Guide to Engineer Shawqi Abdel Halim Al-Hajjar Reserve for rare peacocks and eagle birds

The Shawqi Abdel Halim al Hajjar reserve in Chhim is a private zoological garden devoted to peacocks and rare pheasants, a labour of care by the engineer whose name it carries. It is an unusual stop in a town better known for a Roman temple: colour, display birds and a conservation hobby turned into a place people visit. Come for the birds, follow the keeper’s rules, and do not assume it is a large public zoo with big mammals. Children tend to remember it. Pair the visit with the Roman ruins or the castle site if you want heritage as well as nature. Hours can be personal, so patience helps.