Al Ain Zoo welcomes birth of sand cat cubs

For the first time in several years, three sand cat cubs have been born at the popular Al Ain Zoo. According to the Abu Dhabi Red Book, these animals, one of the most important desert dwellers, are considered an endangered species.

Park staff were incredibly happy when, after years of effort, their sand cat gave birth to several cubs. The kittens are healthy and being cared for to the highest standards, the zoo said in a statement.

In addition, in their Instagram post, the staff also asked residents to help choose the perfect names for the cubs. You can leave your suggestions in the comments under the post on the social network.

Among the names already suggested are ‘Bubble, Buttercup, Flower’ and ‘Leo, Luna and Luca’. 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 specialised programmes as well as conduct field research to study these species and restore the population to their natural habitat,’ said Ahmed Issa Al Kharrasi, acting director general of Al Ain Zoo and Aquarium, a public institution.

‘The sand cat is one of the most important desert creatures contributing to the biological balance,’ added Mr Al Kharrasi, ’We are working on studying the genetic characteristics of this species, breeding it and increasing its numbers, and cooperating with local and international organisations to conserve and protect the sand cat.’

Source: Khaleej Times