Gorillas Arrive in Al Ain Zoo

Gorillas Arrive in Al Ain Zoo

A bachelor group of four Western Lowland Gorillas recently arrived in Al Ain Zoo from Apenhleul Primate Park in the Netherlands. Here they will be part of the captive management breeding programme amongst good zoos. This group consists of ‘Jambo’ and his three sons and so will not actually be breeding but be an extremely important backup bachelor group.

These will be the first Gorillas in Al Ain since the death of the much loved “Lady” at 41 years of age in August 2016.

The new Gorillas are not yet on show to the public as they spend time settling in to their especially built enclosure.

There are two other Gorillas in the UAE in Dubai. There are rumors of four others in private hands but ZooNews Digest has been unable to find further information on these.

Al Ain Zoo to Participate in Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition

Al Ain Zoo to Participate in Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition

- Zoo to introduce veterinary consulting services-

Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, 08 September, 2014: Al Ain Zoo will participate in the upcoming Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) to promote conservation, captive breeding, propagation, and the reintroduction of endangered species.

ADIHEX will be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from 10th to 13th September, 2014. The zoo’s corporate exhibition stand will be located in hall 9, in a sector run by the Promotion & Preservation of Cultural Heritage.

Commenting on the participation, Muna Al Dhaheri, Chief of Conservation and Education at Al Ain Zoo said:

“Al Ain Zoo has launched several conservation programs and initiatives that focus on wildlife sustainability and the protection of desert species and our participation at ADIHEX furthers our commitment to educate the public on these initiatives. We also hope to inspire the younger generation to learn more about wildlife. It is an opportunity to showcase Al Ain Zoo as one of the Middle East’s largest zoos and a global leader in the conservation of arid-land species.”

“Al Ain Zoo’s experienced personnel will educate visitors about our newly launched Veterinary Consultancy Services, which give the zoo’s exotic and wild animals the highest level of dedicated expert care and provide diagnostic support for our new state of the art Veterinary Diagnostic & Research Unit.”

Al Ain Zoo will inform the public about its latest attractions and entertain visitors with wildlife experiences, including the Bird Show and Parrot Show, which will be held in Hall 12.

Al Ain Zoo Establishes New Partnerships with Sahara Conservation Fund and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

Al Ain Zoo Establishes New Partnerships with Sahara Conservation Fund and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

- Al Ain Zoo further enhances efforts to conserve arid land species -

Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, 07 May 2014: In line with its ongoing commitment to the conservation of arid land biodiversity and species, Al Ain Zoo has established new partnerships with the Sahara Conservation Fund and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, two leading non-profit conservation organisations in Africa to support conservation and research projects for endangered species.

Commenting on the new partnerships, Muna al Dhaheri, Chief of Conservation and Education at Al Ain Zoo said:

“Al Ain Zoo is dedicated to the conservation of arid land wildlife. Partnerships with leading organisations such as the Sahara Conservation Fund and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy are valuable for us with the high number of endangered African species found in the zoo. Working together will allow us to further support our successful breeding programmes, a key objective for all modern zoos.”

The Sahara Conservation Fund focuses on the conservation of the biodiversity of the Sahara Desert and neighbouring grasslands, a vast area spanning many countries across North Africa. The area contains many unique endangered species due to over-hunting, habitat loss and competition with livestock. Several species have either become extinct in the wild or are on the brink of extinction, including the Scimitar-horned Oryx, Addax and Dama gazelle. Al Ain Zoo has bred these species and others successfully for many years.

Al Ain Zoo, in cooperation with the Sahara Conservation Fund, is supporting the monitoring of lappet-faced vultures and research into the ecology of the Barbary sheep and the Dama gazelle, all species which can be seen in the zoo. This collaborative work will help identify and prioritise conservation needs in the attempt to prevent them from becoming extinct.

John Newby, the Director of the Sahara Conservation Fund said:

“The world zoo community forms the backbone of Sahara Conservation Fund’s efforts to prevent Saharan species becoming extinct in the wild. Our work with Al Ain Zoo is particularly valuable to us as the zoo brings with it its unique experience of arid land species and public outreach to some really pressing issues, such as the conservation of the critically endangered Dama gazelle.  This collaboration is a tangible demonstration of cooperation in the region for issues that are of common concern.”

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is a 61,000 acre protected area in Kenya with a rich diversity of species and habitats. Al Ain Zoo is supporting a number of Lewa’s important projects including the monitoring of Rhinos, predators and the endangered Grevy’s zebra as well as the annual count of game species. With the zoo’s support Lewa has been able to expand and improve its critical species projects by employing and equipping dedicated project officers.

Geoffrey Chege, Chief Conservation Officer of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy said:

"The partnership between Lewa and Al Ain Zoo presents both organisations with an excellent opportunity to further our understanding of key endangered species including the black rhino, Grevy's zebra, lions and elephants. The knowledge gained will be extremely crucial in informing management decisions in a timely manner."

Al Ain Zoo has become part of an international movement within the global zoo community to combine in situ (wild) and ex situ (captive) conservation efforts. The zoo also works with its regional and international partners to sustain the genetic diversity of captive endangered species.

Al Ain Zoo is a member of the World Association for Zoo and Aquaria (WAZA) and is actively involved in several internationally coordinated conservation projects, working with other like-minded organisations such as Durrell Wildlife Park, Jersey, Environment Agency, Abu Dhabi, the Species Survival Commission, San Diego Zoo, the Northern Rangelands Trust of Kenya and the Sahara Conservation Fund.

Ain Zoo Completes Successful Animal Exchange with Al Areen Wildlife Park in Bahrain

Al Ain Zoo Completes Successful Animal Exchange with Al Areen Wildlife Park in Bahrain               

- Endangered species, including the Dama gazelle, Arabian oryx, Scimitar-horned oryx, Arabian sand cat, and Arabian wolf, exchanged to enhance genetic diversity-

Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, 03 March 2014: As a leader in arid wildlife conservation and as part of its commitment to improving genetic diversity, Al Ain Zoo has successfully conducted an animal exchange with Al Areen Wildlife Park in Bahrain. The initiative comprised the exchange of endangered species, including Dama gazelle, Arabian oryx, Scimitar-horned oryx, Arabian sand cat, Arabian wolves, African turtles, elands, wildebeest and ponies.

The animals were exchanged over a period of four days following months of careful coordination, planning and monitoring by both organisations. Al Ain Zoo welcomed 17 animals from Al Areen Wildlife Park, and the Zoo in turn arranged for 34 animals to be transported to the Wildlife Park.

All the animals involved in the exchange underwent a series of medical checks and were issued accredited certifications, including special certificates for animals listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). The animals were then placed under quarantine for approximately one month to ensure their safety and rule out any medical problems, or diseases. After successfully completing health checks, the animals will take their place in their new home. A female Arabian sand cat that has already passed its health checks will soon be introduced to the existing group at Al Ain Zoo, which houses the largest population of captive Arabian sand cats in the world.

Commenting on the successful exchange, H.E. Ghanim Al Hajeri, Director General of the Zoo & Aquarium Public Institution in Al Ain, said:

“Al Ain Zoo is home to internationally important conservation programmes, and has long been active in the field of wildlife preservation and conservation. In-breeding challenges arise when groups of animals live together for long periods of time, and such challenges must be appropriately managed to conserve these species. Al Ain Zoo’s collaboration with Al Areen Wildlife Park falls directly in line with our commitment to protect critically endangered species, ensuring the individuals that we house are genetically compatible.”

Al Ain Zoo’s efforts in wildlife conservation include captive management, conservation research, captive breeding, propagation, and the reintroduction of endangered species in to the wild whenever possible.

Al Ain Zoo Celebrates Successful Breeding of Speke’s Gazelle

Al Ain Zoo Celebrates Successful Breeding of Speke’s Gazelle

Endangered Speke’s gazelle population increases after zoo introduces new blood line

Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, 10 February, 2014:  As a lead organisation in arid wild life and conservation effort, Al Ain Zoo has successfully bred the Speke’s gazelle, following the introduction of two male Gazelles from Wadi Al Safa Wildlife Centre in Dubai. The Speke’s gazelle is classified as an endangered species according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, issued in September 2008.

Al Ain Zoo’s Speke’s gazelle herd appeared to be derived from a founder group with no new genetic contribution from new founders; therefore the zoo looked to introduce a new blood line in 2013 – two male gazelles from Wadi Al Safa Wildlife Centre in Dubai. After careful coordination between the two organisations, the two gazelles arrived at Al Ain Zoo, initially housed under quarantine conditions for approximately one month, and then introduced to two separate groups of adult females with the purpose of overcoming in-breeding issues and improving the genetic diversity at Al Ain Zoo.

Adult females were divided into two groups, each male gazelle was introduced to a separate group and almost one year since the introduction, Al Ain Zoo Speke’s gazelle population increased from 18 to 30, indicating a successful breeding of 12 newborns from both breeding groups.

Muna Al Dhaheri, Chief Executive of Education and Conservation, commented:

“Al Ain Zoo has long been committed to wildlife preservation and conservation, and collaborating with many organisations that are aligned with our cause helps us work towards a shared goal. The successful breeding of the Speke’s gazelle supports the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed for the UAE to become a leader in environmental sustainability and wildlife protection, including of desert species.”

The zoo has successfully introduced conservation and breeding programs for a number of species over the past decades, including species of oryx, gazelle, the Arabian Leopard and the Houbara bustard. Al Ain Zoo is also a proud member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquaria (WAZA). Strategic partnerships have been set up with leading zoos, conservation agencies and associations from across the world, including the World Conservation Union and Species Survival Commission, Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, San Diego Zoo, Edinburgh Zoo, the Northern Rangelands Trust of Kenya and the Sahara Conservation Fund.

Al Ain Zoo master plan tender floated

03 February 2014

The plan includes development of the existing zoo into an 

institution exhibiting and conserving wildlife of desert.

Al Ain Zoo and Aquarium Public Institution has invited proposals from consultants for the zoo master plan.

According to the tender invite, the participating consultants should be specialized in architecture, landscaping, park designs and environment with experience in zoo master planning and animal facilities.

The tender closes on 18 February while the bid opening date is 19 February, 2014.

The Al Ain Zoo has started a new program that envisages transforming the existing zoo into a new learning destination, which will be dedicated to conserving wildlife.

The project, which will be known as the Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort, will also function as a tourist attraction.

Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre Listed Among Top Sustainable Projects Worldwide

Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre Listed Among Top Sustainable Projects Worldwide

Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, 24 December 2013: The Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre, the crown jewel of the planned Al Ain Zoo expansion project, has been selected as a finalist for the 2013 World Architectural News (WAN) Sustainable Building of the Year Award. Embedded within the UAE World Desert, the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre will feature educational exhibits that celebrate the wildlife and traditions of the desert, as well as the conservation-related vision of the late H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Now in its fifth year, the WAN AWARDS has evolved into the world's largest architectural awards programme. The Awards’ judging panel features international experts with a wealth of experience, looking at more than 1,300 entries across the globe in several categories.  The Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre, which features various energy-saving and environmentally-friendly technologies, was shortlisted in the Sustainable Building of the Year category along with five other prestigious entries.

H.E. Ghanim Al Hajeri, Director General of the Zoo & Aquarium Public Institution in Al Ain, commented:

“The Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre is a symbol of national pride, one that continues to drive the late Sheikh Zayed’s vision of wildlife preservation, and celebrates the history of the desert environment and how people can and have adapted to it. We are honoured to be shortlisted in this category, following the Centre’s recognition earlier this year as the National Winner, UAE of the ‘Social Project of the Year Award’ by the prestigious MEED Quality Awards for Projects 2013. The Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre is a leading example in sustainable design, and falls directly in line with the Abu Dhabi Vision 2030 to develop Abu Dhabi as a sustainable Emirate.”

With the support of the ZAPIA Board of Directors – under the chairmanship of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan – the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre will showcase the conservation heritage of the late Sheikh Zayed and help chart a sustainable future for desert living.

The Centre is in the process of applying for LEED Platinum certification, an international rating that assesses the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. The Centre has also received the five pearl rating of the Estidama Pearl Rating System (PRS) in the design phase, making it the first UAE government development to attain this high of a rating for sustainability.

Set against the backdrop of Jebel Hafeet, the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre has been beautifully sculpted to mirror its breathtaking surroundings. The Centre complements the conservation efforts of Al Ain Zoo, and is set to offer a museum, gallery and a science facility to promote environmental preservation and sustainability through interactive and interpretive exhibits.

Al Ain Zoo to Offer Free Entry for All

Al Ain Zoo to Offer Free Entry for All from

19-20 December  

- Zoo welcomes guests to celebrate 45^th anniversary -

Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, 17 December 2013: Al Ain Zoo will be offering each and every guest complimentary entry to the zoo on both 19^th and 20^th December 2013. The initiative was announced on the occasion of the zoo commemorating its 45^th anniversary this month, allowing guests to join in the celebrations.

Guests who take advantage of the complimentary access can also take in the various activities of Arabian Month, which will explore the region’s rich history through traditional performances, culinary treats, and art work, all alongside the zoo’s celebrated Arabian species.

Al Ain Zoo is open from 9am to 8pm daily.

Interested in getting the word out about your zoo/wildlife related conference or symposium? Zoo News Digest reaches more people in the field than any other medium. Contact Peter Dickinson at elvinhow@gmail.com 

Zoo Conferences, Meetings, Courses and Symposia

Al Ain Zoo Successfully Concludes First Arabian Zoo and Aquarium Association Conference

Al Ain Zoo Successfully Concludes First

Arabian Zoo and Aquarium Association Conference

- Regional plans set for animal welfare, conservation and education -

                                                     

Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, 14 December, 2013:  Al Ain Zoo has drawn the first ever Arabian Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZAA) conference to a successful close, activating plans for an aligned constitution and working practices for association members. The three-day event brought together wildlife, zoo and aquarium experts from around the region to discuss animal management and other issues.

Delegates from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Jordan worked closely throughout the conference to develop the AZAA’s draft Constitution, Code of Conduct and Code of Practice. Al Ain Zoo also led initiatives to set out the Association’s plans for 2014.

H.E. Ghanim Mubarak Al Hajeri, Director General of Al Ain Zoo, said:

“This historic conference marks a new era for the Middle East’s zoos and aquariums, providing a strong, united voice for the region in the global cause of wildlife conservation. Al Ain Zoo has been an active and committed advocate in this arena, in line with Abu Dhabi’s 2030 vision and with the UAE’s increasing leadership role – both regionally and internationally – to drive conservation efforts forward. As such, we recognise the importance of knowledge-sharing and benchmarking across the region by the AZAA, and we are confident that significant progress can be made in this shared cause through continued collaboration.”

Commenting on the conference, visiting speaker Mr. John Newby, Chief Executive Officer of the Sahara Conservation Fund, said:

“It is a privilege to participate in the first ever AZAA conference, led by Al Ain Zoo. The creation of this association paves the way for more cohesive efforts to conserve wildlife, habitats and other natural resources in the region. While there are many countries represented here, we share similar ecologies and a desire to conserve and sustain them, and we will be able to learn best practice from existing regional associations from around the world.”

Commenting during the event, Muna Al Dhaheri, Chief Executive of Education and Conservation said:

“Unlike other regions, Arabia lacked a formal cross-border association for zoos and aquariums – and for this region in particular, private collections, too. This first AZAA  conference has seen dynamic workshops on key challenges including conservation, education, animal management and training, and our combined efforts will help us address each more effectively. Now that we have established governance documents, our focus is to develop a framework for membership, formalising the process and criteria for institutions to become official AZAA members.”

The AZAA conference brought together more than 60 delegates from the region, with H.E. Ghanim Mubarak Al Hajeri, Director General of Al Ain Zoo opening the event and introducing guest speakers from across the region. In addition to laying out the essential foundations of the Association, conference attendees participated in plenary sessions on the role of zoos and aquariums in the Arabian Peninsula, as well as a series of workshops. Delegates also experienced Al Ain Zoo’s facilities first-hand with a tour of the zoo, new projects under construction, and experienced a gala dinner adjacent to the stunning Mixed African Exhibit.

The AZAA was formed last year when delegates from zoo and aquarium facilities in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Jordan met and unanimously endorsed the idea, recognising the benefit of communication, collaboration and cooperation across the region.  

Al Ain Zoo is also a member in the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) and the European Association of Zoos & Aquaria. In addition to hosting the annual WAZA conference in 2015, the zoo will also host the Conservation Breeding Specialist Group annual meeting in the same year. Al Ain Zoo is further actively involved in several internationally-coordinated conservation projects, working with other like-minded organisations such as Jersey Zoo, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, the Species Survival Commission, San Diego Zoo, the Northern Rangelands Trust of Kenya and the Sahara Conservation Fund.

Al Ain Zoo 45th Anniversary Celebrations

H.H. Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan

Leads Al Ain Zoo 45^th Anniversary Celebrations

-- VIP event commemorates zoo’s accomplishments as the destination prepares to kick off UAE National Day activities --

Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, 26 November 2013: Al Ain Zoo today welcomed guests for its 45th anniversary celebration, a spectacular event held under the patronage and in the attendance of His Highness Sheikh Tahnoun Bin Mohammad Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Eastern Region of the Abu Dhabi Emirate; His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and Chairman of the Zoo & Aquarium Public Institution in Al Ain; and His Excellency Sheikh Hazza Bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Undersecretary of Dewan of Ruler’s Representative in the Eastern Region of Abu Dhabi.

Hosted by His Excellency Ghanim Mubarak Al Hajeri, Director General of Al Ain Zoo, the event programme paid tribute to the zoo’s notable achievements as a global leader in arid wildlife conservation and as a major UAE tourist destination, as the zoo prepares to welcome the public to enjoy National Day activities until 2^nd December.

Speaking at the event H.E. Ghanim Al Hajeri said:

“We are here to recognise where we have come from and how Al Ain Zoo has developed into a key player in wildlife conservation as well as a much-admired visitor destination, contributing to a much greater vision – Abu Dhabi Vision 2030. We have much to celebrate as we are also approaching the 42^nd National Day, a symbol of pride for the entire UAE.”

The event kicked off with a ribbon-cutting of the new Main Entrance, followed by a tour throughout the zoo to the latest enhancements including the new Cat House, Mixed Asian Exhibit, and Children’s Zoo. Guests then took in a traditional Harbiya performance, before a video presentation showcasing Al Ain Zoo’s past, present and future into 2015, with Al Hajeri then taking centre stage to speak of the zoo’s future aspirations in further detail: 

“Through its distinguished education, research and conservation programmes, Al Ain Zoo is building a reputation for excellence and leadership in the international zoo community. Among our chief objectives is the education and inspiration of youth – and Emiratis in particular – to cultivate the next generation of scientists and environmentalists and engage them in our mission. But our efforts do not end with Al Ain Zoo alone; we are continuously making progress in the expansion project, and we intend for the experience to be so profound that it will set new standards for design and provide an innovative arena for interaction between people and wildlife.”

The 45^th anniversary celebrations will carry in through National Day, for which Al Ain Zoo has prepared an action-packed programme of activities. Until and including 2^nd December, visitors can immerse themselves in UAE history and culture with a specially-designed heritage village, a photo exhibition, henna, an Emirati fashion display and local cuisine. Guests can also take in traditional Harbiya dance performances, a marching parade, a bird show, and other festivities.

Al Ain Zoo was founded in 1968 by the Late Sheikh Zayed with the vision of promoting conservation and preservation of the desert habitat and its creatures. The zoo has successfully introduced conservation and breeding programs for a number of species over the past decades, including oryx, gazelle, the Arabian Leopard and the Houbara bustard. The zoo remains actively involved in conservation projects around the world and is a member of the World Association for Zoo and Aquariums (WAZA), with plans to host WAZA’s annual conference in 2015. Additionally, it recently founded the Arabian Zoos and Aquariums Association, the first of its kind in the region.

Home to roughly 4,000 animals, Al Ain Zoo is one of the UAE’s leading tourist attractions. In October, the grounds reopened following a summer of enhancements that introduced upgraded exhibits, activities and dining choices. The zoo contributes to the steady growth of Al Ain’s tourism sector not only as an entertainment destination, but also by educating youth about wildlife through a range of activities and programmes in close coordination with educational institutions.

Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort Plan Regional Zoo Workshop

Photo by: http://www.flickr.com/photos/visitabudhabi/6708934877/

Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort Plan Regional Zoo Workshop

Al Ain Zoo are planning a regional zoo workshop to take place in early December 2012. Sadly this is by invitation only and restricted, apparently, to Government run public collections. It is a fact that these are not always the best organisations to bring on board, a mix of opinions and expertise tend to be a lot more constructive. Some of the private, closed to the public, animal collections are streets ahead of some of the regional government zoos in terms of understanding of conservation. Contributions by BIAZA and the AZA could only be of positive value.

In Zoo News Digest 22nd - 24th April 2011 (Zoo News 744) I quoted Sh Butti Bin Juma Al Maktoum who said

"There needs to be more coordination between the government and private collections in the region. There is simply not enough connectedness at the moment."

This from an interview in the excellent Wildlife Middle East News Vol 5 Issue 4
I for one am extremely pleased that the regional zoos are at last getting their act together. It is not the first time that such an attempt to bring the collections together and there was in the late 1970's strong links between Al Ain, Dubai, Al Areen, Kuwait and Oman as well as a number of private collections . Sadly this came to nothing as numbers of animals counted more than conservation.

Lets hope that this time that some inroads are made to cooperation, understanding and real conservation.

Local Regional Links of Interest

 

Cheetah in the United Arab Emirates

 

The Best Zoo in the World

Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort Hosts Species Re-Introduction Specialist Workshops

Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort Hosts Species Re-Introduction Specialist Workshops

- Conservation and Climate Change Issues Addressed with Leading Global Experts at AWPR -

Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, 17 April 2011: Today Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort (AWPR) hosted the culmination of a series of Species Re-introduction Specialist Group Workshops at the park’s Education Centre. Spanned over three days, the workshops brought together leading experts from around the world to explore the impact of climate change on species conservation and breeding programmes – placing AWPR at the centre of an important global initiative.

Also held in 2010, these workshops are part of a global collaboration between AWPR, the Re-introduction Specialist Group of the Species Survival Commission and the Invasive Species Specialist Group. Looking to develop worldwide theories regarding animal re-introduction, the international task force supported by AWPR and chaired by Dr Mark Stanley Price of the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom, is leading on the development of new international guidelines on the movement of species that will eventually be used as a conservation tool for responding to climate change.

Dr Michael Maunder, Chief Conservation Strategy Development of AWPR said,

“We are honored to be engaged in such a significant initiative and to be hosting the Re-Introduction Workshops at our very own Education Centre here in Al Ain. As climates and ecologies change, many species face increased risks of extinction. Thus, as conservationists, we are confronted with complex challenge – do we accept the extinction of a species as its last habitat changes, or do we actively respond to this threat by trying to restore the habitat or more controversially by moving the species out of its historical range to new habitats? These are some of the questions that have been driving our discussions and findings in the workshops.”

In addition to Dr Price of Oxford University and Dr Maunder at AWPR, specialists who participated in the workshops included esteemed experts such as Dr Axel Moehrenschlager, Head of the Centre for Conservation Research at Calgary Zoological Society in Canada, Dr Peter Hollingsworth, Head of Genetics and Conservation at the Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom, and Dr Piero Genovesi, Chair of the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Invasive Species Specialist Group and Senior Conservation Officer of the Institute for Environmental Protection and Research in Italy, among others.

AWPR’s support in this global endeavor is an example of the institution’s unwavering commitment to developing leading conservation and breeding programmes for the world’s most prized species. In addition to their involvement in the Re-introduction Workshops, AWPR has set up a number of other strategic partnerships with leading conservation agencies and associations from across the world, including a 20-year exclusive agreement with San Diego Zoological Society, which will be instrumental in the development of all project aspects, especially those related to the wildlife. Other strategic partners include the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, the Zoological Society of Scotland (Edinburgh Zoo), the World Association of Zoos and Aquaria (WAZA), the Northern Rangelands Trust of Kenya and the Sahara Conservation Fund.

***

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Giza Zoo Statement on the Orangutans in Giza Zoo

Photo by: http://www.flickr.com/photos/koulbou/2372575010/

Giza Zoo Statement on the Orangutans in Giza Zoo

15th April 2011

Dear Colleagues,

I'd like to inform you officially that Giza zoo is happy to confirm that we will proceed with the construction of a new exhibition for the Orang-utans this week.

We look forward to working in collaboration with Al Ain and PAAZAB on the design and construction of this facility to ensure it meets the approval of all parties.

A permanent orang habitat will be a key part of the proposed master planning exercise for Giza Zoo.

We share the concern for the Orang-utans welfare and good husbandry and look forward to establishing the orangs in their new home within the next three months.


DR. Fatma Tammam Undersecretary of State for Egyption zoos and wildlife Conservation



Dr. Mona Sadek
Giza zoo Communication Advisor
GIZA ZOO
EGYPT
zoogiza@hotmail.com
http://www.gizazoo-eg.com/

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Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort Statement on the Orangutans in Giza Zoo

Photo by: http://www.flickr.com/photos/davidandbecky/3956298644/

Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort Statement on the Orangutans in Giza Zoo

AWPR Statement – 13 April 2011

Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort has been increasingly worried about Giza Zoo’s lack of progress in constructing the new orang enclosure and we were very disappointed regarding the death of the male orang utan, Fatootah. We have been in active communication with the Giza authorities for several months to resolve this issue and indeed we have offered to temporarily house the animals back at AWPR until suitable accommodation is constructed at Giza. Our primary concern is the welfare of the two orang utans and we are, with our colleagues in PAAZAB, WAZA and the animal welfare community, committed to resolving the problem in a timely manner.

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Giza Trouble For The Al Ain Orangutans

Photo by: http://www.flickr.com/photos/39024089@N06/3707597162/  

A comment from Egypt today states that the Orangutans which were dumped (sorry...gifted) by Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort to Giza Zoo in Egypt remain in far from adequate conditions. Further to that the Chimpanzees which were evacuated from their enclosure to make room for the Orangutans remain in worse conditions.

So what is going on? They arrived back in May!!! What is going to happen? And when? It is months now since this very unsatisfactory move took place. In the meantime the Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort have been proudly announcing that they are to host the WAZA 70th Annual Conference in 2015. Al Ain is apparantly is eager to "push ahead its commitment to animal care and welfare, environmental education and global conservation in front of the industry’s leaders and decision-makers." If this is the case then let them put their money where their mouth is NOW. They have dumped (sorry..gifted) Orangutans, an endangered species, (not that being endangered matters) on a collection that was kicked out of WAZA for having inadequate conditions...and they knew it...and if they didn't then how on earth did they get chosen to host the WAZA meeting?
If Al Ain is committed "to animal care and welfare". Let them prove it. Admit they have made a boo boo and a big one at that....and rectify the situation, now. This is not a problem that is going to go away if it is ignored. I am not going to forget it and be very sure I am going to ensure others do not forget it. I can speak out where others can not.

The Orangutans are waiting, the chimpanzees are waiting and the rest of the zoo world are waiting to see what will happen next.

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