Zoolife January edition - Insights from Al Ain Zoo

JANUARY 2018 Animals Have a Secret Life

Saeed Al Zaabi

VIEW OUR 2017 ACHIEVEMENTS

LION CUBS JOIN OUR LATEST ZOO FAMILY

UPCOMING EVENTS IN JANUARY 2018 A free space for the wonders of light and lens, that we leave up to the visitors’ and webpage surfers’ creativity. Share your picture with us, and let it speak for you.

Please send the photographs to zoolife@alainzoo.ae

Abu Dhabi UNTIL 27 JAN Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi

12 - 13 JAN Abu Dhabi Grand Slam World Jiu Jitsu Tour IPIC Arena- Zayed Sport City

13 - 20 JAN Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre

Al Ain 14 JAN - 31 MAR Zoolightfull Festival Al Ain Zoo

UNTIL 30 MAR Al Qattara Arts Centre Events The Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre is an architectural wonder and a beacon of heritage and modernity.

Taken by Visitor: Mohammed Al Janabi

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Al Qattara Arts Centre

UNTIL 31 MAR Al Ain Oasis Events Al Ain Oasis

Al Ain Zoo’s Efforts in Preserving the Health of Lion Cubs

Our Zoo has undertaken the responsibility of preserving animal health through providing a high quality diet, allowing animals to live normally in an environment that is similar to their natural habitats and offering comprehensive healthcare services to protect them from diseases.

One of the methods the Zoo is employing to contain disease spread among cubs is encouraging natural breastfeeding; since the mother’s milk contains intrinsic antibiotics that protect youngsters from contracting dangerous, life threatening diseases. For this reason, it is necessary to ensure that lion cubs are breastfeeding enough from their mothers.

Our veterinary team’s efforts have greatly reflected on the health of our animals, resulting in a birthrate increase. The biggest man-made safari in the world has welcomed 3 lion cubs, with 2 more in our Big Cats Oasis. People are welcome to pay them a visit today and enjoy watching them in their natural wildlife habitat.

Our medical team, consisting of veterinaries specializing in wildlife medical care, has designed a disease - specific program, similar to human programs, to safeguard lion cubs and big cats through vaccinations that are locally and internationally certified in combating specific illnesses.

For example, lion cubs require vaccination against virus transmitted diseases such as rabies. At 8 - 10 weeks old, lion cubs can receive their first vaccination, 3 months later they receive their second, and 3 years in their third.

The Veterinary Team caring for one of the newborn cubs.

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5 African Lion Cubs Join the Zoo’s Latest Newborns Every morning, they roam their kingdom trying to discover the secrets of their surroundings.

They play with each other, and enjoy bickering and quarrelling.

Only a few weeks ago, the Zoo welcomed 5 African Lion Cubs to its population, consisting of 3 males and 2 females.

Our African Lion Cubs naturally inhabit Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, Tanzania, the Central African Republic, South Sudan and other parts of sub-Saharan Africa.

Our Lion Cubs were born at night, facilitated by our team who had made all the necessary arrangements for an easy and quick birth. Right after their birth, the Lion Cubs were placed with their mother in ready, air conditioned bedrooms for 3 months. The bedrooms provide the necessary environment to preserve their health, care for them and put them under medical observation according to the highest international standards; offering comprehensive medical checks like blood tests, weight and growth monitoring, and a healthy diet. In addition, their activity levels are also put under observation before they are released to their new exhibits.

Usually, the lioness gives birth to its cubs in around 4 months of isolation, hiding them for the first six weeks of their lives since cubs are in danger from predators, such as hyenas, panthers and wolves, after their birth. In this stage, the 4 | ZooLife, Al Ain Zoo | January 2018

cubs wholly depend on their mother for protection and nourishment.

They stay with their mother for more than a year and start hunting at the age of 11 months.

The team did not face any challenges introducing the lion cubs to their pride, even though it is common for adult lions not to accept new members into their kingdom; a process which takes time and approval from family members. At our Zoo, the process was easy, and the King of the Jungle quickly accepted his new sons and showered them with his love and wisdom.

It is worth mentioning that the number of lions present at our Zoo have reached 26, after the recent birth that are distributed between the largest man-made Safari in the world and the Big Cat Oasis.

The Zoo included its visitors in the Cub Naming process through its website; one of the steps taken to reinforce community engagement and public interaction in the Wildlife conservation program, the protection of endangered species and the environment; which is considered a vital aspect of natural wildlife.

Today, our Lion Cubs are around 4 months old, and our noble visitors can come by and enjoy watching them at their exhibits at Al Ain Safari and Big Cat Oasis.

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First Hippo & Croc Underwater Exhibit in the Middle East

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Our Zoo has recently added a new, unique experience to its incredible project portfolio; the hippo and croc underwater exhibits, which are considered the first of their kind in the Middle East Region. Through these exhibits, visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy watching these animals underwater, as they roam at the bottom of an artificial lake that has been precisely designed to simulate their natural habitats.

The exhibits lie at the heart of the African World desert area, known to host an impressively diverse collection of animal species and environmental patterns in the striking, vegetation covered African nature, to which the sound of cascading waterfalls adds an air of comfort, serenity and relaxation.

African Exhibit Held at an 80 person visitor’s hall, the exhibi will host a diverse number of activities and events, including the hippo and crocodile lake, the otter and Vervet monkey exhibit at the 39 cubic metre otter lake, the backyard hippo barn, the 82 cubic metre water streams,

the snake and iguana exhibit, Mongoose exhibit in addition to the life-support system installed to clean and filter ponds’ water.

The hippo and crocodile lake is surrounded by 43 millimetre thick glass that can withstand immense water pressure and large animal sizes, and the exhibitions are interconnected by an elevated, 70 metre long pathway that is used to give VIP tours to the adventure seeking and fun loving, who can also enjoy the crocodile feeding experience.

Hippo Family Inhabiting the exhibit is a family of four: Jenna, Bruno, Biggy and Johnny. They spend most of their time swimming in a warmwater pond, the size of which is estimated at 740 cubic metres, holding the equivalent of 195,000 gallons of water. This family is considered one of the endangered African animals, naturally existing in a lot of African countries such as Angola, Uganda, Zambia, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Central African Republic and Gabon.

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Crocodile Family The exhibit is also home to Nile Crocodiles; the second biggest, remaining reptiles in the world.

Found in the middle, eastern and southern regions of the African continent, these reptiles live in our new aquatic exhibit, with a lake estimated at 245 cubic metre in size, the equivalent to 64,000 gallons of water.

The Nature of the Coexisting Animals in both exhibits The hippo family needed a short time to be trained and prepared for transfer to its new exhibit.

The training was executed with high professionalism by the Zoo’s specialized team, and the family is now spending most of its time in the external water basin where visitors can watch them and enjoy a new, unique experience.

5 Star Services for the Animals Our Zoo offers 5-Star services to ensure the highest standards of animal care and management through providing diverse meal plans, a suitable place and comprehensive healthcare by the doctors and experts working in the field of animal care.

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Life Support System to Clean and Filter Pond Water The process of filtering all the ponds, lakes and water basins in the exhibit is done through separately pumping the content of each water basin to the lifesupport building, separating solid animal waste from water, isolating and drying it, passing the water through carbon and sand filters, purifying the water from waste and injecting it with ozone; a necessary ingredient in preserving the biological environment of animals.

The water is then introduced into the ventilation (De-aeration) tower and re-pumped into the water basins; run throughout the day to treat an average of 300,000 gallons of water every 45 minutes.

Since the filtering system is considered new in the Middle East, with a lot of variable elements involved in the process, it requires continuous monitoring and full supervision to maintain the quality of water in the required levels and the system running in the exhibit.

The water filtration system is monitored and controlled by our specialized team.

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After 50 years of achievements, we can all proudly stand up for this historic moment, watching our legacy from 1968 and achieving the Golden Jubilee, making it special as it coincides with Year of Zayed.

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Animals Have a Secret Life Saeed Al Zaabi A knight on horseback at national and international gatherings who cared for animals from a young age.

“My mother was the leader behind my ambition and hard work…”

Our talk was over; we had both gone our separate ways when I found him catching up with me, right after we parted, to tell me something important. He said: “The most important thing I can tell you is this: My mother is the secret to my success, the leader behind my ambition and hard work. Please don’t forget to mention her.”

This is our knight, Saeed Rashed Al Zaabi, who spent a year and a half caring for lions at our Zoo, and 12 years on horseback riding, confirming that people don’t always start at the top, but have to climb up the stairs from the first step. He says, as he heatedly talks about his passion for animals and his horse “Gogo”, who he credits for teaching him patience and willpower. “He was a friend, a student and a teacher at the same time that is how Saeed generally describes animals; he believes they have a secret life, and a great ability to understand the person in front of them, affect them and be affected by them.”

Saeed, tell us about your experience at Al Ain Zoo. When and how did it start?

Saeed presenting a talk during the 2017 Conservation Festival

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“ In 2016, I faced my family with the truth. My work in animal care was not acceptable to them. I was going to work in the animal field anyway, as I spent my life reading about them and believed I knew a lot. Upon directly dealing with them, I was surprised to find out it is a rich experience that is completely different to what we read about in books. You have to have a lot of characteristics to

deal with them and earn their trust, and be cautions, kind, wise and oblivious at times, depending on the situation. What really surprised me was discovering my abilities and skills, which I didn’t know I had until I dealt with my companion in local and global adventures; Gogo, who taught me that equestrianism is about wisdom and control, not an exhibition of power. Zoo animals, lions and especially panthers posed a great challenge for me.”

And what was the result of that challenge, which of you won? You, or the lions and cheetahs?

“To be honest, my challenge with the lions and cheetahs started before I joined Al Ain Zoo, back when I had a panther at home. After a few months passed I realized that having predators at home was a huge mistake that is commonly made by adventure seekers, so I sent him to an African organization. However, that didn’t put a stop to my passion, so I decided to reset the challenge.

Only this time, I wanted to do it the right way, with Al Ain Zoo. They are now my friends, they listen to me, they hear me; especially my three cheetah friends: Nazek, Firas and Cleo.”

How was that possible, with the challenges you faced with your family and society?

Mariam Hareb Al Dhaheri, the first tour guide in the UAE, then you’ll know what I mean, and you’ll know that “confrontation” is a trait I got from my mother, who was and still remains one of the first pioneering Emiratis in her field. I want to take the opportunity to thank her for all her support, and for the pride, determination and success she passed on to me.”

You challenged lions, and broke horses. What about domestic animals, do they not have a place in your interests?

“On the contrary, if I hadn’t worked in the field of lion care, I would have chosen fish care. I think they are calm, peaceful creatures that inspire a lot of calm and serenity in the soul.

I previously volunteered in Turtle Protection projects.“ Any last words?

“To the person reading this: The animal world is full of wonders, across their different species and

types. Love them, learn from them.

They are a world of hidden secrets.

Be careful when you think you are in control, and be kind when they are vicious. Be humble when they are proud, and be yourself around their simplicity.”

“Perhaps if you know of my mother, ZooLife, Al Ain Zoo | January 2018 | 13

What’s a bird that can’t fly but is a great swimmer in freezing cold water?

Colour in Laith!

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Help Leo return to his mom

Lions pretend to be hurt by the bites of their young to encourage them!

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Send your answers to zoolife@alainzoo.ae and see if you got the right answers!

How many animals does Al Ain Zoo approximately hold?

A tree coming to life at night?

Seemingly lifeless and useless; a tall tree with dry branches. But at night, the tree comes alive with its immigrating residents; who use it for home and comfort.

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In which year was Al Ain Zoo established?

Sports is key to happiness As well as a gate to a world of it is the daily feel

health and self-confidence. Undoubtedly,

RED CARD that kicks us out of our desperation. Practicing sports

stimulates

the brain to release “Endorphins�, a chemical that helps you

happy and relaxed. It is a ray of hope to a better world, so let us make

it a daily habit to transport us out of the world of with

laziness to another world that is full

health and STABILITY. ZooLife, Al Ain Zoo | January 2018 | 17

ACHIEVEMENTS

CULTURAL ACHIEVEMENTS

• Opening of the new main entrance

• Launching the National Archive project

• Opening the “Children’s Discovery Garden”

2017

• Launching the Knowledge Majlis • African Week activities • Supporting the research centre with 11,000 references and one million e-books • UK/UAE Short Film Festival 2017 • Launching the 6 edition of the Photography Competition; “Zoography 2017: Through the Lens” th

• Receiving 600 publications from Department of Culture & Tourism at the Research Centre • Celebrating the first anniversary of the inauguration of Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre

EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS

• Opening the Oasis Garden • Launching Al Ain “Night Safari” experience • Launching the “Dinner with the Lions” experience • Launching the “Penguin Feeding” experience • Opening the “Hippo and Croc Exhibit” • Hosting of Abu Dhabi Food Festival (Street Fest)

ENVIRONMENTAL ACHIEVEMENTS

• Hosting the 1001 Inventions and the Book of Animals Exhibition (7000 students)

• Establishing the local seed bank to protect local plants from extinction (100 local types in a 500-metre area)

• Spring Camp (Sounds of Nature)

• Fourth ‘Walk for Wildlife’ day

• Summer Camp (Have Fun with Science)

• Celebrating National Environment Day

• Winter Camp (Around the World in 5 days)

• Checking in 1 Million Injury-Free Hours

• Training programme for veterinary students from international universities • 2017 Abu Dhabi Science Festival

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NEW PROJECTS & EXPERIENCES

• Celebrating Earth Hour

LOCAL & INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES ACHIEVEMENTS • Celebrating the International Day of Happiness • Celebrating Eid Al Fitr • Celebrating Eid Al Adha • Celebrating Emirati Women’s Day • Celebrating the 87th Saudi National Day • Participating in the European Conference for Zoos and Aquaria in the Netherlands • Celebrating UAE Flag Day • Celebrating the 47th Oman National Day • Celebrating the 46th UAE National Day

PARTNERSHIPS • Partnership with Etisalat to support educational programmes • Hosting the Government Communication Forum (Al Minbar) • Family Picnic activities for children with Autism in cooperation with Emirates Autism Society

CORPORATE EXCELLENCE ACHIEVEMENTS

CONSERVATION ACHIEVEMENTS

• Receiving the 2016 Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award (SKEA) in the tourism sector category

• The World Migratory Bird Day exhibition

• Launching the Internal Excellence Award (Kafoo) • Obtaining the ISO 20000-1 certification in the field of IT services • Receiving the Most Active Government Entity on Social Media Award, according to Abu Dhabi Office of Government Communication • Receiving the “Most Responsive Entity to Public Tweets on Social Media Platforms” according to Office of Government Communication • Receiving the “Best Strategic Plan at the level of Governmental Institutions”

SPORTING ACHIEVEMENTS • Celebrating UAE National Sports Day • Hosting the first “Zoo Run” competition (350 runners) • Walking activities for children “Walk and Learn”

• Convention to evaluate the Genetic Diversity of the Arabian oryx • Supporting the ZIMS animal management software with information for 3800 animals, 26% of which are endangered species • Welcoming 5 African lion cubs • Hosting the first Al Ain Zoo Conservation Partners • The Art and Nature Carnival • Hosting a forum for the Founders of the International Falconry Festival • Conservation Festival 2017

VOLUNTARY & COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES • Launching the Voluntary Work Programme for the Year of Giving (5000 hours, 80 volunteers) • The Ramadan Meer project

• MOU with Belgrade Zoo

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