Children come face to face with wildlife in Al Ain

Al Ain: Children have the opportunity to go on behind-the-scenes tours and learn more about animals at summer camps at Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort (AWPR). The aim is to provide fun, education, and entertainment for children.

Some 46 children, aged 7 to 14 years, have been taking part in the camps that are run by experienced animal experts and park educators. The park is currently holding its second camp programme which runs until July 29, said a AWPR official.

"Our mission is to provide the necessary information to children about wildlife to educate them on the importance of conserving and protecting these precious animals, and also show them how animals live in the wild," said Mona Al Daheri, AWPR Education Centre manager.

She said first-hand experience of working with wildlife provides fun as well as educates children on how to care for animals and study their behaviour.

"I think this summer camp will help drive a new generation of zoo keepers and scientists in Al Ain," she said.

The children have already met many amazing residents at the park and enjoyed watching the reptile house, the white lion and bird show presentations. Activities also include behind the scenes tours of key areas visitors would never normally get a chance to explore such as the animal hospital and food preparation department.

"Children have made new friends, learnt about animals and their habitats, enjoyed working together in teams, had lots of fresh air and exercise," Mona said. "It's a tiring week but great fun, and we are already looking forward to next year's summer camp".

In addition to spending time with the animals and their keepers, said the official, children have also been getting creative with a variety of arts and crafts projects including making dinosaurs, designing new zoo programmes, creating toys for the animals, and many other arts and craft projects.

Participants also enjoyed some off-site educational visits to similar wildlife reserves. They will be taken to other educational attractions within the UAE, such as the National Avian Research Centre in Abu Dhabi, to increase their understanding of birds of the Middle East such as falcons and bustards.

"This is the best summer camp ever", said nine-year-old Dane Sandford. "It is the first time I have been so close to animals and wild nature, and the cheetahs are amazing. I cannot wait to tell my friends and parents about my wild adventures here".

Mahmoud Azzah said: "I've learnt in the summer camp how to get closer to animals and live in their world. I often heard about preserving wildlife and animals, but now I feel it and I understand more about conservation and protection of wildlife. I love it".