Al Ain Zoo holds a colony of Humboldt Penguins, which are classified as Vulnerable according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Along with other 16 species of Penguins, Humboldt penguin population is in decline due to numerous threats such as, illegal hunting, guano harvesting, overfishing, ocean pollution and erratic change in climatic patterns due to global warming.
The Zoo houses about 85 penguins that are provided with the highest level of care and an exhibit designed to simulate their natural habitat, and a special 24/7 water purifying system that filters the penguins ‘pool. There are a group of highly qualified Zookeepers specialized in penguin care, trainers and veterinarians. It is worth noticing that Al Ain Zoo has been successful in breeding penguins during the past years by providing the best care needed for incubating parents and newly hatched chicks.
On the level of visitor experiences and educating the public about wildlife, the Zoo offers its visitors a varied array of experiences including Penguin Feeding, Penguins Parade and the Penguin Encounter, where guests can learn about the amazing Humboldt Penguins directly from The zoo keepers responsible for the care of our Humboldt penguins, whether in their enclosures or during shows. The Zoo also offers its guests awareness raising information about the importance of these amazing birds, wildlife preservation, dangers and challenges they face in the wild, and the important role of society and organizations in protecting nature and endangered species.
When it comes to new projects, the Zoo will offer the first outdoor penguin enclosure in the Middle East, which will present visitors with the opportunity to enter the beach area and interact directly with the penguins by feeding them and watch them swim in the outdoor pool through the specially designed glass panels.