AL-AIN, 8 April 2007 — Imagine dining in the open air while before you is the rare spectacle of giraffes, zebras and other animals in what is virtually their natural habitat. To imagine such a scene is to think of some exotic place, such as Kenya, South Africa or Thailand. And if you think those places, then you can be excused for getting it wrong.

However, the plain truth is that such a spectacle is neither surreal nor exotic. It is right here in Al-Ain, where the general public will now be able to enjoy the opportunity of a lifetime when Al-Ain Zoo opens its nocturnal programs sometime this summer. After more than 30 years, the zoo is again a shining example in the Gulf of animal management, conservation practices and visitor comfort, the WAM news agency reported.

Over the past year, the zoo has undergone changes to transform into a 21st century attraction that not only addresses wildlife conservation but also supports Abu Dhabi’s environmental education efforts and its future tourism aspirations. Today, the zoo has taken steps to promote an emotional bond between the visitor and the wildlife in the zoo by promoting memorable experience. As a result, zoo officials have observed that the animals have become much more active, demonstrating their natural behavior.

Throughout its life, the zoo has built upon the cultural and natural history of the Arabian Peninsula. Today, 45 hectares of the zoo are open to the public. The zoo is home to over 4,000 mammals, birds and reptiles, the majority of them from the Arabian Peninsula and Northern Africa.

Large herds of desert antelopes, many endangered in the wild, are well maintained in extensive “back of house” breeding enclosures. In addition, the zoo houses and cares for a large collection of carnivores such as lions, tigers, cheetahs, pumas, leopards as well as primates including the baboon, the gibbon and others.

All small and outdated cages, some as old as 25 years, have been or are about to be demolished and replaced with large garden spaces. Among the new facilities are an animal health center, incubation facility and quarantine area.

Before the improvements began, the zoo carefully moved the animals into temporary homes to keep them safe.

In terms of improving the visitor’s experience, an impressive main entrance, sheltering visitors from the heat, has been upgraded. A new education center has been opened to offer in-house education and conservation programs to visiting school and university groups. They will undergo an induction program upon arrival. The zoo has already entered into a partnership with the Abu Dhabi Environment Agency to work together in conservation programs.

Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al-Nahayan, chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, said: “The dramatic improvements to Al-Ain Zoo demonstrate our commitment to providing both inhabitants of the UAE and visitors with a wildlife facility that takes a priority in recreation for families, education and conservation. It is the first step in making the zoo a major tourist destination and establishing a base for future redevelopment and the best practices.”

Mark Craig, director of the zoo, said: “The rapid improvement program at the zoo has provided the animals we hold in trust with the best facilities and care. It has also allowed the public the opportunity to view and experience the wildlife in a natural and family-friendly environment.”