Our story with the founder of our nation, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, began when he made his historic decision to establish a Zoo in Al Ain in 1968. To bring his vision to reality, the Zoo and Aquarium Public Institution in Al Ain was established in 2005 by His Highness, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s dream for this zoo was to create natural habitats for animals in which they could survive. Since its establishment, Al Ain Zoo has been a leading centre for the conservation of endangered species. It’s particularly known for its great success in the re-introduction and breeding of desert antelopes such as the Arabian Oryx, which faced extinction in the 1960s.
Sheikh Zayed distinguished himself by his enlightened aspiration to preserve the natural treasure of our wildlife. He believed there needed to be a balance between development and preserving the environment to allow future generations to enjoy life in a clean, healthy and safe environment.
Sheikh Zayed's interest in environmental issues has earned the UAE a global reputation and prominent international position, especially in the field of wildlife conservation and supporting local and international research to save various rare animals from extinction such as Arabian Oryx, Arabian Leopard, Dugong, and Green Turtles. In addition, the UAE has established programs utilizing the latest technology to enhance the reintroduction of wild birds including Falcons and Houbara Bustards.
The United Arab Emirates has received several certificates and awards from international and regional organizations in recognition of its distinguished efforts in the fields of preservation of the environment. It was also chosen as the headquarters for the "General Secretariat of the Coordination Body of the International Fund for Maintaining the Environment in Order to Protect the Oryx". In 2000, the UAE was elected Chairman of the Sea Turtles Group for the West Indian Ocean area, as part of the Global Federation for the Protection of Nature, in appreciation of its role in the protection of endangered sea turtles.
The Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre was established as a beacon of science and environmental culture, a resource for wildlife researchers, specialists, and conservationists from all over the world. We continue to follow in Zayed’s footsteps under the leadership and support of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
We will never forget his famous saying: “We cherish our environment because it is an integral part of our country, our history, and our heritage. On land and on the sea, our forefathers lived and survived in this environment. They were able to do so only because they recognized the need to conserve it, to take from it only what they needed to live, and to preserve it for succeeding generations.”