Al Ain Zoo Celebrates World Giraffe Day On the occasion of World Giraffe Day, which falls on June 21 each year, Al Ain Zoo celebrates its efforts to protect this animal. June 21, the summer solstice day, is the longest day in the year and also World Giraffe Day, chosen in celebration of the tallest mammals on land. Many giraffe species face extinction: the most famous is the Rothschild subspecies, which is considered as near threatened. It was included in the IUCN Red List, as it is exposed to the risk of extinction as a result of overfishing, human hunting activity, and shrinking natural habitats. Al Ain Zoo currently hosts 16 Rothschild giraffes: the oldest is 25 years old. The zoo endeavors to provide an appropriate environment that is close to the giraffes’ natural habitat and to supply all care according to international standards. The zoo offers many experiences for all the family to create unique memories with this amazing and distinctive animal. These include feeding the giraffes and breakfast with giraffes. Visitors can experience
The Source
40
a unique day, listen to the interesting and rich stories of the giraffe animal keepers and learn about the zoo’s efforts in protecting wildlife. Mohammed Yousef Al Faqeer, Curator, Ungulates in the Life Sciences Department at Al Ain Zoo said: “Our zoo provides many educational and entertainment experiences with giraffes in three different exhibitions: the African Exhibition and the Giraffe Feeding Exhibitions in the African World Desert and the Safari. The giraffes in the African Exhibition and the Safari live with a variety of African animal species.” He added: “All the giraffe exhibitions provide a distinctive environment that is closest to the natural habitat in which the animal lives.” Al Ain Zoo, under the current circumstances of COVID-19, seeks to protect and preserve wildlife by providing comprehensive care services according to the best international practices under the supervision of veterinarians and wildlife care specialists.
