Yas SeaWorld animal rescues have surpassed 800 intakes across the Gulf since 2023, including whales, dugongs, flamingos and sea snakes, as the Abu Dhabi centre expands conservation and research.
ABU DHABI: Yas SeaWorld animal rescues have crossed a major milestone, with more than 800 animals taken into care across the Gulf since the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center opened on Yas Island in 2023.
The achievement comes three years after the centre began operations as the region’s largest dedicated facility for marine research, rescue, rehabilitation and return. Its specialists are available around the clock to respond to animals in distress.
From a baby dugong to a stranded whale
Among the centre’s notable cases is Malquot, a lost baby dugong originally rescued by the Environment Agency, Abu Dhabi. He is currently one of only three dugongs under human care worldwide.
The team also responded when a Bryde’s whale became disoriented near the Port of Fujairah in late 2024.
Working with the Fujairah Environment Authority and other partners, specialists assessed the whale, monitored its behaviour and helped it return safely to open waters.
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Flamingos rescued after Abu Dhabi hailstorm
The centre’s work is not limited to marine mammals.
In early 2024, flamingos were found injured at Al Wathba Wetland Reserve following a severe hailstorm. Working with the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, the team rescued affected birds as well as unattended flamingo eggs.
Healthy birds were later returned to the wild following treatment and rehabilitation.
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Rescue teams remain ready 24 hours a day
Yas SeaWorld animal rescues are supported by 10 rescue professionals and more than 40 rescue and rehabilitation experts.
The team operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, responding to incidents reported through its rescue helpline, marine partners and members of the community.
Specialist equipment includes purpose-built vessels and marine wildlife rescue ambulances designed to transport distressed animals for treatment.
Research goes beyond animal rescue
Conservation work at the facility also includes marine science and public education.
More than 7,500 people have been engaged through the centre’s events and outreach activities, while its Science Talk programme has attracted more than 3,000 attendees since 2023.
Researchers are also working on marine ecology, seagrass conservation and sustainable aquaculture. The centre has welcomed 61 high school and university students through its internship programme.
Why the 800-rescue milestone matters
The 800-plus Yas SeaWorld animal rescues demonstrate how specialist veterinary care, scientific research and cooperation between government agencies and conservation experts can support wildlife across the Arabian Gulf.
The centre is also the first facility of its kind in the region certified by Global Humane and holds accreditation from several international animal welfare organisations.
Impact to expect
The milestone could strengthen Abu Dhabi’s role as a regional centre for marine conservation while improving rescue capacity, scientific understanding and public awareness of the Arabian Gulf’s vulnerable wildlife.
