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Mall Aquarium a Big Draw

DUBAI - No one leaves Dubai Mall without spending a few minutes gazing at the nearly 33,000 varieties of fish in the world’s largest acrylic aquarium. Those wishing to have a closer look at the fish can walk through the 48-metre-long tunnel, where enormous Groupers, Giant Stingrays and Sand Tiger Sharks float effortlessly overhead.

But the most educative and informative aspect of the mall’s aquarium would be the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, which is located on the second floor of the mall, just above the massive glass tank.

The Aquarium and Underwater Zoo takes the visitors on a journey through three ecological zones. The three zones are Rainforest, Rocky Shore and Living Ocean. The zoo has an interactive programme called The Ocean School Education Programme where school children can join interactive sessions with educators and observe, investigate and discuss ecological concepts.

The students are also given a workbook, which they would have to fill up based on what they see in the Underwater Zoo.

Alison Flanerty, Education Manager at the Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, said, “The students, depending on their age, are divided into groups. Penguin Parade, for young learners, and Survivor 1 and 2 for Junior Primary and Senior Primary. The education programme is both in English and Arabic. We charge Dh37.50 per child for Survivor Programme 1, 2, and 3 and early childhood Dh27.50 per child.”

The visitors are introduced to the flora and fauna of each ecological zone, by a team of 23 professional educators. The rainforest is house to a dangerous pack of Piranha’s, and other semi-aquatic mammals like male otters and nine young water rat pups that were born in the zoo.

Young children squealed in delight as they saw a school of Clown Fish, which they recognised, as ‘Nemo’. Poison dart frogs, sea cucumbers, white spotted guitar fish, eight species of sharks, giant spider crabs, sea-weed dragons, garden eels, harbour seals and Humboldt Penguins are just a few among the undersea creatures in the aquarium.

Sigmund Rodrigues, one of the educators explained, “The 11 million-litre water tank is recycled every 85 minutes. We have a total of 33,000 fish of 80 different species in the tank. All underwater creatures are given medical attention, and are under constant care of a team of trained vetinary doctors.”

Sigmund added, “In their natural habitat, sharks hunt for food once in two days, but since they are fed everyday they do not attack the other fish.”

German National Petra Kroentcke, who was visiting the aquarium said, “This is the second time I have come here with my family. I love seeing the animals and the staff here are very friendly.” Sri Laxmi, a 13-year-old visitor to the zoo, said, “There are so many rare species of fish and sea creatures here, and you can touch them, which makes the trip worthwhile.”

dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com

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