Al Ain: Experts in animal conservation, welfare or zoo projects will soon have new opportunities to share their expertise on a regional level as the first Arabian Zoo and Aquarium Association takes shape.

A love for wild and exotic animals and birds is widespread among Arabs and many have their own private collections coupled with conservation and welfare know-how, a member of the organising committee told Gulf News.

“The forum will streamline knowledge and skills of the individuals, private collection owners, and public sector zoos and aquariums,” said Dr Mark Craig, Director of Life Sciences at Al Ain Zoo.

“We know there are many private collections across the Arab world and their owners will be able to play their role in animal welfare by becoming a member of the association.”

Such associations, he said, already exist in many parts of the world and now the Arab world is joining in.

Speaking at a press conference, Dr Craig said the pioneers of the association agreed last year to form the association for collaboration, communication and the exchange of ideas on wildlife conservation and the role of zoos and aquariums. They sat down on Tuesday to formulate the structure and constitution of the forum to tackle the challenges they face.

“It is a historic occasion,” said Dr Craig.

He said that it was a great initiative and Al Ain Zoo had played a leading role. Formal membership of the forum for individuals, private collectors, zoos and aquariums will be open soon after legal and structural preparations, he said.

Mona Al Daheri, a senior official of Al Ain Zoo, said more than 60 delegates from zoo and aquarium facilities in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Jordan had been attending a conference in Al Ain, discussing conservation, education, animal management, training, and zoo projects.

She said the delegates would work closely to finalise a draft code of practice, code of ethics and constitution during the three-day conference. The group has already identified areas for future collaboration. Al Ain Zoo will facilitate communication, collaboration and cooperation among members with regular engagement with national institutions, she said.

The meeting will also showcase the variety and quality of activities being carried out in zoos, aquariums and private collections across the Arabian region to share the knowledge among members, said Mona.

Ganem Mubarak Al Hajiri, Director-General of Al Ain Zoo, said it is an opportunity to demonstrate the region’s commitment to the conservation of wildlife and the education of communities visiting zoos and aquariums.

“The conference is a clear reflection of our commitment to working together for the benefit of the precious wildlife and environment that we all share,” he said.

The conference attendees, he said, will participate in plenary sessions on the role of zoos and aquariums in the Arabian Peninsula, as well as a series of workshops to agree on a structure and constitution of the association.

Al Ain Zoo is also a member in the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria.