Saeed Rashed Al Zaabi and Omar Hasan Al Nuaimi are both full time animal trainers at the Al Ain Zoo. Saeed, a Senior Animal Keeper, spends his days with three gorgeous cheetahs, while Omar works with birds of all breeds. Saeed, Omar and all others who work at the Al Ain Zoo are very passionate about animals. They clean them, feed them, train them and love them.
Omar only knew falcons as he was growing up. “Here in the UAE, we aren’t very familiar with birds other than falcons. So when I first started out, I thought I would only ever be training falcons.” He said. “I did not expect to see so many other species like owls, eagles, vultures and even flamingos.” The zoo provided all the education Omar needed in order for him to start working with the birds.
He tells us there are two portions of his day, where he feels pressure on the job; in the early morning, where he needs to feed the birds and clean their homes, and in the evening when they are hosting the bird Show. “I prefer the bird show. It’s my favourite part about my work.”
He then proceeded to demonstrate the birds’ abilities, by giving us a sneak peek at the bird show. Europe’s’ second largest eagle swooped out of the bird house at the sound of the whistle and flew across the field and landed at five specific locations, before finally landing on Omar’s arm at the end of the demonstration. It seemed like the training definitely paid off.
Saeed, who works with the cheetahs, grew up surrounded by animals. He even at one point had larger more exotic animals in his home, when he decided to send them to conservation areas so they can roam freely with their kind, rather than at his house. “I waited until I was the proper age to start working, and I went straight to the zoo” Saeed said. He also, learned everything he needed at the zoo and is now a senior animal keeper, who hosts keeper talks about the cheetahs.
The Al Ain Zoo which was founded 50 years ago, in 1968 by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, is home to over 3500 animals. The Zoo recreates a natural habitat for animals to live freely. Since its founding, Al Ain Zoo has been a center of conservation and endangered species, most notably the successful breeding of desert antelopes and gazelles, such as the endangered Arabian Oryx.
Today, Al Ain Zoo has become a family destination that provides entertainment and learning experiences in a natural outdoor environment. Visitors of all ages discover wildlife and enjoy a great day-out packed with fun and adventure, while learning about conservation and exploring a collection of around 3500 animals.
