Zoolife April edition - Insights from Al Ain Zoo

APRIL 2018

Al Houqani takes us back to Al Ain Zoo during the 90’s

Arabian Oryx…

A hope that Zayed brought to life

AN IMMIGRANT CAME 2000 YEARS AGO AND BECAME A NATIONAL SYMBOL

UPCOMING EVENTS IN APRIL 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.

Abu Dhabi

Please send the photographs to zoolife@alainzoo.ae

13 APR Abu Dhabi Pet Festival Du Arena in Yas Island

16 - 18 APR Emirates Skills National Competition Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre

16 - 28 APR Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship Zayed Sports City

Al Ain UNTIL 8 MAY Story Writing Competition Al Ain Zoo

14 APR The discussion between father and son appeared to be very important. They didn’t notice the photographer moving closer and getting involved in their private matters. It’s true what they say, the son is his father’s secret keeper.

Taken by Visitor: Amri Arfianto

Zoo Run Al Ain Zoo

28 APR Walk & Learn Al Ain Zoo

UNTIL 31 MAY Al Ain Cultural Programme Throughout the city

2 | ZooLife, Al Ain Zoo | April 2018

OUR TEAM

Delicate Hands Behind the Safari Wheel At Al Ain Zoo, we have created an excellent women’s team that is dedicated to reaching excellence, loves taking on challenges and speaks about wildlife and the preservation of biodiversity both skillfully and pleasantly, enabling them to rise to become the best in their field across the UAE. The conversation about Emirati cadres recurs frequently, but when we talk about women who are proficient in travelling in the African wilderness accompanying tourists from many different countries, it is a unique subject. You can’t help but listen intently with cultural inquisitiveness that leads you to admire what the women of the UAE have accomplished.

When you get into the Safari vehicle, whether a private SUV or a Truck, it is inevitable that you will admire your Emirati Tour Guide who has shown ambition and succeeded in her goals. She will tell you all about

conserving endangered species and the African wildlife.

The women’s Tour Guide team at Al Ain Safari was established in 2016 and is the result of all the efforts the Zoo has put into the Emiratization journey in support of Emirati women at various levels. The team consists of 4 women in a field that was previously dominated by men.

They are well-educated on wildlife, fluent in multiple languages, caring about their work environment; they are patient and very intuitive. They are not intimidated by the Zoo’s population no matter their ferocity, they tend to be calm and in control when facing different animals and their various characteristics.

Our “Knights” have faced several challenges, ranging from visitors undervaluing them, to conflicting working hours that may extend up to 10 hours depending on the tours and the seasons, and the occasional scary unpredictable animal behaviour moments, in addition to the community questioning their unusual choice of work in our society.

Our team at Al Ain Safari consists of 12 Emirati tour guides, of which our female tour guides are: • Sheikha Sagheer Al Dhaheri • Mariam Mohamed Al Neyadi • Maitha Mohamed Al Balooshi • Rajaa Mohamed Al Ketbi They overcame all these challenges and our “Knights” of the African Safari managed to achieve brilliance that is admired by everyone that meet them. They are a vivid example of the results of the support of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, father of the nation, who once said: “I hope that the women in my country will follow their sisters in those countries which have previously made the adjustment to the procession of progress and development.”

ZooLife, Al Ain Zoo | April 2018 | 3

My Story

The Arabian Oryx... Saved

by Zayed In the 1960s, while I was wandering through the desert looking for shelter and escaping the shadow of death that is surrounding my tribe, I stopped at a Ghaf tree waiting to hear about the disappearance of another family member… soon we will bid farewell to this land.

With the oil discovery, the number of hunters have increased. I can’t help but wonder why they don’t worry about their discovery and let us live peacefully. The loss of my father left me helpless, not knowing what to do. Witnessing my tribe members gathered at once, made me think it was another disappearance of a family member, fortunately it was not the case this time. A new home… a trip… and a man called Zayed.

It was not long before we saw enormous vehicles surrounding us... that is when I lost

consciousness. Clear sky, green areas and a water pond… We are in our new home! Not as spacious as the desert but a safer one.

The new home brought together many tribes that we had long been separated from. I love the greetings from the animal keeper every morning, as if he is aware that we can hear him.

The first year passed quickly and we celebrated the arrival of two beautiful new-borns to our family.

I thought all humans were hunters but I was wrong. Everyone that visits our new home smiles and children try to grasp our attention with their silly moves. Over the years, we grew in numbers. Al Ain Zoo has reawakened our spirit and their team has made a tremendous effort to increase our population.

Then again, it was time to leave, but this time to natural reserves away from hunters.

Now I grew older and prefer spending the rest of my life in the home that sheltered me after the loss of my father, just when I thought the shadow of death would be faster than Zayed’s graceful helping hand.

The Arabian Oryx is a kind of wild antelope that was widespread in the Arabian Peninsula, but over hunting led to its near extinction. Therefore, as instigated by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, it became necessary to protect the Oryx with captive breeding programs and then reintroduce them in the desert. When it was first introduced to the public, the Zoo had only a few Arabian Oryx, but now the Zoo is home to more than 300 Arabian Oryx.

4 | ZooLife, Al Ain Zoo | April 2018

ZooLife, Al Ain Zoo | April 2018 | 5

the observer

experiences

Five Trips to Choose From...

Luxury & Simplicity

Health & Fitness Fun Festival

1-3 Feb

A luxurious gateway that blends heritage with modernity, and to consider the elegant ticketing windows and turnstiles that lead towards a lot of surprises.

Between here and there we catch a glimpse of a young Emirati, smiling, welcoming us to explore the exciting trips.

At Al Ain Zoo, we have 5 trips to choose from: will it be Al Maha Royal or the Shuttle service? Or would you prefer the train or a private SUV at Al Ain Safar?

After discussions, we asked the ticket office officer to tell us all about the Zoo trips to choose the most suitable one for us.

Zoolightful

14 Jan - 31 M

ar

Al Maha Royal trip starts at the hotel like lounge and sets off with a luxury air-conditioned cart

accommodating 6 passengers takes us on a three and a half hour tour, with 3 tour guides for an informative yet interesting chat throughout the trip. Each guide talks according to his or her proficiency, sharing with us loads of information about everything we see. This trip includes visiting the fabulous Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre and enjoying Al Ain Safari in a luxurious vehicle.

Straight away, we were impressed with the Shuttle service that can accommodate 8 to 12 people.

Traveling around 5 main stations, and between one station and another, we can get off the Shuttle and enjoy a walk between animal exhibits. It is nice to see wheelchairs and strollers offered for those who need them during the tour.

Last but not least, the train journey begins at the station, and then passes through 5 main stops allowing the visitors to see the Zoo in 45 minutes.

The ticket office officer kept a delightful smile on his face while giving us an amusing talk about the safari which we really appreciated.

The Safari has two options, either a 22 person Truck or a private vehicle for 6 people with a fascinating 45 minute tour between the African wildlife masterpieces and wonders.

I had to ask myself if we were really still in Al Ain! My childhood Zoo has changed a lot since my last visit 7 years ago; it was a mistake to have postponed seeing this beautiful sight.

Of course, I could not make a choice on my own – there was simply too much to choose from! I looked at my mother and brother asking for help, and we ended up choosing the Shuttle service trip, we thanked the ticketing officer and went on a wonderful adventure.

Science Fair for Environmental Innovations 6-7 Feb

nment Forum

Culture & Enviro 6 | ZooLife, Al Ain Zoo | April 2018

8 Mar

ZooLife, Al Ain Zoo | April 2018 | 7

Animal life

The Falcon: A Symbol of Pride and Glory

Poets described their love for the beauty of their eyes while men took them as a symbol of pride and glory; the United Arab Emirates adopted them as an official emblem on its formation in 1971.

The Emirati’s passion for the falcon goes back centuries during which it became a symbol of the Bedouin culture. Known by the people of the Arabian Peninsula for more than 2000 years, from its annual migrations in the run up to Houbara season, they would wait for them to begin the onward migration to Africa and seize the opportunity to catch and train the falcons to hunt.

Since 1976, the UAE has made great efforts to protect falconry.

Following intensive efforts by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture & Tourism with 11 other countries, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has recognized falconry as a human heritage.

Falconry in the UAE has been a means of survival by helping men catch their food. Modern life has not affected the relationship between these two friends, and falconry has continued, becoming a national sport and a high-level heritage that has earned Emiratis distinguished skills and international reputation in this field.

The UAE is home to different species of falcons, and because of its winter temperate, the country is an important stage during the passage of different species during their annual migration. The most popular species are Shaheen, Al Wakri, Al Owais, Red Owais, Sakr

8 | ZooLife, Al Ain Zoo | April 2018

Falcon, and Sunset Falcons, where Saker Falcon and Shaheen are used for hunting.

Training Falcon training requires patience and mutual trust between the falcon and the falconer. This is part of the series of steps that begin with the implementation of a specific diet program to help with grooming and the use of equipment for this purpose.

The falconry release program at the end of the hunting season allows the falcons to embark on their path of natural migration, moving on to their natural habitats.

Threat to Survival The illegal capturing of large numbers of falcons annually led to a significant decline in the number of wild falcons, especially over the last 20 years, resulting in some classifications being classified as endangered species.

The most important threat to falcons in general is habitat loss, hybridization, and poisoning with agricultural pesticides.

Protection and Preservation One of the most important falcon conservation programs at both local and regional levels is the Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Project, in which hundreds of falcons were trained and released in Kazakhstan. The program incorporates studies on birds, especially with regard to their migration and breeding habits, as well as training Falconers who practice falconry in the management and care of these birds.

The falcon has three eyelids, the first and the second work just like human eyelids and the third is called the “nictitating membrane” which is transparent and protects the eye from the air, dust and strong light.

The Struggle to Survive The falcon lives for approximately 70 years, but to live this age he has to make a difficult decision. When he reaches the age of 40, his claws are unable to be used to catch prey, his beak becomes very bent and his wings are heavy.

Falcons do not drink water, but rather get it from the meat that they eat. Occasionally, the falconer will put water on the Falcon’s beak to compensate for this.

These conditions give the falcon two options: either to succumb to death, or to undergo a painful 150day metamorphosis. The process of change requires the falcon to fly to the top of the mountain where it lives, and then strike its beak on a rock so hard that it is broken. After that, the bird breaks its claws. After the claws re-grow, he starts plucking his old feathers to allow others to grow. After five months, the falcon flies off on a new journey, as if re-born, and can live for another 30 years.

The falcon is 25 to 70 cm long and weighs up to 2 kg. Females are larger than males in all species, and both can achieve speeds of up to 320 km per hour.

Birds of Al Ain Zoo The zoo population includes a distinctive collection of falcons.

A dedicated team provides the highest standards of care and training for these birds and its members also contribute to the activities of the bird shows for visitors to the Zoo on a regular basis. They also contribute to the enrichment of the Zoo’s participation in various educational activities and external events.

ZooLife, Al Ain Zoo | April 2018 | 9

During the late Sheikh Zayed’s various trips to check on his people, he used to stop when he saw someone standing and ask him if he needs anything. He also used to ask his driver to stop at the roadside trees to trim trees or clear excess grass around it himself so the road can stay shaded for whoever passes by this road.

10 | ZooLife, Al Ain Zoo | April 2018

ZooLife, Al Ain Zoo | April 2018 | 11

Instagraming

Places

Looking to the Future Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre Series We stop at a place that exceeds the meaning of architecture and sustainability, as it is known to be the first sustainable centre in the country. Our trip this issue is a tour around one of the pearls of the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre, Looking to the Future gallery.

The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan presented the future in a brief sentence when he advised, “We should take from the environment our needs only and leave what there is for future generations as a source”.

This advice is what now called sustainability, which is the idea behind this gallery that showcase the importance of todays plans to save the future.

alainzoouae We have the largest population of Arabian sand cats in any zoo in the world. Because of the rapid development, the sand cat has been classified as Endangered in the UAE. We have recently issued the Arabian Sand Cat Status Review and Conservation Strategy, and we are working with our partners on a research plan and a regional population management plan.

290 likes

12 | ZooLife, Al Ain Zoo | April 2018

One of the most impressive features of the gallery is its touchscreens that shows informative videos about daily sustainable behaviours through virtual and interactive clips. These screens raise awareness about sustainability and transform it into a lifestyle with helpful practical steps.

The “Looking to the Future” gallery is not only about raising awareness, but there are screens where visitors can sign a pledge on to commit to protect the environment. This step raises the sense of responsibility of each individual towards sustainability and appreciation of the gifts nature has given us.

The gallery portrays an innovative approach of awareness about sustainability, which is one of the main concepts of the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre.

Our centre was ranked fifth in The Pearl Rating System of Estidama under the design and construction category and was awarded with the Platinum Certificate for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

On the other side of the gallery, you will see the light panels and screens with an overview of sustainable institutions in Abu Dhabi, including the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre, which saves 50% of water and energy, and Masdar City, which highlights Abu Dhabi’s sustainable future plan 2030.

ZooLife, Al Ain Zoo | April 2018 | 13

Our Experts

Zoo Life Journeys Through Time to the 1990s at Al Ain Zoo Ruqaya Al Houqani

“The Zoo is my family and my life and if I could, I would stay there till my last day”

Her first career steps started back in 1994 at Al Ain Zoo, as she roamed the different management departments and tried her best to excel and keep pace with the Zoo’s achievements. She knows every inch of the Zoo by heart and is considered a historical reference for her colleagues. When she thinks about recreation, she just strolls through the Zoo’s corridors to feel like she has travelled to the world’s most beautiful resort.

Her long career sparked ZooLife’s curiosity and we were impressed with her answer when we incidentally asked her about her retirement plans: “I will stay here until the last day of my life; the Zoo is my life.”

Ruqaya Ahmed Al Houqani, or Umm Maktoum as her colleagues prefer calling her, is our teammate in the Operations Department. She takes ZooLife on a trip over time, to more than 23 years ago, and like the few who first joined the Zoo, she cherishes the beautiful past, admiring the achievements of a dream-like time.

Al Ain Zoo - 1990

ZooLife asks her about her beginnings in 1994 “I was one of the first UAE nationals at the Zoo. At that time, there was only one comprehensive department called the Zoo Administration, which dealt with all Zoo matters, from animals to employees and visitors.

Few years later, the Education Centre was inaugurated.”

“Many people believe that the current Zoo was smaller but in fact it is still the same, but was not fully used. Later on, the new projects covered most of the area, and one of the projects that were established in the late 1990s under the guidance of the late Sheikh Zayed was developing a new gate, building a new management building, the Bird House, the Reptile House and the Aquarium, as well as

14 | ZooLife, Al Ain Zoo | April 2018

the development of the animal clinic and the Saluki, track project, that was an integrated project that includes a Saluki care building under the supervision of specialized trainers.

All these project were the highlight of Al Ain City in that era.” continued Ruqaya.

What is the Saluki track project?

“The Saluki track project was a large grassy track with public stands and Saluki swimming pool, and it occupied the current gate area which opened in 2017. A weekly Saluki race was held with the participation of hunting enthusiasts from all over the country and a number of institutions.

In the nineties, these races were widely popular and offered valuable prizes for the winner Saluki and his companion; and the late Sheikh Zayed was keen to attend these races with a number of Sheikhs and dignitaries in Al Ain. It was a sport festival that attracted many fans of this sport.”

“There were a number of bears, elephants and kangaroos, and the aquarium was very popular amongst the Zoo visitors. The bird and reptile houses were not as they stand today,

but were in a completely different design.” recalls Umm Maktoum.

ZooLife asks her: What is the most joyful and rewarding and the most saddening event for you during your career at Al Ain Zoo? Umm Maktoum’s face lit when she remembers seeing the late Sheikh Zayed for the first time in 2001, when he came on one of his regular Zoo tours, talking to the staff about his hopes of making the Zoo a worldwide tourist destination, commanding afforesting and planting its outer area turning it into a paradise on earth saying: “I want everyone to be happy and find here a haven for them and their families.”

There seem to be a lot of blues and sorrows in your talks Umm Maktoum!! She smiled and answered: “You have brought back memories of the beautiful times. I do not deny that I am happy and proud of the success the Zoo has achieved and that has surpassed the country as a whole. It even brings more joy to my life seeing myself as part of this achievement; however, I feel

like a mother when she sees her child growing and remembers his childhood, wishing he could return a child, to embrace him again and give him more love than she already gave him. In fact, I spend more time here than I spend at my house and with my family.”

“The Zoo has become more renowned, successful and green, its facilities have been diversified, its responsibilities and strategies have been defined, and Emiratis have become the main driver for its success.” she added proudly.

“Everyone who took the lead at the zoo was leaving his mark and adding something to it that made it more successful. I worked hard to develop myself despite my qualifications that do not exceed the high school degree, and my ambition was more powerful than the challenges.”

“My transition between various Zoo departments was very helpful when it was affiliated with Al Ain Municipality; and when it saw its separation in 2005 by an Emiri decree, I was given the choice to either stay at the municipality or move to the Zoo, and my choice, without a doubt, was and will always be the Zoo.” “Now the Zoo has become a choice for many Emiratis, and they are proud to work here, and our generation is proud to have been the first to support the Zoo when it needed us.” she concluded.

How do you assess today’s youth compared to yourself and your generation?

“I see a lot of good in them, they are the sons of Zayed, worthy of a great ambition and a sense of high responsibility and giving; I see a great future for our zoo, being purely built by Emiratis, following the steps of Zayed and achieving his dreams.”

ZooLife, Al Ain Zoo | April 2018 | 15

WHO AM

I?

Origami

They call me the Suricate.

I am known for my small size. I live in groups and colonies underground that house 30 of us!

Colour me!

Falcons have excellent eyesight and can see up to 8 times more clearly than the sharpest human eye!

16 | ZooLife, Al Ain Zoo | April 2018

ZooLife, Al Ain Zoo | April 2018 | 17

March Edition Question

How big is Al Ain Safari, which is considered the largest man-made African Safari in the world?

When was the last visit of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to Al Ain Zoo?

Benefits of Walking Barefoot

2002

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

A Greener Past

Over two million years ago, the global climate fluctuated several times alternating from cold ice age periods to warmer periods. These extreme weather fluctuations formed the environment that we 18 | ZooLife, Al Ain Zoo | April 2018

live in today in Abu Dhabi and in other parts of the world. This image resembles an imaginary perception of Al Ain city 6,000 years ago, where it was home to the strongest plants and animals

when the climate was tepid, the rain was abundant and the land was greener. Most of these animals are present today and were able to adapt to the hot desert climate.

Medical studies indicate that walking barefoot in the morning can have various benefits for men and women, including vision correction and muscle recovery. It also helps with cooling off during the summer, especially seeing that feet absorb a great deal of heat. Walking barefoot can even help regulate blood pressure, and strengthen the immune system and cardiovascular system. In addition, walking barefoot helps the elderly restore movement in the tip of the foot.

ZooLife, Al Ain Zoo | April 2018 | 19