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African touch to Al Ain Zoo

AL AIN — The Al Ain Zoo will soon be home to a new wildlife species, the endangered carnivore African wild dog (lycaon pictus).

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The pack of seven wild dogs, including five males and two females, are currently quarantined for the purpose of acclimatisation to the new surroundings.

The Managing Director of Al Ain Zoo, Majid Al Mansouri, said, "The arrival of the African wild dogs is a very significant step for Al Ain Zoo. While these critically endangered animals will be cared for and given a dramatic new exhibit to meet their needs, guests will have the opportunity to observe these animals in a natural setting and be a part of something very special."

The dogs will be part of the African Safari experience in the new Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort currently being planned and designed.

Al Ain Zoo is the first facility in the entire Middle East region to play host to the wild dogs and give a chance to visitors to view them in a natural setting.

With their decreasing numbers in the wild, it is important that the Al Ain Zoo establishes a captive breeding programme in order to secure long-term conservation of this specie.

Each of the new guests at the zoo will enjoy its own night den and specially constructed off-limit facilities for breeding purposes. The group is expected to start breeding in the next two years.

Mark Craig, Director of Al Ain Zoo, said "Visitors to Al Ain Zoo will now be able to view one of Africa's most active and social carnivores in an exhibit that is landscaped to match their natural habitat. These animals are active at night so the best time to view them is early evening during our Summer Night Zoo."

Al Ain Zoo, located in the heart of the city, is undergoing a series of rapid improvements that have made the zoo into a much more family-friendly place where all visitors could connect with wildlife. The panoramic mountain backdrop and amazing landscaping has been used to great advantage for the wild dogs. Their new exhibit area with shallow pools, running water, grass, rock work and trees simulates the wild dog's natural habitat of Africa.

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