The inhabitants at Al Ain Zoo are buzzing with excitement following the arrival of 17 new animals.
In a bid to improve genetic diversity, Al Ain Zoo successfully swapped the wildlife for 34 of its own in an exchange with Bahrain’s Al Areen Wildlife Park.
“Al Ain Zoo is home to internationally important conservation programmes, and has long been active in the field of wildlife preservation and conservation,” said HE Ghanim Al Hajeri, director general of the Zoo & Aquarium Public Institution in Al Ain.
“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.”
Following months of thorough planning and coordination, a variety of endangered animals including Dama gazelle, African turtles, Scimitar-horned oryx, Arabian sand cats, Arabian wolves and wildebeest were exchanged over a period of four days.
The new residents at Al Ain Zoo went through a series of health exams before being placed in quarantine in case of any medical issues and will soon be introduced to their new home.
