Falcon Hospital posts 18% rise in treatment

Abu Dhabi :  The Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital treated more than 5,000 birds in 2010, an increase of 18 per cent over the number treated in 2009.

Established in 1999, the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital (ADFH) is the first public institution in the world to provide comprehensive veterinary health care services exclusively for falcons.

The Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital has emerged as one of the most reputable falcon hospitals in the Gulf region.

Dr Margit Muller, ADFH director, said the hospital treated an outstanding number of falcons and other birds, as the number exceeded 5,835.

She added that the hospital won three international awards in 2010 from Spain, the US and Germany in recognition of its distinction in many areas.

Business excellence

This recognition, she pointed out, celebrates the success of the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital as a symbol of business excellence in its field.

Muller also announced that last year the hospital discovered a contagious bacterial disease which infects a breed of falcons and is fatal if not treated early. The details of the discovery, she added, were published in a scientific paper in a medical periodical.

The hospital, added Muller, provides the highest quality care, consistent with identifiable health care needs of falcons and other birds of prey, as well as pets and strives to spread knowledge of the cultural heritage of falcons and falconry worldwide.

Leisure tourism

Moreover, ADFH has successfully entered the field of leisure tourism by continuous increases in tourists who have visited and participated in the Falcon World Tour every year.

The hospital also has a stray cat and dog shelter that was established last April under an Executive Council decision issued by the Abu Dhabi government.

Last year also witnessed an increase in the number of visitors to 6,626, an increase of 40 per cent over the previous year, as a part of the hospital's tourism programme.

Muller also stressed that the hospital is considered a tourist attraction since Air France pointed out in its magazine that the ADFH is one of ten main attractions in the emirate.