A chill runs down my spine as I come face to face with a 200-kg, 3-metre long tiger that is close enough to touch.
It walks by, uninterested. You might think this up-close and personal encounter is straight out of a jungle safari in an exotic location. Think again.
I am talking about the wildly gorgeous Bengal Tiger at Al Ain Zoo, which can be viewed from behind the safety of glass windows as it paces around in its den.
Expanding horizons
In the 50 hectares open to the public, the zoo houses 68 species of mammals, 88 species of birds and 35 species of reptiles.
Established in 1969 by Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, it was opened to the public in 1972.
Now, after an extensive expansion under the guidance of South Australian Zoo director Mark Craig, it is set to become the largest zoo in the Middle East.
The zoo is artistically landscaped with many small lakes and lots of greenery along the pathways.
It is also exceptionally clean, thanks largely to the many trash collectors who are busy working to make sure that the environs are litter-free.
Tracks of exploration
A visit to the zoo provides education, recreation and exercise all at the same time, and for those who don't find the prospect of walking very exciting, the zebra-striped train offers a great way to explore the whole park.
The place is also equipped with wheelchair and stroller ramps that ensure easy access for the elderly and children.
The security personnel are alert and helpful, and zoo officials constantly monitor all areas of the park.
Close encounters
During our visit there, I saw many families enjoying themselves, taking pictures, laughing and talking, picnicking on the lush green picnic spots.
The first animals we meet in the zoo are deer. They are housed in the Mixed Arabian Exhibit, which portrays species such as the Arabian oryx, the Nubian ibex and the gazelle.
Detailed information about every animal is printed on placards that hang in front of each of their abodes.
Among other beasts, zebras, wildebeest and giraffes are part of the African Mixed Exhibit.
The old-fashioned approach of keeping animals in cages is non-existent in Al Ain Zoo.
Animals such as the gazelle are left free to roam in enclosures where they can be viewed easily while the African lion lives in a den that is landscaped in a manner that re-creates the African wilderness.
Naturally secure
The den of the king of beasts is surrounded by a moat to guarantee a safe distance between the animal and the visitors.
Animals such as the tiger which have the propensity to climb or jump long distances are housed in glass-fronted enclosures.
All animals are provided a natural habitat with ample space. They are also offered superb care.
Breeding success
No wonder there is profound satisfaction in the eyes of the inmates of Al Ain Zoo.
This is also reflected in the success the zoo has achieved in breeding gazelles and other endangered species, which include the giraffe.
The reptile house boasts of an awesome collection of the cold-blooded critters.
The sheer size of the python (which is around 4 metres long and weighs close to 40kg) left us awestruck.
We then moved on to the nocturnal house — this is where the night-loving members of the animal kingdom, including the somewhat eerie bats and scorpions, peered at us through their enclosures.
House of birds
Then we headed to the walk-in aviary, which has an amazing collection of our feathered friends — from the elegant swan and the long-beaked stork to the meat-loving vulture.
We got an excellent view as we climbed the stairs to reach an elevated platform created specially for bird-watchers.
The zoo is full of such vantage points.
The walk made us peckish and we stopped for a bite at the restaurant, located close to the mosque.
Hungry for more
Carnivores such as leopards and jackals, strange-looking birds such as the ostrich and flamingo, primates such as the baboon, orangutan and gorilla, and reptiles such as the crocodile are housed in the Al Ain Zoo.
Another attraction is the Bird Show, which is a rarity because it takes place after sundown, unlike most of the similar shows the world over.
It features the falcon, the vulture, the eagle and the owl.
The birds have been trained to follow commands by their Singaporean trainers.
The winged wonders enchant the spectators by exhibiting their natural behaviour.
Family outing
This sanctuary provides the ideal opportunity to have a one-on-one with nature.
But don't take my word for it. See for yourself a zoological garden that is an entertaining, educating and truly memorable experience for all members of the family.
— Mehmudah Rehman is a UAE-based freelance writer
Location
- Getting there: 150km from Dubai, Zakher Area, Al Ain
- Tickets
Adults: Dh10
Children: Dh5
Below 6 yrs: Free - What you may require:
Road directions/ GPS
(though road signs assist tourists)
Comfortable walking shoes
Binoculars
Sunglasses
Camera
Sunscreen
