Kori Bustards debut at Al Ain Zoo

The Al Ain Zoo welcomed two Kori Bustards to the Spoonbill Aviary, adding to the zoo’s collection of over 300 birds encompassing more than 25 different species. The Kori Bustard is a large bird with mottled grayish-buff colouration, dark brown vermiculation, and a distinct white stripe over each eye. This terrestrial bird hails from Eastern and Southern Africa where it roams across open grasslands and wooded savannas. Majid Al Qassimi, Assistant Associate Veterinarian at the Al Ain Zoo, said: “The addition of the Kori Bustard to our Spoonbill Aviary is an exciting opportunity for bird enthusiasts. This beautiful unusual species further increases the diversity of the birds on exhibit at the Al Ain Zoo, with our aviary also housing spoonbill, hadada ibis and macaw.” Although omnivorous, Kori Bustards tend to be more carnivorous than other species of bustards and feed on small mammals, lizards, snakes, seeds, plant berries, as well as insects and chicks. The Kori Bustard is listed on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), meaning that it is not currently threatened with extinction but may become so unless trade of the species is strictly regulated. The Al Ain Zoo is open daily from 9pm to 8pm.  Starting June 1 the zoo will be open from 4pm to 10pm. Tickets are charged at Dh15 for adults and Dh5 for children aged 3 to 12 years.