With a view to strengthening cooperation with its local partners in the field of zoo management and wildlife conservation, Al Ain Zoo has implemented a series of initiatives to re-home and exchange a number of animals with Dubai safari Park. The initiative includes the exchange of a rhino, Arabian sand cats, wildebeests and a number of reptiles which have been transferred as part of breeding programmes at both ends, ensuring that both Zoos have a better and stronger variety of species.
The exchange is part of a range of joint programs between the two establishments in a collaboration that targets breeding some species most vulnerable to extinction, ensuring the preservation of their gene pools, in addition to enriching the variety of animals in both Zoos to enrich the visitors’ experiences, giving them a better chance of discovering more about endangered species and their importance to the ecosystem.
Al Ain Zoo donated four animals to Dubai Safari Park, consisting of one rhino for conservation breeding purposes, and three wildebeests, a species of animals to be newly added to Dubai Safari Park, while the Dubai entity donated 29 animals, including 2 Arabian sand cats, 2 reticulated pythons, 6 Burmese pythons, 7 corn snakes and 12 Green Iguanas, for the purpose of breeding and enhancing Al Ain Zoo’s impressive range of animals.
The transportation process took place according to the highest level of care for each animal according to their specific needs, in the company of trained animal caregivers and vets to ensure their safe arrival at their new destinations, each with a file that includes all the necessary information for their wellbeing and safety.