Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan,Member of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, and Chairman of the Zoo & Aquarium Public Institution in Al Ain, and in the attendance of His Excellency Majid Al Mansouri,Member of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Department of Municipal Affairs Abu Dhabi,Al Ain Zoo today welcomed delegates for the first Arabian Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZAA) conference. Hosted by Al Ain Zoo, the three-day conference brings together wildlife, zoo and aquarium experts from around the regionto discuss animal management issues.

More than 60 delegates from zoo and aquarium facilities in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Jordan have joined the conference, presenting papers on topics including conservation, education, animal management, training, and zoo projects. Delegates will also be working closely throughout the conference to develop the Association’s governance documents.

H.E. GhanimMubarak Al Hajeri, Director General of Al Ain Zoo, said:

“Al Ain Zoo is very proud to be hosting this historic first Arabian Zoo and Aquarium Association conference. This is an opportunity to demonstrate the region’s commitment to the conservation of our wildlife and the education of communities who visit our zoos and aquariums every day. Aptly themed One Region, One Vision, One Plan,the conferenceis a clear reflection of our commitmentto working together for the benefit of theprecious wildlife and environment that we all share.”

Conference attendees will participate in plenary sessions on the role of zoos and aquariums in the Arabian Peninsula, as well as a series of workshops to agree on a structure and constitution of AZAA. The workshops will also discuss what it means to be a member of AZAA anddraft a Code of Ethics and Code of Practice. Participating delegateswill beshowcasing the variety and quality of activities being carried out in zoos, aquariums and private collections across Arabia,facilitating knowledge-sharing across the Association.Delegates will also be invited to experience Al Ain Zoo’s facilities first-hand with a tour of the zoo, new projects under construction and experience a gala dinner adjacent to the dramatic Mixed African Exhibit.

Attendeesof the first regional zoo and aquarium meeting unanimously agreed earlier last yearto form the AZAA for collaboration, communication and exchange of ideas on wildlife conservation and the role of zoos and aquariums.Al Ain Zoo is alsoa member in the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the European Association of Zoos & Aquaria.
 

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