Mona Mehrez the deputy Minister for Animal Resources and Fisheries and Poultry affairs announced on Tuesday that the ministry is studying increasing the Giza zoo ticket prices to EGP 20-25.

The announcement came in a phone call on a morning show called ‘Sabah Dream’ (Dream’s Morning) aired on the privately-owned TV channel Dream TV. Mehrez stated in the phone call that the increase will be only for a day or two on a weekly basis to provide better services for visitors who can afford to pay more.

“The price increase helps us [the ministry] increase the services we provide visitors with, it also allows a wider range of people from other social classes to visit the zoo,” she said. 

The ticket price, which is currently EGP 5, prevents some people from visiting the zoo due to its crowdedness, and the days with an increased price  will help them as it will be less crowded “which will give them more freedom,” according to Mehrez.

She also asserted that the increase in the zoo’s income will provide special services to the visitors. The increase will be applied after Eid Al-Adha holiday.

Mehrez believes the increase will not affect the popularity of people as it will not be permanent.

“Currently, the people who can afford to pay extra money are not enjoying the zoo, and [we believe] that it is a service for everyone to enjoy,” she concluded.