Al Ain, April 7th,2007(WAM)--Imagine dinning in the openair while you savour the rare spectacle of giraffes, zebras and otherherds of animals as they swarm in what is virtually their natural habit.

To imagine such a surreal scene is to think of some exotic places somewherein Kenya , South Africa or Thailand. And if you think so, then youcan be excused for getting it wrong. However the plain truth is that sucha spectacle is neither surreal nor exotic. It is right here in the UAEand in Al Ain city, where the general public will now be able to enjoya life-time opportunity when Al Ain Zoo opens its nocturnal programmessometime this summer.

After more than 30 years since its establishment, Al Ain Zoo is shiningonce again as an example in the Gulf region for animal management,conservation practices and visitor comfort.

Over the past year, Al Ain Zoo has been undergoing transformations intoa 21st Century attraction that not only addresses wildlife conservationbut also supports Abu Dhabi's environmental education efforts and itsfuture tourism aspirations. Today, the Zoo has taken steps to promotean emotional bond between the visitor and the wildlife living in the Zooby conjuring a memorable experience.

As a result of these improvements, Zoo officials have observed that theanimals have become much more active, demonstrating their natural behavior.

Throughout its improvements, the Zoo has built upon the cultural and naturalhistory of the Emirate specifically and the Arabian Peninsula in general.

Today, 45 hectares of the Zoo are open to the public. Over, 4,000 mammals,birds and reptiles call the Zoo their home, with the majority of themoriginating from the Arabian Peninsula and Northern Africa. Large herdsof desert antelopes, many endangered in the wild, are well maintainedin extensive 'back of house' breeding enclosures. In addition, the Zoohouses and cares for a large collection of carnivores such as lion, tiger,cheetah, puma, leopard, caracal as well as several primates includingthe baboon, maque, gibbon, vervet and patas. All old, small and outdatedcages, some over 25 years old, have been or are about to be demolishedand replaced with large garden spaces. Among the new facilities is anAnimal Health Centre, Incubation Facility, and Quarantine area.

Before the improvement process began, the Zoo carefully moved the animalsinto temporary homes to keep them safe from harm's way during the renovations.

In terms of improving the visitor's experience, an impressive main entrance,sheltering visitors from the shade, has been upgraded. The Oasis Restaurantas well as all toilet facilities have all been improved. Visitors cannow also rest in an air-conditioned resting area. Moreover, family picnicareas have been re-landscaped. Clear signage in both Arabic and Englishhas been erected.

A new Education Center has been opened to offer in-house education andconservation programmes to visiting school and university groups. Thegroups will be under go an induction programme upon their arrival to beintroduced to the Zoo and the role of the modern Zoo. The Zoo has alreadyformed a strong partnership with Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi to worktogether to promote conservation.

Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi TourismAuthority, said:"The dramatic improvements to Al Ain Zoo demonstrate our commitment toproviding both inhabitants of the UAE and visitors with a wildlife facilitythat takes a priority in recreation for families, education and conservation.

It is the first step in making the Zoo a major tourist destination andestablishing a base for future redevelopment and best practice."Mark Craig, Director of Al Ain Zoo, said:"The rapid improvement programme at Al Ain Zoo has provided the animalswe hold in trust with the best facilities and care. It has also allowedthe public the opportunity to view and experience this wildlife in a naturalisticand family- friendly environment."