The Palmera Botanical Garden in Saad, Boushar, could be considered a city farm, a petting zoo, or a small creature exhibition, but whatever its name, it remains a hidden gem among Oman’s environmental heritage. This little corner of Muscat has utilized the Persian ‘falaj’ system of irrigation for generations to cultivate dates in many family-owned ‘nakhals’ (date farms). It now proudly showcases an eclectic collection of native and foreign palm trees, farm animals, birds, bees, and its latest addition – the Reptile House. Recognized increasingly for its educational value for local schools and families, its achievements were the result of a hard-won battle; a long labor of love.
Maysam Saleh Suleiman Al Ismaili, CEO, and co-founder of the project, who studied Environmental Sciences at the Higher College of Technology, Al Khuwair, explained the origins and inspiration behind developing the garden one morning during a tour of the site. Project manager Muhammed Al Batashi, having traveled frequently to far-flung places, noticed the absence of beautiful Botanical Gardens in Oman, prompting the initiative to establish one to exhibit indigenous flora and fauna, particularly the date palm. Two years before the pandemic, they acquired the rather neglected small ‘nakhal’ containing an original beehive in Saad to set up the Gardens. Despite facing numerous hurdles, the project finally opened after the Covid pandemic, showcasing 12 different types of palm species and their various parts: root, trunk, sheath, fibre, frond, inflorescence, and of course, the lush fruit itself. Maysam explained that Boushar experiences a very hot climate owing to its low altitude under the barren mountains, causing dates to ripen too early. However, Palmera benefits from the ancient ‘falaj’ system, now covered for safety, which serves as an invaluable resource.
The project expanded to include farm animals, most of which roam freely in shady enclosures: goats, a baby donkey for petting, white rabbits, chickens, ducks, and a Koi Fish tank. With an established bee colony on-site, PBG offers unique adult workshops to the public.
On a particular Wednesday morning, a KG2 group of students from Sarooj were on tour, their interaction highlighting the benefits of educating learners from a young age. As they traversed the glades, they had the opportunity to touch the hard shells of hatching turtles, learn how to distinguish between males and females, and even encounter a 150-year-old Giant Tortoise from Prison Island!
The nearby Aviary houses an exotic collection of birds, including two Indian Parakeets, two Canaries, and many Cockatiels. A friendly, cheeky, yet enormous Brazilian Blue-Gold Macaw, the star of the show, greets visitors in the reception, accompanied by four screaming Australian Galah-Cockatoo parrots.
A recent addition and the center of attention at the farm is an injured 8-year-old Arabian racehorse, “Naif Muscat”, from Barka. Fully recovered now, he is exercised and hosed daily, with plans in place to eventually return him.
In June 2023, 19-year-old Mohammed Yousef bin Sarhan Al Busaidi from Nizwa gained attention for his video post playing with Scorpions. His evident concern for the environment led to an invitation to join the project and help set up the Reptile House. Overcoming his own fear of snakes, he now passionately shares his enthusiasm with the public, showcasing native species such as Arabian, Saw-scaled, Fake-horned, Sandsnake, and Carpet Vipers, alongside a Cobra and Cat snakes – all highly venomous. Mice and Hamsters are bred at the center to feed these snakes.
Palmera is on a mission to educate the public that the ubiquitous grey Wadi Racer is neither venomous nor dangerous and should not be killed but rather protected as they are beneficial for soil health.
A small Egyptian Crocodile from the Nile, a Bearded Dragon from Mexico, a 12-meter-long Python, and a Boa Constrictor are examples of foreign reptiles that children can handle and touch. It was explained that the insect-eating Chameleon changes color when sick, pregnant, or in danger. The Omani Spiny Tailed Lizard is also on display.
There is a creepy collection of Scorpions and four Tarantulas: two bird eaters, a curly-haired, and a black and white foot – not for the faint-hearted, but all safely behind glass!
The Palmera Botanical Garden is open Sunday to Thursday, from 9 am to 4 pm, and can be visited for a small entry fee.
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