Birds scheduled to get new house at Al Ain Zoo

Renovations to the aviary will include improved air conditioning for the birds and educational graphics for visitors.

Al Ain Zoo’s aviary will get improved AC and interpretation signs to increase the public’s knowledge of the many species kept there. Courtesy Al Ain Zoo

The birds of Al Ain Zoo are in for a treat with work set to get under way to give the attraction’s aviary a makeover and upgrade.

Renovations will include improved air conditioning for the birds, and educational graphics and interpretation boards for visitors.

“The renovations taking place will provide a better atmosphere for the birds as well as provide the visitors with an interactive and fun experience, in addition to a unique learning environment,” said Ghanim Al Hajeri, director general of Al Ain Zoo.

A new internal cooling system, Al Hajeri said, “is our main priority”.

“Other projects include educational displays for the exhibits explaining the different species of birds and their characteristics.”

The work is expected to be completed in five months.

The aviary is home to more than 300 birds and 18 species, including the Houbara bustard, the long-tailed glossy starling, the long-tailed purple starling, the peach-faced lovebird, the crested lark, the stone curlew and the spotted thick-knee.

In a separate enclosure is the zoo’s collection of more than 30 penguins, all raised in Al Ain over the past 25 years.

During the renovation work the penguins will be put into isolation pens.

The zoo is open daily from 4pm to 10pm.