Updated: November 28, 2012, 12:00 AM
In pictures: Endangered birds in UAE released into the wild
Dubai, United Arab Emirates - November 28 2012- A Greater Flamingo swims by the Dubai Creek water after being released. The Dubai Municipality along with Dubai Zoo released 16 Greater Flamingos and 50 Socotra Cormorants at the Dubai Creek. All birds have been tagged and bred in the Dubai Zoo. (Razan Alzayani / The National)
The birds were breed from captivity at Dubai Zoo and experts hope they will mix with the existing wild population and eventually make their way to Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary.
Up to 3,500 flamingos live at the wildlife reserve at Ras Al Khor sanctuary during during winter. Around half migrate to Iran and Armenia during the summer months, with about 1,500 staying all year round.
Dozens of rare and endangered exotic birds have been released into the wild as part of an ambitious conservation project.
Dr Mohammed Wazed, the zoo’s vet, said the breeding programme was a tricky operation. “One of the issue we faced was of overcrowding,� he said. “We had to make sure that they are given fresh food and where they live is hygienic and so doesn’t at???
Dr Raza Khan, a wildlife specialist for zoo management at Dubai Municipality, holds on to the first greater flamingo before its release. "“Dubai is the first zoo anywhere in the world to successfully keep and breed Socotra Cormorants and it is also the ???
Work on breeding the Greater Flamingo began in 2006 in Dubai Zoo’s small aviary, which is the first enclosure visitors see when they enter the zoo.