Abu Dhabi, Jan. 6, 2007 (WAM) -- Al Ain Zoo is arguablyone of the best, not only in the Gulf region but also in thewhole world.

The upgraded Al Ain Zoo is a major wildlife attraction in theregion and promotes education, observation and welfare of animals, a report published in the latest edition of the "Weekend",a supplement magazine being issued weekly by Dubai-based "Khaleej Times" delves extensively into this issue, splashingbeautiful images of the zoo and some of its exotic animals.

"You do not have to travel to the African jungle to experiencethe Savannah or click pictures of wildlife," the report said.

"The Al Ain Zoo, just one-and-a-half hours drive from Dubai,is an ideal family spot to spend a day. It is a modern zoologicalpark and wildlife sanctuary that meticulously maintains internationalstandards.

"The magnificent Jebel Hafit Mountains form the backdrop forthe zoo. Lush greenery and different types of birds are impressivesights ? unusual in a desert environment. The zoo managementhas taken several measures, both physical and operational, inthe last eight months to attract more visitors.

"The Al Ain Zoo follows the 'open zoo' concept. Animals are housedin spacious, landscaped enclosures, separated from visitors bydry or wet moats. The moats are concealed with vegetation ordropped below the line of vision. In the case of ferocious animalsthat have the ability to climb, moat barriers are not used. Instead,they are housed in beautifully landscaped glass-fronted enclosures.

Oppressive cages, which typify old-fashioned zoos are absent.

The end result is a sense of openness and being one with nature.

"Taking a leisurely stroll is the ideal way to enjoy the sightsand sounds of the zoo. However, you could use the tram facilitiesto move around if you so wish. Comfortable footwear will ensurethat you get to explore the zoo endlessly, minus sore and tiredfeet. Remember to take your sunglasses and binoculars along toget an up-close and personal view of the inmates of the zoo.

"The new mixed Arabian exhibit highlights the species of theregion, namely the Arabian Oryx and gazelle. Sand dunes and shaded waterholes provide the environment the animals are usedto in the wild. The enclosed area for the animals has been extendedso that a greater number of people can observe them. Buildingsare painted in colours of the 'desert sand'. A second Arabianexhibit has several sand gazelles. Details of different species,their habitats and food requirements are systematically explained.

A new flamingo exhibit to the right is an added attraction.

"Think of Africa, and several animals come to mind. The new Africanmixed exhibit at the zoo is spread out in an area of five hectares.

This large enclosure exhibits African animal species in one ecosystemwith no fences separating the species. This exhibit tells thestory of the African Savannah and the diversity of animal speciesthat live together as a community. Here you can see the giraffe,zebra, fringe-eared Oryx, Thompson gazelle, Dama gazelle andwildebeest. They roam around freely and it is a joy to watchthem.

"You can view all this and more from an elevated look-out platformin two levels. From the upper platform you have panoramic viewsof the very heart of the African Savannah. You can enjoy close-upviews of animals as they move around the waterhole. Here yourbinoculars come in handy to observe the animals. This area hasalso been significantly upgraded and acts as an interpretationcentre for African animal species and their conservation.

"Bird lovers can experience the birds of the Arabian Desert atthe new walk-in birdhouse. An elevated pathway runs through stunningdesert settings where a variety of bird species are housed. Closeattention to landscaping and habitat simulation have createda unique desert environment. A real surprise is the panoramicview of penguins 'swimming' underwater as they are fed sardinesand mackerels. Green and shaded areas are in plenty, surroundingthe birdhouse.

"Being part of the media team, we were invited to witness a uniquebird show. A variety of birds of prey performed outside theiraviary. The artistes or 'stars of the show' were eagles, vulturesand falcons that displayed their natural behaviour.

"The bird trainers from Singapore handled the birds adeptly andrewarded them as they obeyed commands. Birds have been trainedto a level where both adults and children can enjoy watchingthe show. Trainers give explanations about individual birds andhow they hunt. You can watch birds of prey such as eagles, vulturesand falcons flying in aerial loops and soaring above treetops.

You can also learn about falconry, as these birds are put throughtheir paces in a simulated hunt.

"Enclosed in the new lion exhibit are large carnivores. Theyhave a spacious home separated by a water moat. You can observe the lions through the enclosed glass and shaded areasas well. A male lion, lioness and three cubs are the cynosureof all eyes.

"At the Nocturnal House, animals of the dark welcome you. Thesurrounding area has been landscaped, and painted to reflectthe natural habitat of its occupants and also provide educationalinformation. The walkway is air-conditioned and provides viewsthrough glass of the 'animals of the night'.

"Chimpanzees are highly intelligent species and require a lotof stimulation and environmental enrichment. This exhibit hasshaded climbing structures that provide panoramic views of thesurrounding mountains and the zoo. You can also view these animalsfrom an elevated shaded platform or through a glass barrier atthe ground level.

"A series of primate exhibits display baboons, macaques, greenmonkeys and gibbons. Climbing frames made from natural logs,trees and ropes have been installed to provide them plenty ofactivity as well as a much more natural look. The result hasseen the animals become much more active, demonstrating theirnatural behaviour.

"If hunger pangs bite, you can visit the central restaurant nowcalled the Oasis. An air-conditioned smaller food and drink outletis in the central zoo area. So if you have a day off and youdo not want to go far away, head off to the Al Ain Zoo for anunforgettable experience."Commenting on the Zoo and its development plans, Al Ain ZooDirector Mark Craig there are plans for an extensive upgradeof the zoo. "Our plans include new exhibits providing much betterviewing of animals as well as various shows that exhibit animalbehaviour in their natural habitat," he said.

"Additionally, various steps have been undertaken to furtherbeautify the surrounding areas, by improving the existing landscape,entrances and introducing various viewing platforms that willenhance public viewing facilities," he added.

Majed Ali Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Secretary General at the EnvironmentAgency, Abu Dhabi (EAD), and the Chairman of the Al Ain Zoo Development Committee, said "The Al Ain Zoo is set to becomea benchmark for all zoos within the Middle East region. Withincreased awareness of the needs of exotic animals, we felt itwas time for the zoo to undergo major renovation and restorationworks while fulfilling international zoo-keeping requirements.

Upon completion, the zoo is set to become the finest in the region.""It will encourage an increase in the awareness of animal welfarethrough educational and interactive programmes. The zoo willalso enable the public to see the animals in their natural habitats,whilst keeping in mind the individual needs and sensitivitiesof the animals," he added.

The Al Ain Zoo was established in 1968 by the late Sheikh Zayedbin Sultan Al Nahyan. The zoo houses about 68 species of mammals,88 species of birds and 35 species of reptiles, within its boundaryof 850 hectres.

Currently, only 50 hectres are open to visitors. This area iscalled the "core zoo' and has thus far been proved popular withthe visitors.

Al Ain Zoo is a member of the International Species Informationsystem (ISIS), an international organisation that maintains animalrecords from zoos around the world. It is a benchmark for animalrecord keeping, facilitating captive breeding programmes, internationalexchange, veterinary care and species management programmes.

The zoo is also a member of the World Association of Zoos andAquariums, an internationally acclaimed organisation whose membersare governed by a strict code of conduct and animal welfare.

Members of this organisation provide a platform to exchange knowledge,information and expertise around the world.