November 28, 2024 2:33 PM HKT
Three sand kittens have been born at a popular zoo in Al Ain for the first time in several years. The animals, one of the most important inhabitants of the desert, are considered an endangered species, according to the Abu Dhabi Red List.
Park staff were overjoyed when, after years of effort, their sand cat gave birth to several kittens. The kittens are healthy and receiving the highest standards of care, the zoo said in a statement.
In addition, in their Instagram post*, the employees also asked residents of the country to help choose the perfect names for the babies. You can leave your suggestions in the comments under the post on the social network.
Names already suggested include "Bubble, Buttercup, Flower" and "Leo, Luna and Luka." The zoo has not yet announced which names it will choose.
Those who want to see the newborns in person will have to wait until September, as Al Ain Zoo is closed for the summer.
“We are proud of the success of the sand cat breeding project and we will continue to develop specialized programs and activities like dune trip and conduct field research to study the species and restore the population in their natural habitat,” said Ahmed Issa Al Harrasi, Acting Director General of Al Ain Zoo and Aquarium.
“The sand cat is one of the most important creatures in the desert that helps to achieve biological balance,” added Mr. Al Harrasi. “We are working to study the genetic characteristics of this species, breed it and increase its numbers, and we are also collaborating with local and international organizations in the field of conservation and protection of the sand cat.”