Abu Dhabi: President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed AI Nahyan has reviewed at Al Bateen Palace the proposed re-development of the AI Ain Zoo and Aquarium in the presence of General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

The President expressed his satisfaction and approval of the plan that will make AI Ain Zoo a world-class wildlife destination, as well as a centre of excellence for environmental education and wildlife conservation.

Shaikh Khalifa also emphasised that the project should be totally integrated with the city of AI Ain's long-term vision and that the zoo should become the pride of the city.

Shaikh Sultan Bin Tahnoun AI Nahyan, Chairman of AI Ain Zoo and Aquarium Authority, said: “The re-development of AI Ain Zoo will be more than a wildlife experience. In fact it is a destination resort integrated within living communities at the heart of the Oasis. These communities will provide visitors the choice of a family hotel and a high-end family resort, with convenient access to the stunning themed wildlife parks. Approximately a third of the site will be residential and available for lease or sale.''

The AI Ain Wildlife Park and Resort will be a mixed use development that will also include different themed deserts such as: Arabia, Africa and Central Asia whereby visitors will be able to taste and experience the beautiful wildlife and culture of several regions.

An exceptional selection shops will be nested amongst the resort and the wildlife park, offering both visitors and residents a unique shopping experience that provides them with all convenience and amenities needed.

The development of the AI Ain Wildlife Park and resort will be in phases. The first phase is due for completion by the end of 2010, which will include the Arabian and African Safaris, resort, retail and residential community along with related services.

"The re-development of Al Ain Zoo does not only involve the construction of new facilities, it does also include a potential long-term partnership with the Zoological Society of San Diego that will undoubtedly bring AI Ain to new heights,'' said Shaikh Sultan, who is also chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority.

''The new development will also host the Shaikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre as a tribute to the late president's vision and love of the environment, wildlife and Al Ain zoo," Shaikh Sultan said.

The new development will represent the ultimate leisure and educational destination attracting visitors from the region and around the world, catering to everyone's needs.

The AI Ain Zoological Park was established in 1967 and it is the largest zoo in the Middle East at 850 hectares. The zoo's grounds take in the foothills of the Hajjar Mountains; home to the UAE's highest peak, Jabel Hafeet.

The zoo has undergone significant changes in the last 18 months with a series of rapid improvements to raise standards and boost tourism. The 'core zoo' opened to the public is 45 hectares and features extensive garden areas and diversity of exhibits providing a diversified wildlife experience.

The animal collection consists of over 4,000 individual animal specimens (mammals, birds and reptiles) with the majority from the Arabian Peninsula and Northern Africa. Large herds of desert antelopes, many endangered in the wild, are maintained in extensive 'back of house' breeding enclosures. In addition there is a large collection of carnivores (lion, tiger, cheetah, puma, leopard, caracal, serval) and primates (baboon, maque, gibbon, vervet, patas).

New features include an impressive, covered main entrance, mixed Arabian exhibit, mixed African Savanna exhibit; Nocturnal House, Bird House and Bird of Prey show (7.30pm daily). In addition there are new exhibits for lions, gorilla, chimpanzee, small primates, flamingos and Arabian wolf.

New landscaping within the core zoo area provides secluded areas for family picnics and relaxing views of the animals.

A new Education Center has been opened to provide in-house education and conservation programmes to students from schools and universities.

Education and Conservation are priorities for the developing zoo. Strong conservation partnerships exist between the zoo and the Environment Agency in Abu Dhabi.

The presentation was also attended Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs, Shaikh Mohammad Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Finance Department, and a number of senior officials.