Al Ain Zoo has stressed the importance of the role that environmental education in protecting the natural resources of the UAE plays as a national and global priority, as a means of sharing best practices, assessing the challenges, and engaging future generations in environmental conservation and biodiversity protection.
This approach was highlighted during a speech delivered by Ghanim Mubarak Al Hajeri, Director-General of Al Ain Zoo, at panel discussion organised by the British Embassy in Abu Dhabi, which aimed to raise awareness on nature conservation for future generations. This event was attended by the world-renowned Dr. Jane Godall, a British primatologist, ethologist, and anthropologist, who has been honored as a United Nations Messenger for Peace.
While meeting with a group of experts in the field of wildlife conservation and protection of threatened species, Al Ain Zoo discussed the efforts, challenges, current achievements, and future plans to preserve nature.
During the event, Al Hajeri discussed many topics concerning the priorities and vision regarding environmental conservation and the protection of threatened species. He spoke about the increasing number of challenges in the field of environmental conservation, which requires greater efforts to be made by institutions and individuals to preserve nature. He said, "Changing the culture of individuals is the key to overcoming these challenges, especially among the young and rising generations. The UAE has achieved a quantum leap in environmental education; however we are able to give more even to address challenges like global warming, loss of habitat and the increased risk of wildlife extinction."
Since it was founded in 1968 by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Al Ain Zoo has taken a quantum leap forward, starting off with the sheltering of a small herd of Arabian Oryx – rendered extinct in its natural habitat during the 1960’s- and since then launching many natural reserves. It also launched the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre, conceived as an educational facility that combines knowledge, recreation and learning.
In addition, the Zoo has opened Al Ain Safari, one of the world’s largest man made African Safaris, which has become a continuously evolving natural home for a diverse range of native African animal and plant species living in an environment similar to their natural habitat. These are just some of the Zoo’s achievements among many other projects that benefit both the community and the environment.