NEWS: Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort expands to 2,200 acres

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http://www.parkworld-online.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/1635/Wild_plans_for_Abu_Dhabi_animal_park.html

 

An Abu Dhabi animal attraction is to be transformed into a major resort destination almost 20 times its existing size.

 

Plans for the Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort (AWPR) include a new natural history museum, safari range, hotel and residential areas. The development, which also includes a conservation and animal breeding centre, will eventually,see AWPR grow from 110 to 2,220 acres.

 

The first phase is due for completion in two years time and will feature themed African, Arabian and Asian safaris with encampments for overnight stays, plus the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre.

 

The plan, says AWPR managing director His Excellency Majid Ali Al Mansouri, is to offer, ”a new kind of wildlife park where animals and humans live together in a healthy environment. All these new facilities will enhance AWPR’s offering and help transform it into an attractive world-class destination.”

 

Al Ain is located about an hour’s drive from the city of Abu Dhabi, the largest of the seven United Arab Emirates. Surrounded by seven oases, the area boasts archaeological remains dating back over 3,000 years. The Al Ain Wildlife park already boasts almost 3,500 animals bred in open space enclosures.

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http://www.blooloop.com/PressReleases/Al-Ain-Wildlife-Park-and-Resort-set-to-showcase-unique-leisure-and-learning-destination-at-Cityscape-2010/2192

 

The Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort (AWPR) will showcase its unique, multi-faceted leisure and learning destination at Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2010 from April 18 to 21. Visitors to the stand will be able to view the park's master plan and other models designed to help exhibit goers learn more about the project and various initiatives being undertaken.

 

Construction of the 900 hectare park is already underway and will be completed in three phases. The project will be made up of several components; a crowning jewel is the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre which will focus on the desert living experience. The park will also include wildlife safaris, a world deserts zoo and botanical gardens, resort hotel, as well as residential areas. A conservation and breeding centre will also be integral to the park.

 

Among the first components to be delivered in phase one will be the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre, which is set to become a premiere example of Estidama's high environmental standards due to its combination of active and passive energy efficient systems. The centre will comprise a 10,000 square meter natural history museum focusing on the adaptation of life to the extreme climate of the desert environment. In addition, the geology, paleontology and anthropology of the UAE and arid land environments will be exhibited in an interactive and technologically advanced museum.

 

Once completed, the Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort will become an international reference for conservation, education, and sustainability. The inclusion of endangered and indigenous wildlife, themed desert safaris, and an exotic mix of botanical gardens and plant collections within the development will provide a centre for learning excellence, in line with the Urban Framework Plan for Abu Dhabi 2030.

 

Dr. Frederic Launay, Chief Executive Officer of the Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort, said: "We are pleased with the progress we have made so far. By integrating conservation, education, residential areas and commercial enterprises within the development, we are proud to contribute to Al Ain's long term goals for economically sustainable and controlled growth."

 

Sustainability is a core principle of the Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort and is followed closely in the design, construction and operation of the development. The debris from on-site building demolition is being recycled and reused in construction materials. On the construction site, hundreds of existing trees are being temporarily relocated until each can be transplanted into the landscape when the development is complete.

 

"AWPR exists to promote sustainable living, allowing visitors to get in touch with nature and experience life and living in a desert arid environment. Sustainability, conservation and education are key drivers of our development and we aim to use this unique set of components to create a regionally and internationally attractive tourism and resort destination," said Launay.

 

The AWPR stand will be located in Hall 7, stand D10 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition and Conference Centre.

 

About Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort

 

First established as Al Ain Zoo in 1968 by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort is a multi-faceted development designed around wildlife to create an outstanding sustainable leisure and learning destination aimed at bringing people in touch with nature. The Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort will include more than 900 hectares of land and is currently home to 4,300 animals, 30% of which are considered to be endangered. Following the principles established in the Abu Dhabi 2030 Urban Framework Plan, the Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort will become a model for cultural and ecological sustainability, conservation and education.

 

The natural wildlife of the park and educational centres, in addition to the themed desert safaris, and a world leading arid land botanic gardens and plant collection, will provide both a centre of learning excellence and a leisure destination. As part of the transformation into a wildlife resort, significant development is currently being undertaken to set the standards globally for conservation efforts. Construction of the Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort will be completed in three phases. Phase one of the project, including the African Safari and the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre, will be finished by 2011. Phase two will be complete in 2012, and the completion date for phase three is 2013.