Animal lovers will be treated to glimpses of the newest residents at Al Ain Zoo during this week’s Eid al-Adha holidays. The newborn giraffe calf and hippopotamus are now available for public viewing, after being closely monitored by the zoo’s veterinarian team.
The female hippopotamus, who was born earlier this autumn, will be featured in the zoo’s core exhibit. The enclosure has been designed in such a way as to mimic their natural environment while offering a clear view of the animals. The female giraffe calf, born in late spring, has joined the other Nubian giraffes in the Mixed African Exhibit.
“We are delighted to welcome the newborn hippopotamus and giraffe to the zoo, and to introduce them to our visitors for the very first time. They are young, curious, and enjoying the cooling weather, and as such it is a great time for visitors to come and meet them as they settle in their new homes,” said Muna Al Dhaheri, acting chief conservation and education officer.
One of nine subspecies, the Nubian giraffe is native to the wooded grasslands and savannahs of Africa. While their numbers are increasing in southern Africa, the species is in the danger of extinction in other areas of Africa.
Hippopotamus are native to sub-Sahran Africa and are listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened species, due to their significant population decline in the past three decades.
The zoo will also host a variety of cultural and educational activities during the Eid holidays. In addition to dance performances, there will also be a community drumming activity, bird and parrot shows and for the very first time, guests will be able to watch crocodiles snap up lunch when being fed by their trainers.
Extended hours during the holidays will last from 10am to 10pm from 15th to 19th October. Guests are encouraged to pick up tickets in advance, in order to avoid long queues. For more information call: 03 799 2000.
