Al Ain Wildlife Park unveils summer schedule

Al Ain: Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort (AWPR) has announced evening hours for visitors taking into consideration the soaring daytime temperatures.

"The summer season at AWPR gives families an amazing opportunity to watch the animals enjoy the cooler evenings as they would naturally in the wild," an AWPR spokesperson said.

All exhibits will remain open to visitors in the evenings, including the mixed African and Arabian enclosures.

Various feeding times are also scheduled throughout the evening to ensure the animals, including recently donated white tigers, remain energetic and lively for night-time visitors.

Daily bird shows will also give zoo visitors a chance to experience the speed, grandeur and extraordinary hunting skills of falcons, eagles, owls and vultures.

"Falconry is, of course, a vital part of Arabian culture, so it's only natural that they should host a vast collection of different birds of prey. The Bird Show gives guests the chance to see lots of them in enthralling, dramatic action," said the spokesperson.

Leisure and learning

First established as Al Ain Zoo in 1968 by Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the AWPR has been designed around wildlife to create an outstanding sustainable leisure and learning destination aimed at bringing people in touch with nature.

A multi-faceted development by the Zoo and Aquarium Public Institution in Al Ain, AWPR spans over 900 hectares of land and is currently home to 4,300 animals, 30 per cent of which are deemed threatened.

Following the principles established in the Abu Dhabi 2030 Urban Framework Plan, AWPR aims to become a model for cultural and ecological sustainability, conservation and education. The natural wildlife of the park and educational centres, in addition to the themed desert safaris, and a world leading arid land botanical gardens and plant collection, will provide both a centre of learning excellence and a leisure destination.

The zoo has set up a number of strategic partnerships with leading conservation agencies and associations from across the world, including a 20-year agreement with San Diego Zoological Society.

Timings

The night-time zoo will be open to visitors up to July 31. It will be open from 4pm to 10pm. The popular Bird Show will take place at 7.30pm during weekdays and twice on Fridays at 6.15pm and 7.30pm.