Al Ain: Seven Arab countries have joined hands toestablish the Arabian Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZAA). The move, experts say, will enhance the standards of wildlife conservation and animal welfare.
The countries are UAE, Qatar, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain.
The announcement has been made by Al Ain Zoo that hosted the meeting recently in Al Ain. Dr Gerald Dick, Executive Director of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), was also present on this occasion, said an official of Al Ain Zoo.
Ganem Al Hajeri, director-general for the Zoo and Aquarium Institution in Al Ain, said: “We are thrilled with the result of these meetings and for the enthusiasm of our regional counterparts in an initiative that will only further our shared commitment to protect and conserve wildlife.”
The group has identified areas for future collaboration. The AAZA will facilitate communication, collaboration and cooperation among members with regular engagement with national institutions, he said.
Al Hajeri said the association will provide a louder voice for the region and a foundation to discuss challenges and opportunities related to wildlife conservation, standards and animal welfare issues. “Al Ain Zoo will look forward to taking the lead in this next phase that will see the historic establishment of AAZA,” he added.
Salma Sulaimani, director of Public Affairs in Rabat Zoo in Morocco, said it was a great step forward for the zoo and aquarium community of the region, especially given the success of associations in other regions around the globe.
Many zoos in the Arab world have been witnessing major transformations in exhibit development, breeding policies and animal welfare, and this means there is an absolute need to have a platform to exchange knowledge and expertise. Rabat Zoo will offer its full support to ensuring the success of AAZA, he added.
Engineer Mohammad Al Hawashi, general supervisor of Riyadh Zoo in Saudi Arabia, said he appreciated the need for a regional association that will further develop the community and encourage the zoos of the Arab world to enhance standards and conditions to that of our global counterparts.
“Riyadh Zoo has recently implemented a series of developments as part of our commitment to wildlife conservation and preservation, and knowledge sharing with regional institutions will certainly drive forward further development,” he added.
