Dubai : A wildlife show featuring some of the world's most beautiful birds of prey is threatened with closure due to a lack of interest from the public.
At the Birds of Prey-Show in Mirdiff, the star attraction — an American bald eagle — circles above the 400-seat capacity venue near Mushrif Park, off Al Khawaneej Road.
Unfortunately for him, however, only two people are watching the extraordinary predator in the arena.
For the husband and wife team of Zoltan Lorentei and Sandra Stuckenbruck, it is sadly a common sight since they began staging these performances in January last year.
German expat Sandra said: "Birds of prey have been a passion for us both and we want to share that with other people, which is why we started the shows."
The couple run a falcon breeding centre on land donated to them by their Emirati business partner next to the arena. However the cost of running the show is kept separate and is funded completely out of their own pocket.
"We have spent a significant amount of money to build the arena and the facilities to keep the birds.
"Weekends tend to be busier and we do get schools occasionally sending children, but it is difficult when so few people come and watch.
"We will see how we go up to the end of March, which is the end of our season of shows and if there is no major improvement, we will have to close. It's just not financially viable to keep going like this," said Sandra.
But for those that have been to the show, the birds certainly leave a lasting impression.
The sight of low-flying barn owls that skim just inches above the heads of onlookers is a ‘wow' moment for many.
But it is Jon the bald eagle who invariably turns out to be the highlight of the shows as he demonstrates his skill at catching prey on water and in air.
Happy return
According to Zoltan, a Hungarian national, it was a happy return for the eight-year-old who disappeared for nine months from a show last March, before he was bought back at a cost of Dh10,000 from an Emirati in Al Ain who had found him.
"We received a phone call offering us a "falcon" and when he described it as having a white head and tail feathers we said we'd have it. When I went there to meet him I realised that it was Jon. Even though we told the seller that he had been micro-chipped and that he belonged to us, he demanded money, so we had to pay," said Zoltan.
Jon's not the only one gone off the radar. Three of their five vultures are also currently missing, having similarly disappeared during shows.
In all there are 14 birds of prey, including falcons, an eagle owl, barn owls, American kestrels and golden eagles.
Back stage, people can get much closer to these birds and even hold them if they feel brave enough.
Sandra said: "The whole aim of the show is to help people, young and old, get closer to nature in a safe environment. Once children see these animals in the air and performing live, it makes a real impression on them in a way studying textbooks just doesn't.
"We have tried to encourage schools to come here and the ones that do, make return visits. But it's difficult to get interest."
The show has, however, won many fans. On the show's website there are many messages of support. Natalie, one of the visitors, said: "I cannot recommend this show more highly. The birds are indescribably beautiful. To be privileged to touch and hold and learn such interesting facts about these amazing creatures was a real treat for my family and I, not to mention affordable! A wonderful time. Thank you very, very much."
Great show
Shazad Ajmal said: "What a great show. My daughter and son really enjoyed learning about the different birds and really enjoyed holding them. We were made to feel very welcome and will definitely recommend it to everyone."
Sehba Khan added: "I drove all the way from Barsha following the location map (found it easily) and it was worth it. The kids loved holding the falcons and got the feathers as a memory… but I'll surely take my son's friends also next time. The guys there are so friendly and doing a great job."
Despite encouraging feedback, lack of awareness is proving fatal. For Sandra and Zoltan, tight finances have hamstrung them in trying to build awareness and they are having to rely on word of mouth to spread the message.
The shows take place Monday to Saturday from 4pm to 5pm and the season runs from October to March.
Special shows can also be booked for schools and businesses.
Entry is Dh50 for adults, Dh25 for children aged between three and 14, and free for children two and under.
For more information, contact the Birds of Prey-Show Dubai on 050-289 1863 or visit: www.birdsofprey-show-dubai.jimdo.com
