Partnership with Al Ain Zoo to Further Staff Development

Surrounded by majestic desert landscapes and rolling dunes, animal charity, Wild Welfare recently hosted their guided training course at Al Ain Zoo in the United Arab Emirates. The programme not only marked Wild Welfare’s inaugural visit to the country, but introduced the first iteration of their newly updated guided training course to be delivered within a zoo facility. The Wild Welfare team previously ran guided training projects for wildlife rescue centres in both Laos and Vietnam. On this occasion, the team were able to discuss specific considerations of animal welfare within zoological parks with the zoo staff.

This programme was presented as an ‘in-person’ version of Wild Welfare’s popular ‘Wild About Welfare’ digital education programme. The five day course is designed to encourage critical thinking skills, assisting animal caregivers to develop a deeper understanding of welfare principles and how to practically apply them. By blending theoretical learning with hands-on exercises, participants are equipped to help further heighten the quality of welfare for the animals under their care. It wasn’t only the keeper teams that partook in the activities, for some modules, other departments from around the zoo including members of the nutrition and veterinary teams, also joined in.

Over 40 participants took part in the presentations and practical exercises each day. The first day began with a presentation by Sarah Bonser-Blake, Wild Welfare’s Animal Welfare Field Manger. This opening talk outlined the fundamental differences between Care and Welfare; which set a strong foundation for the week of collaborative learning ahead.

Throughout the course, participants were invited to partake in practical activities around the zoo, including body condition scoring practice on Giraffes and Cheetahs. This process can be a valuable tool for animal care staff to monitor and evaluate the visible health and physicality of individual animals within a group.

During another practical workshop, animal care staff helped to design, build and assess enrichment creations for the zoo’s ring-tail lemurs and sulcata tortoises. This environmental enrichment exercise aimed to promote critical assessment over design and safety features. Species specific enrichment also ensures that animals are given the opportunity to exhibit positive natural behaviours while physically and mentally engaging with their environment. 

Group discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions encouraged a collaborative and supportive approach, allowing all participants to grow and develop along their own learning journey.

Sarah explained that, “Wild Welfare were delighted to be invited by Al Ain Zoo to run the training programme, with the aim of enhancing the professional development of all staff”.

Enrichment building session with the Al Ain Zoo team.

“We are thrilled to have had the opportunity of working with the dedicated team at Al Ain Zoo. The participants responded really well to the programme, and I loved their enthusiasm and keenness to join in! It was a learning experience for everyone involved, including us, when trialling several new and different elements of the course. The team were wonderful to work with and we were very grateful to Al Ain Zoo for their gracious hosting.” Sarah added. 

Al Ain Zoo staff were equally enthusiastic about the training. Hashim Mohsin Abdalla a zookeeper at Al Ain Zoo stated, “Wild Welfare’s presence at the zoo is a blessing to us keepers. We are really learning a lot.” 

Enrichment and personal development with the team at Al Ain Zoo.

Keeper, William Siyanga also added, “I would like to offer a special shout-out to the amazing trainers, from Wild Welfare, whose expertise and passion made all the difference. Their efforts ensured that every participant gained a deep understanding of these crucial topics”

Wild Welfare remains committed to promoting animal welfare through education, training, and progressive capacity building. By partnering with zoos and other animal welfare organisations worldwide, the charity strives to create a future where animals everywhere can live a truly enriched and fulfilling life.

-ENDS-

Wild Welfare is devoted to improving the welfare of captive animals across the world. You can support our efforts by sharing this article, signing up to our newsletter, following our social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram and X), or by making an online donation. Every small contribution can help us to develop our vital accessible animal resources. Thank you.

Notes to Editors

For more information or interview requests please contact Wild Welfare on communications@wildwelfare.org

Wild Welfare is a global organisation committed to improving animal welfare for captive wild animals. By uniting the world’s leading zoos, zoo associations and animal welfare organisations, we build trusting partnerships that help provide long-term solutions to critical wild animal welfare issues.

Our vision is to end the suffering of captive wild animals around the world and ensure full and sustainable protection is given to all animals in human care. Find out more at wildwelfare.org. Registered charity in England (no.1165941).

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