Zanzibar Life: ZALA Park. Mangrove Forest Tour in dugout canoe

http://www.zalapark.com/ Description Zanzibar Land Animal Park (ZALA Park) ZALA Park is the initiative of Mr. Mohammed, an enthusiastic teacher from the village for Muungoni in the south of Zanzibar, opposite of Uzi Island. On his plot, Mohammed features a collection of several protected land animals, with a focus on reptiles. The idea is to familiarize the local population about the endangered species and to sensitize them about conservation. Local school classes are regularly visiting the park. Also tourists can visit, paying an entrance fee, which is the only source of income for ZALA Park. At ZALA Park's vivaria, it is possible to observe the animals from close and to get scientific explanations that prove many superstitious beliefs wrong. Some of the Zanzibarian species being shown at ZALA Park include tree hyrax, monitor lizards, plated lizards, suni antelopes, land crabs, terrapins, tortoises, chameleons and various types of snakes. Besides the vivaria, ZALA Park also features a nature trail through the mangrove forest. Further, Mohammed offers a boat trip along the coast where visitors can learn about the importance of corals and mangroves. 20 percent of the ticket sales are being used to pay the villagers for not killing protected species of animals. http://www.zalapark.com/