Photo Essay: Malquot the Dugong at SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi - in pictures

  • Malquot was treated to 'an all-lettuce cake' for his fifth birthday at SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Malquot was treated to 'an all-lettuce cake' for his fifth birthday at SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • He lives in Abu Dhabi's SeaWorld multispecies habitat that has been designed specifically for dugongs
    He lives in Abu Dhabi's SeaWorld multispecies habitat that has been designed specifically for dugongs
  • Visitors have an opportunity to meet Malquot, where they learn about his story, day-to-day care and can even share a crisp lettuce with him
    Visitors have an opportunity to meet Malquot, where they learn about his story, day-to-day care and can even share a crisp lettuce with him
  • Malquot was rescued at a young age weighing only 22.3kg, after being found lost at sea in 2019
    Malquot was rescued at a young age weighing only 22.3kg, after being found lost at sea in 2019
  • Georgina Cox, zoological senior specialist, feeds Malquot a diet of leafy greens, including Romaine lettuce, Boston lettuce and bok choy
    Georgina Cox, zoological senior specialist, feeds Malquot a diet of leafy greens, including Romaine lettuce, Boston lettuce and bok choy
  • Zoological specialist Elliot Green uses a target pole to guide Malquot to the medical pool
    Zoological specialist Elliot Green uses a target pole to guide Malquot to the medical pool
  • The medical pool is where Malquot's growth is monitored every month
    The medical pool is where Malquot's growth is monitored every month
  • With extensive rehabilitation and care at Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi and Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Centre facilities, Malquot was able to regain full health
    With extensive rehabilitation and care at Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi and Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Centre facilities, Malquot was able to regain full health
  • A stretcher is used to weigh Malquot, whose vital statistics are monitored monthly
    A stretcher is used to weigh Malquot, whose vital statistics are monitored monthly
  • Ms Cox checks Malquot for grazes and abrasions
    Ms Cox checks Malquot for grazes and abrasions