Al Ain Zoo’s commitment to preserving and protecting perennial trees

Al Ain: Since its founding in 1968, the Al Ain Zoo has played a crucial role in the preservation of a wide variety of wild species, especially perennial trees. These majestic trees, such as Sidr, Samar, and Ghaf, have been lovingly cared for over the years, showing the Zoo’s dedication to environmental conservation.

Visitors can marvel the majestic size and outstretched branches of the approximately 100 trees that are dispersed around various Zoo and Al Ain Safari sites. To safeguard the health of these perennial trees, Al Ain Zoo has put in place a number of different measures.

Aisha Saif Al Hamidi, the Unit Head of Landscape at Al Ain Zoo, explained, “We periodically maintain some of our perennial trees through pruning, while others are expertly relocated during construction projects and then replanted using an efficient irrigation system to ensure their preservation during the process.”

The activities at Ain Zoo go beyond the upkeep of the mother plants. By gathering the seeds of these trees and keeping them in a seed bank, the Zoo actively propagates them. The seeds are then used for propagation as needed. Additionally, the Zoo takes great care to preserve the trees by only moving and removing them when absolutely necessary and employing them to improve the area’s greenery and aesthetic appeal.

The trees at the Al Ain Zoo provide a number of functions, including giving animals browse in the form of Sidr branches, Ghaf, and other plants, as well as fruits like dates. The horticulture crew at the zoo also uses mulch made from these trees to enhance the landscaping around the facility.

Al Ain Zoo houses a special nursery called “Al Ghafa,” named after the Ghaf tree, the national tree of the United Arab Emirates and has significant historical and cultural value. The Ghaf tree received special attention from the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who appreciated its significance. The nursery continues to support efforts to preserve these beloved indigenous plants.

The preservation of regional plants is consistent with the goal of Al Ain Zoo to safeguard all species of wildlife. These plants are prized for their contribution to sustainability because they use little water, offer cooling and shade, and are remarkably resilient to the harsh climatic conditions of the nation.