10 Greater Flamingos Rescued and Freed at Al Wathba Reserve
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), in collaboration with The Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue Center on Yas Island, has successfully rehabilitated 10 greater flamingos rescued from the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve. This rescue mission followed a severe weather event in February, caused by the Al-Mizr low pressure system, which brought heavy rains and unusually large hail showers to the reserve.
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Immediate Response and Rescue Efforts
Ahmed Al Hashemi, Executive Director of the Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at EAD, explained that their rangers began monitoring the flamingo population as soon as the storm hit. “It quickly became clear that the hailstones had caused significant injuries to many birds. We immediately mobilized four rescue teams to assist the affected flamingos and transport them to The Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue Center for urgent treatment and rehabilitation,” he said.
In addition to rescuing the injured adults, the teams also saved seven newly hatched chicks, aged just one to three days old, and four unhatched eggs. “Examinations revealed severe injuries from the hailstones,” Al Hashemi noted, emphasizing that such extreme weather events are both rare and alarming.
Successful Collaboration and Care
Robert Yordi, General Curator of The Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue Center and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, praised the collaborative effort. “Our team worked tirelessly to ensure the birds received the best care possible. Partnering with EAD in this rescue operation aligns with our mission to protect and conserve marine wildlife habitats across the UAE and Arabian Gulf. SeaWorld has rescued over 41,000 animals globally, and we're committed to continuing this vital work,” Yordi stated.
Future Prospects for Flamingo Population
Despite the challenges posed by the storm, the greater flamingos are expected to recover and reproduce in the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve. The reserve recorded 1,270 breeding pairs in the 2023-2024 winter season, indicating a strong potential for recovery without further human intervention.
Ongoing Monitoring and Conservation Efforts
Since 2002, EAD has been actively monitoring both terrestrial and marine bird species at the reserve, utilizing advanced satellite tracking since 2005 to study the migration patterns of the greater flamingos.
The Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, a 4.5-square-kilometer protected area established in 1998, is the only site in the Arabian Peninsula where greater flamingos breed regularly. It hosts over 4,000 flamingos each winter and is recognized globally for its conservation efforts. In 2018, it was included on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Green List of protected areas, underscoring its importance in global conservation efforts.
This successful rescue operation not only highlights the resilience of these magnificent birds but also demonstrates the effective collaboration between EAD and The Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue Center in safeguarding wildlife amidst environmental challenges.