Al Ain Zoo is a surprise hotspot for rare migratory birds – here’s why

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al ain zoo white stork bird

Over 120 bird species are flocking to Al Ain Zoo

 

Feathered tourists are flocking to Al Ain Zoo — and in serious numbers.

The UAE’s unexpected new birdwatching hotspot is home to a wild surprise: 123 bird species, with nearly 70 per cent of them migratory, have made the lush, safari-style zoo their pitstop of choice.

But why?

The zoo’s got everything a bird could want — trees, grasslands, rocky terrain, and lakes — all in a climate-controlled paradise that mimics their natural habitats.

From rare Asian Koels to White Storks, Eurasian Coots, and Namaqua Doves, Al Ain Zoo is buzzing with feathered traffic, especially between October and March.

It’s the kind of sight that excites both serious birders and casual weekend explorers.

And this isn’t just a happy accident. The zoo’s team runs monthly migration studies, tracks bird patterns, and contributes to global conservation science — while also offering eco-friendly birdwatching tours, pesticide-free landscaping, and plenty of educational events for the public.

Whether you’re chasing rare sightings or just looking for a peaceful nature fix, Al Ain Zoo is the UAE’s wildest winter escape — no passport required.

Al Ain Zoo, Al Ain, UAE. Best time to spot migratory birds: October to March.

 

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Image credit Al Ain Zoo

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