Latest signal: an ultimatum issued to the managing company for an opening next October.
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Under this agreement, Dream Village is required to acquire the animals and equip the entire park within predefined timeframes. Six months are allocated for receiving the animal collection, and twelve months for installing the equipment, starting from the receipt of the necessary funds.
A 3-month project to rehabilitate the structures
To complete the installation work, a new contract has just been awarded by the local development company (SDL) Casablanca Aménagement to the company Miatravaux. A targeted intervention, but one that reveals the project’s persistent state of incompletion.
According to documents reviewed by TelQuel, the contract awarded to Miatravaux amounts to 4.2 million dirhams. It covers rehabilitation work on several essential infrastructures: staff facilities, veterinary installations, security posts, the administrative building, as well as technical outbuildings.
The nature of the work, which must be completed within a three-month period, includes upgrades to electrical and plumbing systems, waterproofing repairs, renovation of woodwork, paint, and flooring, as well as reinforcement of the outer fencing. It is therefore a comprehensive overhaul intended to make these buildings fully operational.
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An opening mandated for the month of October
This rehabilitation project comes in a context of mounting pressure from local authorities. Contacted by TelQuel, Karim Glaibi, a member of Casablanca’s municipal council, stated that the reopening of the Aïn Sebaâ zoological park is now scheduled for next October, following a joint injunction from the Wali of the Casablanca-Settat region and the president of the municipal council.
“The RER construction required reinforcement of the Aïn Sebaâ zoo’s fences, a safety measure not included in the initial contractual documents”
Authorities have demanded that Dream Village open the site « as soon as possible » after several years of delays. The deadline was set during a follow-up meeting on the project’s progress. The managing company has been ordered to comply with this timeline, explained the council member representing the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM).
One of the factors contributing to the delay is the launch of construction on Casablanca’s Regional Express Network (RER), which runs alongside the zoo. « This construction required reinforcement of the park’s fences, a safety measure not included in the initial contractual documents, » noted Karim Glaibi.
88% of the animals received
On the animal side, the acquisition process is nearing completion. Karim Glaibi confirms that « the company in charge of managing the zoological park has already received 88% of the planned animals. » These animals, listed in the reference documents, come from various regions of the world.
“The company in charge of managing the Aïn Sebaâ zoo has already received 88% of the planned animals”
As revealed by TelQuel, the collection includes lions, tigers, Asian elephants, jaguars, crocodiles, flamingos, monkeys, and reptiles, as well as a large number of bird and herbivore species. The park was designed to offer immersion into three distinct continental ecosystems, supported by specialized staff and educational programs.
The acquisition, transport, and placement of these animals are funded by the municipality of Casablanca for an amount of 50 million dirhams, in accordance with the commitments outlined in the delegated management agreement signed with Dream Village.
A pricing plan that raises concern
As the reopening approaches, the planned pricing structure for zoo admission continues to stir debate. Set at 80 dirhams for adults and 50 dirhams for children, the rates are expected to rise gradually to 120 dirhams for adults and 75 dirhams for children by 2033.
This pricing has been criticized by several elected officials and Casablanca residents, who consider it excessive given families’ purchasing power. Social media and city council meetings have seen heated discussions about the accessibility of this new facility.
The management contract does provide for discounted rates for certain groups: large families, schools, students, and people with reduced mobility. Parking fees are set at 15 dirhams.
Written in French by Younes Saoury, edited in English by Eric Nielson
