Capture the Moment at Al Ain Zoo
- Photography contest offers visitors a chance to have their candid photos featured in the official 2014 Al Ain Zoo Calendar –
Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, 22 January, 2013: Al Ain Zoo announced today that it will be kicking off its photography contest for the second consecutive year to engage Al Ain residents, tourists and visitors alike. Both amateur and professional photographers can enter the 2013 Photography Contest at Al Ain Zoo by capturing candid zoo moments on camera until 31 March 2013, with the option to submit up to three photographs per participant.
Animal lovers are encouraged to get creative and explore the zoo’s various exhibits and activities, whether to photograph animals, plants, mammals, the bird show, or more. Juries from the zoo will then review and select the top 12 images to be included in the 2014 Al Ain Zoo Calendar, with a portion of sales proceeds going to benefit the zoo’s conservation projects. Winners will be honoured in a ceremony at the zoo, receiving gifts and an exclusive zoo tour.
Muna AlDhaheri, Acting Chief Conservation & Education Officer, said:
“The response to last year’s photo contest was tremendous. We were amazed by the innovation in some of the entries, and we are confident participants will surprise us even more in 2013 as there is no better way to tell a story than through a lens. The photo contest gives us a great opportunity to engage the UAE community in a fun, aesthetic activity that will see them contributing and raising awareness about Al Ain Zoo’s conservation efforts, which is ultimately part of a wider, global cause to protect wildlife.”
The 2013 Photography Contest at Al Ain Zoo is open to participants age seven years and above, with each entry required to be in landscape layout. Photographs must be e-mailed to [email protected]. Winners will be announced by the end of May with the calendar to be available for purchase later in the year.
Full entry details are available online at www.alainzoo.ae or www.facebook.com/AlAinZooUAE.
The zoo is open daily from 9am to 8pm during the contest period.
For more information on Al Ain Zoo please visit www.alainzoo.ae
You can also follow Al Ain Zoo on www.facebook.com/AlAinZooUae or www.twitter.com/AlAinZooUAE
About Al Ain Zoo:
Founded in 1968 by the late Sheikh Zayed, the Father of our Nation, Al Ain Zoo is a family destination, providing entertainment and learning experiences in a natural outdoor environment. Today, visitors of all ages discover the zoo’s wildlife and enjoy a great day-out packed with fun and adventure, while learning about conservation and exploring a collection of over 4,300 animals.
Al Ain Zoo is home to an internationally important conservation programme focusing on the wildlife of the world’s arid regions, the zoo is involved in conservation research, captive breeding and propagation and the reintroduction of threatened species to their wild habitats. Our collection of desert antelopes is recognized as among the best in the world. Al Ain Zoo is a proud member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquaria (WAZA). Strategic partnerships have been set up with leading zoos, conservation agencies and associations from across the world, including the World Conservation Union and Species Survival Commission, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, San Diego Zoo, Edinburgh Zoo, the Northern Rangelands Trust of Kenya and the Sahara Conservation Fund.
As part of the UAE’s commitment to wildlife conservation both within the UAE and internationally, Al Ain Zoo is transforming the area around the existing zoointo a new institution dedicated to exhibiting, interpreting and conserving desert wildlife. This sustainable leisure and learning destination, called Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort, will provide an extraordinary opportunity for visitors to explore and learn about the desert world and experience a world-class tourist destination. Embedded within the UAE World Desert, the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre will feature educational exhibits that celebrate the wildlife and traditions of the desert, celebrate the conservation heritage of the late Sheikh Zayed and help chart a sustainable future for desert living.
