The Al Qana development in Abu Dhabi will be home to the National Aquarium, the largest aquarium in the Middle East.
As part of the facility, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) and The National Aquarium will have a rehabilitation centre for injured animals.
Once open, The National Aquarium and rehabilitation centre will be one of the largest conservation facilities in the region, with a focus on biodiversity and natural local heritage.
Helping to treat and rehabilitate hundreds of animals each year, a staff of 15 expert aquarists will also educate students and establish a centre for learning.
A specially created animal rescue vehicle will soon be on the road to respond to wildlife emergencies reported to the EAD.
All rescued animals will receive immediate first aid and will be transported to The National Aquarium for assessment, treatment, rehabilitation and eventual release.
Each animal will have a bespoke treatment programme based on their needs and will include a pre-release within the aquarium to assess their development.
Members of the public will be able to observe the animals during this pre-release phase and learn more about the local ecosystem and the impacts of human behaviour on local wildlife and the environment.
Most animals currently rescued by the EAD are native species, including green sea turtles.
“Our efforts to monitor and protect turtles date back to 1998, thus our partnership with The National Aquarium at Al Qana, is essential for our commitment to marine conservation and care of injured marine wildlife,” said Maitha Hameli, specialist at EAD. “Our mission is to protect and preserve the marine ecosystems and the new rehabilitation facility staffed with The National Aquarium’s world-class team of experts is an important addition to reach our goal and protect species that are threatened with extinction.
“We are confident in the quality and readiness of the facilities at the rehabilitation centre. When a call came in regarding an endangered sea turtle, we conducted the rescue and carefully transported her to The National Aquarium’s rehabilitation facility for assessment.”
For more information visit www.alqana.ae and www.ead.gov.ae.
