Giza Zoo to be renovated in return for usufruct, not ownership transfer

Under the deal, the National Authority for Military Production (NAMP) will be responsible for the renovation, management, operation, and maintenance of the zoo, the ministry said in a statement on Sunday.

The NAMP will carry out the renovation in cooperation with a coalition of international and domestic private companies, the ministry said, without naming the companies.

The ministry asserts that it will retain ownership of the zoo and the nearby Orman botanical garden.

"Both parks will remain affiliated with the agriculture ministry and there is no intention of transferring their ownership to any party inside or outside Egypt," the statement said.

The renovation process will cost at least EGP 1 billion, which will be arranged by the National Authority for Military Production and other entities “from their own resources,” the ministry said.