Zoolife January 2019 edition - Insights from Al Ain Zoo

January 2019

“I will be a wanderer and document my global visit...”

Khaled Al Blooshi Our new short story...

“Cycle of Life”

Humboldt Penguin

UPCOMING EVENTS IN FEBRUARY 2019 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.

Abu Dhabi

Please send the photographs to zoolife@alainzoo.ae

01 FEB Bayreuth Festival– The Valkyrie Emirates Palace

08 FEB

Russian Symphonic Classics Emirates Palace

13 - 16 FEB

H.H. Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Endurance Festival 2019 Bouthib Endurance Village

15 FEB Ataya

Mubadala Arena

UNTIL 15 FEB

Abu Dhabi First Manuscripts Conference and Exhibition Manarat Al Saadiyat

Our Patas Monkey has obviously started munching on his favorite food, not intending to share the last piece with anyone. Do you think the photographer likes the look of the spontaneous Patas Monkey? Or do you think he actually prefers the irresistible coconut?

By: Dionell Datiles

Al Ain 02 FEB Zoo Run Al Ain Zoo

13 FEB

Science Fair for Environmental Innovation Al Ain Zoo

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OUR TEAM

General Services Department Both Administrative Services and Transportation Unit fall under the General Services Department, providing administrative and logistical support to the Zoo and Aquarium Public Institution in Al Ain. The General Services Department provides services to Zoo employees and visitors with regards to transportation and hotel reservations. It is also responsible for organizing events, activities and festivals, in addition to preparing office space for employees and managing the daily external and internal mail correspondences.

The Administrative Services provides services and day-to-day requirements for organizational units and staff, such as providing office supplies, overseeing the maintenance and inventory of furniture and providing hospitality to various departments. It also supervises and monitors the gym “ZOO Fit� to provide employee satisfaction.

As for the Transportation Unit, it is responsible for ensuring the provision of all means of transportation and logistics, as well as developing logistic plans according to departmental

needs and their assigned tasks.

In addition, it performs annual inventory on company assets, such as furniture, machinery and vehicles, along with clarifying their status and validity, in coordination with the Asset Declarations Committee.

The Administrative Services section works on strengthening relationships with partners to ensure service requirements are up to the best institutional standards, through organizing annual meetings, conferences, festivals and many other activities in cooperation with partners.

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My Story

Circle Of life Written by: Aditi Avadhani First Place winner in the Short Story Writing Competition 2018 Category: 8 - 10 years

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Once there lived a girl called Ayesha. Ayesha was a seven year old who loved nature. She went to a school that was located on a hill. In her school, there was a beautiful garden. There were colorful flowers, lots of happy insects, birds chirped all day long… this garden was paradise! In this garden Ayesha had a tiny friend, the bee.

Everyday Ayesha went a few minutes early to school so she could go to the garden. One day, she entered the garden and saw her friend the bee crying. She asked him why he was crying. He said “I came out to teach my little brother how to suck nectar when a huge hawk flew down and carried him away (sniff)”.

Ayesha felt bad for the bee. After school, she thought about how she could help the insects.

She had an idea. She had seen sensors on water taps in the mall. She asked her father, who was an engineer to make a similar sensor which would beep and warn the insects when a predator came close. Her father agreed and made the sensor.

Ayesha placed the sensor in the garden.

She demonstrated it to her insect friends. They thanked her for the ‘safe’ sensor. All the insects were very safe but soon there were so many of them that they had finished all of the nectar and started eating the flowers, the leaves and so on. The beautiful garden had become the

ugliest garden ever.

A few weeks later, Ayesha came to the garden to find only a few plants and thousands of buzzing insects everywhere. Ayesha asked the bee what was wrong. He angrily said “You!” and flew away to save a plant from falling.

The birds were hungry and dying because they did not have any food.

Ayesha looked around her and saw the ruined garden.

She was in tears. Ayesha did not hear the school bell announce the start of school.

Ayesha’s teacher, Miss Sara, realized that Ayesha was not in class. She went to look for Ayesha. She found her on the garden bench crying. Miss Sara rushed to Ayesha and asked “Oh dear!

What’s the matter?” Ayesha told her about the bee, the hawk, the sensor and the ruined garden. “All I wanted to do was help. My friend the bee says that this is my fault. What did I do wrong?” she sobbed.

Her teacher gave her a mournful smile and said “You have interrupted the circle of life. Every living creature becomes food for another. If this chain is destroyed by humans, there will be chaos in nature.”

Ayesha realized what she had done wrong. She removed all the sensors and apologized to her friend, the bee. She also promised to help revive the garden.

Let’s remember….. Human interference can tip over the balance of nature.

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the observer

Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week | 14 - 17 January 2019

Al Ain Zoo participation at British Embassy Event | 21 January 2019 MOU with Department of Urban Planning & Municipalities | 24 January 2019

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Release of the Nile Lechwes at Al Ain Safari | 18 January 2019

experiences

Budgie Feeding

Budgie feeding at Al Ain Zoo is a very amusing experience. Can you imagine how exciting it is when a huge number of colorful birds are flying towards the bowl of food your children are carrying? It will definitely draw a big smile on their faces. But this doesn’t mean that this experience is limited to

children only; on the contrary, all family member can join in and enjoy this fascinating experience.

Budgie feeding is available every day for two hours from 3pm to 5pm. Visitors can contact the information desk to book their tickets or to check availability.

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Animal life

Humboldt Penguin Humboldt penguins are aquatic, flightless birds. Highly adapted for life in the water, penguins have counter shaded dark and white plumage for camouflage. Their wings have evolved into flippers to help them swim. They look very similar to African penguins.

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Habitat The Humboldt penguin is a South American penguin that breeds in the coastal regions of Chile and Peru, with their largest colonies on Chañaral Island in Chile. The climate they inhabit is quite warm in some areas. The rocky habitat makes them excellent climbers,jumping with both legs and balancing themselves with the help of their flippers. They cohabit with larger birds, such as Pelicans, without problems.

Features Humboldt penguins are visibly thinner than other species which store more fat in their body and have denser plumage. Their vocalizations vary according to the circumstances; either to show aggression to their prey, recognize family members or

group coordination. Both partners emit a sound very similar to a donkey braying and often show nervous behavior when they feel the inconvenience of an unwanted presence.

Food Their diet consists of small fish, like sardines or anchovies, complemented with squid. They demonstrate several different hunting techniques and stay together as a coordinated group while doing it.

Threats Due to a declining population, caused in part by over-fishing and illegal hunting either for consumption or as pets, the current status of the Humboldt penguin is threatened. The loss of their habitat, through mining,

human disturbance, and predation by introduced animals such as rats, cats, and foxes, also endangers them. The species is listed as “Vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Humboldt Penguin at Al Ain Zoo Al Ain Zoo includes groups of distinct penguins, most importantly the endangered Humboldt. A dedicated and welltrained team from Al Ain Zoo provides good quality care, and creates a wildlife habitat similar to their natural habitat for breeding and increasing their numbers.

Life Span The Humboldt penguin can live in the wild for up to 10-12 years and 15-20 years in captivity.

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Our Achievements in 2018 CULTURAL ACHIEVEMENTS

2018

• The launch of “Zayed’s Steps” • Heritage programmes: National Heritage in Nature • The 1st Environmental Reading Forum • Short story writing competition for children • Our Enviroment Our Responsibility • A presentation on the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy visit by Al Ain Zoo Tour Guides • Photography Competition 2018 “Zoography” • “Zayed’s vision” workshop

VOLUNTARY & COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

• Establishing a Tourist Security Office to serve the tourists • Launching the smart watch for children • Launching unmanned aircraft services • Achieving 7000 voluntary hours • Establishing Customer Happiness Centre • EnviroWalk • Hosting the Zoo Run • Hosting Health and Fitness Fun Festival

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CORPORATE EXCELLENCE ACHIEVEMENTS • Winning the gold category of Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award in tourism sector • Launching the second Internal Excellence Award ‘Kafoo’ • Renewing the International Quality Certificate ISO 20000-1 IT Service Management Systems • ISO 20400.2017 - Sustainable Procurement • Launching “Fikrati” programme • Launching the new mobile application and website new look • Best government destination for Abu Dhabi customers award

EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS • Spring Camp • Summer Camp • Winter Camp • Science Fair for Environmental Innovation

LOCAL & INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES ACHIEVEMENTS

CONSERVATION ACHIEVEMENTS

NEW PROJECTS & EXPERIENCES

• Emirati Children’s Day

• Al Ain Zoo names baby rhino Sudan

• Gorillas Exhibit

• National Environment Day

• Breeding Arabian Sand Cat with artificial insemination

• Light Festival “Zoolightful”

• International Day of Happiness • Emirati Women’s Day • Visiting The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature in Jordan • International Youth Day • World Environment Day • Arabian Travel Market Exhibition

• The 4th Conservation Festival • Dama Gazelle Conservation Planning Workshop II • The New Gorillas • First Biodiversity Forum • IZE Conference

• ADIHEX • GITEX

ENVIRONMENTAL ACHIEVEMENTS • Earth Hour • Participating in the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi Cleaning Campaign

PARTNERSHIPS

• Signing partnership agreement with the tourist police • Signing a cooperation agreement with the “Fazaa” social solidarity program at the Ministry of Interior

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Instagraming

alainzoouae The Arabian Oryx became extinct in the wild in 1972 due to illegal hunting. After huge breeding efforts, we had successfully reintroduced couple of herds into the wild in the UAE and Jordan.

273 likes

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Places

Flamingo Lake...

in the climate. People of the UAE became familiar with them, calling them“Finteer”. Thus, over time, Al Ain Zoo embraced their presence, welcoming them to their new home.

There are many types and species of flamingos around the world, and at Al Ain Zoo you can see greater flamingos, lesser flamingos, and Chilean Flamingos.

During their journeys of migration, flamingos cover thousands of miles and move back and forth between continents and oceans. Al Ain Zoo has been their favorite stop among all the others,becoming their forever beloved home. For these magnificent birds, there’s no need to go on long and tiring journeys again. Flamingos are now safe at Al Ain Zoo, among friends and family, waiting for your visit.

At first glance, from a distance, you see breathtaking scenery that resembles a painting of nature and magical birds, leisurely drawn by a passionate artist who is inspired by the complex beauty of nature. Or, is it an operatic ballet in a dreamily ambient oil painting? What you can be sure of, is that you cannot witness such an amazing portrait anywhere other than at Al Ain Zoo. You will be delighted by the image of a mind-blowing pink flamingo reflected on a surface of clear blue waters. The lake is surrounded by greenery with trees and a picturesque wooden frame to add a spectacular touch to the whole scene.

During your visit to this kingdom of beauty, you will discover fascinating facts about flamingos.

Did you know that their plumage fades when it eats shrimps?

While sleeping, they stand on one leg to help regulate their temperature and reduce muscle fatigue. Flamingos are seasonal birds that migrate due to changes

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Our Experts It was a mere coincidence when his talent was discovered at Al Ain Zoo

Khaled Al Blooshi

“I will be a wanderer and will document my extensive visits around the globe and develop my vision into a cinematic video.”

Khaled Al Blooshi

Al Ain Zoo discovered Khaled’s passion for photography by coincidence when he volunteered for the “Takatof” program. Later, he became a professional videographer and began “Video of Travels” as his personal future project.

This month we interview a young man who is in the prime of his life, Khaled Juma Al Blooshi.

Khaled is a Stores Coordinator at the Procurement and Contracts Department. He joined Al Ain Zoo in 2017 after working as a customer service agent at the Abu Dhabi Government Contact Center for four years.

Khaled studied Aviation Engineering after graduating from high school. Unfortunately, due to his health conditions, he was not able to finish his studies. So he decided to engage in working life and volunteering. This is when he discovered his passion for photography, which grew until he became a professional videographer.

Now, Khaled is planning to continue his studies in electrical engineering and start pursuing his dreams of becoming a wanderer, traveling the world to collect snapshots of different cultures and people with his professional cinematic vision.

Khaled said, “I started using a camera when I was 5 years old. My dad was an amateur photographer and had a big collection of video and still cameras. As kids, me and my brothers followed our curiosity and started discovering those cameras whenever we had the chance.

However, I never thought I would become a professional videographer one day.”

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How did Al Ain Zoo discover your talent?

“One day, I was busy doing my job at “Takatof”, when one of the UAE Earth Hour supervisors asked me to record the event instead of the assigned photographer, who was already late. I was not sure about my skill in videography, but to my surprise, the supervisor was very happy with the outcome and advised me to start growing this talent and never waste it.”

photography.” he continued.”

“Starting at that moment, I grew my talent to a professional level and decided to follow it as a new step in my career path. Videography has since become my main focus, so much so that whenever I go to the movies, I hardly pay attention to the story, instead, I mainly focus on the shooting angles, lighting and direction.

Tell us about your voluntary work

“There is no doubt that I have passion for videography and photography, but my passion for motion pictures is greater. They have a deeper impact on spectators rather than

Khaled answered with confidence: “Resilience and adaptability, no matter what the odds. And that’s how I challenge myself in order to keep going.”

Are you saying that you decided to work at Al Ain Zoo because this is where you discovered your hidden talent?

“Well, not exactly. The Zoo is a fertile ground for creativity, due to its location and its vast green areas, the cooperative team,not to mention the animals; it’s a world of meditation that pushes you to discover its wonders.”

He continued, “It’s all about passion. It’s the key to success, next come perseverance and patience.

The world is changing faster than ever before, so it is necessary to develop your talent and learn about everything new in order to stay upto-date. There’s a lot to learn in this world, so let’s discover it and rework it for a better vision.”

“I love volunteering, it keeps me alive.

It’s a reason for leading a happy life, and every time I volunteer I feel strongly motivated to help people more and more.”

From your point of view, what are the traits or habits that turn an amateur into a professional?

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Penguins spend around half their time in water and the other half on land.

Connect the dots...

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Colour me!

Help the penguin get to its lunch...

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MEDIA

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