Sharjah: The first phase of the Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife — which extends over 27,000 square metres in Arabia’s Wildlife Centre — has been completed, the Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah (EPAA) said.

The centre, which is the first of its kind in the GCC, houses animals of different kinds from predators to reptiles.

Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, chairperson of the EPAA in Sharjah, emphasised that predatory and wild animals are being confiscated under the Confiscation Law of Sharjah based on the directives of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, in order to keep residents safe.

“Cages in the centre have been designed according to international standards in terms of width, length and height, and the fence is made of strong materials that withstand weather conditions. Unlike the ceilings of leopard cages, which are kept open, the tiger cages’ ceilings are closed. Certain temperatures and mild lighting are provided for reptiles and snakes,” Al Suwaidi said.

Al Suwaidi said the second phase of the centre will include a building with three rooms for surgery and an X-ray machine, a laboratory for studies and tests, administrative and technical offices, and a kitchen.

Upon completion of all its phases, the Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife will be the new home of predatory wildlife and other animals.