UAE. Al Ain Zoo announced the opening of a new exhibit dedicated to the African Wild Dog (Lyacon Pictus), a critically endangered carnivore from Africa. The exhibit, which will span over 1,300 square metres, will be the first home for the wild dogs in the Middle East.

As part of Al Ain Zoo’s commitment to assisting in the conservation of threatened animal species, the Zoo has developed and landscaped a new exhibit that will meet all the needs of the African Wild Dog. This is the first time that these critically endangered carnivores will be on display in any zoo in the Middle East.

Majid Al Mansouri, Managing Director, Al Ain Zoo, said: “The arrival of the African Wild Dogs is a very significant step for Al Ain Zoo. While these critically endangered animals will be cared for and given a dramatic new exhibit to meet their needs, guests will have the opportunity to observe these animals in a natural setting and be a part of something very special.”

The seven wild dogs, of which five are males and two females, have currently been isolated for quarantine purposes and to help them slowly accommodate themselves to their new African exhibit surroundings. 

Each of the Wild Dogs will enjoy its own night den and specially constructed off limit facilities for breeding purposes. It is planned for the group to start breeding within the next two years and establish a second group. With their decreasing numbers in the wild, it is important that Al Ain Zoo establishes a captive breeding programme in order to secure long term conservation of this specie. 

The dogs will be part of the African Safari experience in the new Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort currently being planned and designed. Visitors will be able to feel and experience the African wildlife by viewing these dramatic animals through a series of specially designed glass windows under a shaded walkway.
Visitors will also be able to watch these animals during the summer night zoo under an amazing moonlight effect until September.

Mark Craig, Director of Al Ain Zoo said: “Visitors to Al Ain Zoo will now be able to view one of Africa’s most active and social carnivores in an exhibit that is landscaped to match their natural habitat. These animals are active at night so the best time to view them is early evening during our Summer Night Zoo."

Al Ain Zoo at the heart of Al Ain is undergoing a series of rapid improvements that has seen the zoo change into a much more family friendly place where all visitors can connect with wildlife.  The panoramic mountain backdrop and amazing landscape of the Al Ain Zoo has been used to great advantage for the newly arrived wild dogs. Their new exhibit with shallow pools, running water, grass, rock work and trees simulates the wild dog’s natural habitat of Africa.

The Al Ain Zoological Park was established in 1967 and it is the largest zoo in the Middle East at 900 hectares. The Zoo's grounds take in the foothills of the Jabel Hafeet, the UAE's highest mountain. The Zoo has undergone significant changes in the last two years with a series of rapid improvements to raise standards and boost tourism. The ‘core zoo’ opened to the public is 45 hectares and features extensive garden areas and diversity of exhibits providing a diversified wildlife experience. The animal collection consists of over 4,000 individual animal specimens (mammals, birds and reptiles) with the majority from the Arabian Peninsular and Northern Africa. Large herds of desert antelopes, many endangered in the wild, are maintained in extensive ‘back of house’ breeding enclosures. In addition there is a large collection of carnivores (lion, tiger, cheetah, puma, leopard, caracal, and serval) and primates (baboon, gibbon, vervet, and patas)

New features include an impressive, covered main entrance, Mixed Arabian exhibit, mixed African Savanna exhibit; Nocturnal House, Bird House and Bird of Prey show (7.30pm each evening). In addition there are new exhibits for lions, gorilla, chimpanzee, small primates, flamingos and Arabian wolf. New landscaping within the core zoo area provides secluded areas for family picnics and relaxing views of the animals.

MIDDLE EAST BUSINESS COMMENT & ANALYSIS

• Top news
• Business News
• Company News