|
Abu Dhabi: President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan yesterday reviewed the proposed redevelopment of Al Ain Zoo and Aquarium in the presence of General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.
The President expressed his satisfaction and approval of the plan that will make Al Ain Zoo a world-class wildlife destination, as well as a centre of excellence for environmental education and wildlife conservation.
Shaikh Khalifa also emphasised that the project be fully integrated with Al Ain's long-term vision and that the zoo should become the pride of the city.
"The redevelopment of Al Ain Zoo will be more than a wildlife experience. In fact it is a destination resort integrated within living communities.
"These communities will provide visitors the choice of a family hotel and a high-end family resort, with convenient access to the stunning themed wildlife parks. Approximately a third of the site will be residential and available for lease or sale," Shaikh Sultan Bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Chairman of Al Ain Zoo and Aquarium Authority, said.
The Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort will be a mixed use development that will also include different themed deserts such as Arabia, Africa and Central Asia whereby visitors will be able to taste and experience the wildlife and culture of several regions.
A selection of shops will be nested amongst the resort and the wildlife park. The development of the Al Ain Wildlife Park and resort will be in phases.
The first phase is due for completion by the end of 2010. This will see the setting up of the Arabian and African safaris, the resort, retail and residential community along with related services.
"The redevelopment of Al Ain Zoo does not only involve the construction of new facilities, it also includes a potential long-term partnership with the Zoological Society of San Diego that will undoubtedly bring Al Ain to new heights," said Shaikh Sultan who is also chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority.
"The new development will also host the Shaikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre as a tribute to the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan's vision and love of the environment, wildlife and Al Ain Zoo," Shaikh Sultan added.
The presentation was also attended by Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs, Shaikh Mohammad Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Finance Department, and other senior officials.
Al Ain Zoological Park was established in 1967 and is the largest zoo in the Middle East comprising 850 hectares. Its grounds take in the foothills of the Hajjar Mountains.
The zoo has undergone significant changes in the past 18 months with a series of improvements to raise standards and boost tourism.
The "core zoo" open to the public is 45 hectares and features extensive garden areas. The animal collection consists of over 4,000 individual animal specimens with the majority from the Arabian Peninsula and North Africa.
Large herds of desert antelopes, many endangered in the wild, are maintained in extensive "back of house" breeding enclosures. In addition there is a large collection of carnivores including lions, tigers and cheetahs.
New features include a mixed Arabian exhibit. There are also new exhibits for lions, gorillas, chimpanzees, small primates, flamingos and the Arabian wolf.
An Education Centre has been opened to provide in-house education and conservation programmes for students.
Education and conservation are priorities for the zoo. Strong conservation partnerships exist between the zoo and the Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi.
|
