Al Ain Zoo hailed for wildlife conservation

Imran Mojib, Special Correspondent

The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) has praised the role of Al Ain Zoo in wildlife conservation through an appreciation letter received from Professor Theo Pagel, WAZA President.

The letter highlighted the important role of Al Ain Zoo in wildlife conservation, sustainability and education. Through its support and participation in in situ and ex situ conservation programmes that focus on arid land wildlife.

The Zoo takes part in 59 breeding programmes and conservation strategies, including conservation of the Dama gazelle, Arabian Oryx, scimitar Oryx, Sand cat and other endangered species that require immediate conservation actions. The letter also commended the business continuity efforts of the Zoo despite the difficult global circumstances after the outbreak of novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Al Ain Zoo has developed and contributed in some important conservation programmes, such as the Arabian Sand Cat Conservation Programme, which started in 2013 in cooperation with several partners and stakeholders in the field of Arabian sand cat conservation. This programme was the first conservation program developed for the Arabian sand cat and the first to be endorsed by WAZA in this region. The Zoo has also contributed to translating WAZA Conservation Strategy into Arabic, which was published on WAZA’s website and accessed by WAZA members.

Al Ain Zoo has been a pioneering member of WAZA since 2006 due to its leading role in the global zoo community and its efforts in nature conservation.

In addition to the important role of the zoo in community education and raising awareness on wildlife and conservation issues.

Al Ain Zoo takes advantage of its membership in WAZA by exchanging experiences and knowledge and publishing information related to its efforts to protect endangered species.

It also takes part in the association’s international conferences to develop conservation programmes.

In order to ensure the safety of its visitors and in response to the preventive measures taken by the government to prevent COVID-19, Al Ain Zoo is closed temporarily since March 15.

The Al Ain Zoo will open its doors once the safety measures are taken and completed at the state level.