Al Ain Zoo Participates In The International Waterbird Census

AL AIN ZOO PARTICIPATES IN THE INTERNATIONAL WATERBIRD CENSUS

AL AIN, U.A.E. 9 May 2021: In line with its efforts to maintain a nurturing living environment for all species of migratory birds, Al Ain Zoo has observed a total of 100 species of migratory and local wild birds taking sanctuary at the zoo since 2017, amidst extinction threats they face in different parts of the world.

Part of these efforts in 2021 include Al Ain Zoo taking part in the International Waterbird Census for the first time and sharing all relevant data with the UAE’s Census coordinators, the Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi, and eBird, offering an important and large bank of data to help efforts in bird species conservation. The team recorded 16 species and 223 individuals included on the census list. In addition, Al Ain Zoo provides the right environment for migratory birds to rest and for resident species to breed within its premises, including artificial lakes, reedbeds and other vegetation.

Hessa Ahmed Al Qahtani, Unit Head Conservation Programmes Development, said: “Al Ain Zoo offers a perfect environment to attract migratory birds and on observing their increasing numbers here in 2017, we have intensified our efforts to study their biodiversity. We have divided the zoo into four sectors, and continue to monitor the birds’ activities and population on monthly basis using cameras and scopes, gathering data and information including the birds’ species, number of individuals and behaviour, as well as any level of threat they face.”

“Birds can migrate across borderlines and continents on long often perilous journeys. These birds visit the region from autumn till spring, and the majority migrating back to Central Asia to spend the summer months there. Other species are resident in the UAE and live here throughout the year.”

Conserving nature is one of the main objects behind establishing Al Ain Zoo, which was founded 53 years ago by the Late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Beginning its efforts in protecting the endangered bustard, as well as the Arabian Oryx. Since then Al Ain Zoo continues its work to achieve this vision by educating the community on the importance of biodiversity and the need to protect and conserve endangered species, in addition to highlighting the threats they face, emphasizing their role in the environment, and the need for international cooperation to protect them.

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About Al Ain Zoo:

Al Ain Zoo is the first zoo of its kind in the Middle East. Founded in 1968 to be then classified as an independent government body, affiliated with the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, under the name “Zoo and Aquarium Public Institution in Al Ain” in 2005. The Zoo is known internationally for its efforts in the conservation of nature and wildlife, and its care of about 4000 animals. Al Ain Zoo is a unique educational, recreational, and environmental destination thanks to its facilities and services that cater to individuals and institutions. Today, our visitors of all ages and interests enjoy discovering the wildlife in our Zoo in an atmosphere of amazement and adventure full of diverse learning experiences.

We have distinguished ourselves by joining international and local conservation organizations. We are members of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) and the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA).

We have strategic partnerships with local and international organizations that focus and implement wildlife conservation programs including the International Union for Conservation of Nature -the Species Survival Commission (IUCN- SSC), Lewa Wildlife Conservancy—Kenya, Sahara Conservation Fund, Environment Agency—Abu Dhabi (EAD), Royal Zoological Society of Scotlandand Conservation Planning Specialist Group.

As part of the UAE's commitment to preserve wildlife locally and globally, Al Ain Zoo is working to develop and expand the current park with new exhibits and experiences that will create a unique educational journey about wildlife conservation for our visitors.