UAE winter: Free penguins parade show launched

As the UAE enjoys its coldest winter ever, you can now get up, close and personal with penguins. Al Ain Zoo has launched a new experience that will see penguins parading around the birds exhibit area in groups or individually among visitors.

Visitors of all ages can enjoy the penguins’ parade for free daily at 4.30pm without prior booking. The winter temperatures allow the zoo to let the penguins out of their usual home.

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Mayas Ahmad Al Qarqaz, Director of Animal Welfare Department at the Al Ain Zoo, said: “Penguins are exceptionally friendly and charming animals. It is fun for all to watch them waddling around with their unique walk, which is why we hope this new experience will offer our visitors an extra dose of joy and happiness as they visit Al Ain Zoo. This is the first time we’ve presented the Humboldt penguins outside their housing to wander around freely on the grass and open areas.”

The experience is an educational one, as visitors will be taught about the importance of protecting threatened species.

“The Humboldt penguin is listed as a vulnerable animal on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. We continue our work to educate the community on these amazing birds with some wonderful stories told by our guides and animal care takers ... They will gladly answer any query about the Humboldt penguin, and showcase parts of its life and behaviour.”

• Abu Dhabi