Al Ain: Al Ain Zoo had added two Kori Bustards, a bird from eastern and southern Africa, to enhance its collection more than 300 birds from 25 different species.
The Kori Bustard is a large bird with mottled greyish-buff colouration, dark brown vermiculation, and a distinct white stripe over each eye. This terrestrial bird hails from Eastern and Southern Africa where it roams across open grasslands and wooded savannahs.
Majid Al Qassimi, Assistant Associate Veterinarian at Al Ain Zoo, said the addition of the Kori Bustard to the Spoonbill Aviary is an exciting opportunity for bird enthusiasts. "This beautiful unusual species further increases the diversity of the birds on exhibit at Al Ain Zoo, with our aviary also housing Spoonbill, Hadada Ibis and Macaw," he said.
Although omnivorous, Kori Bustards tend to be more carnivorous than other species of bustards and feed on small mammals, lizards, snakes, seeds, plant berries, as well as insects and chicks.
The bird is listed on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), meaning that it is not currently threatened with extinction but may become so unless trade of the species is strictly regulated.
Al Ain Zoo, founded in 1968, is home to an internationally important conservation programme focusing on the wildlife of the world's arid regions. The zoo is involved in conservation research, captive breeding and propagation and the reintroduction of threatened species to their wild habitats.
It is also a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquaria. Strategic partner of leading zoos, conservation agencies and associations from across the world, including the World Conservation Union and Species Survival Commission, Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, San Diego Zoo, Edinburgh Zoo, the Northern Rangelands Trust of Kenya and the Sahara Conservation Fund.
