Despite only opening in December, the AED1bn (US$272m, €227m, £201m) Dubai Safari will close its doors for five months to undergo improvements, says its operator.

The Dubai Municipality, which has a management deal with prolific developer Meraas, appointed Parques Reunidos to oversee the day-to-day operations of the 119 hectare (0.48sq km) attraction, which hosts 2,500 animals of 250 species.

“In line with our commitment to offering a superior customer experience, the upgrades seek to provide a better habitat for our animals, and a more interactive and educational experience for our visitors,” said a statement from the park.

“We are confident that our landmark destination will help attract even higher numbers of tourists to Dubai once it reopens after the summer.”

The park will close tomorrow (15 May), reopening on 1 October. The safari replaced Dubai Zoo, which was the oldest zoo on the Arabian Peninsula. Dubai Zoo’s 1,000 animals were rehoused at the new Dubai Safari.

The park, located in Dubai’s Al Warqaa district, is divided into three different sectors – African, Asian and Arabian. The new attraction also features an open safari area themed around different world locations.