|
Arabian
Wildlife Center
The Arabian Wildlife Center is the
only 'zoo' in Arabia which exhibits
all the animals naturally occurring
in the Arabian Peninsula, both current
and extinct. Opened in September 1999,
this excellent facility houses over
100 species displayed in safe, spacious
and natural surroundings. The center
demonstrates the diversity of the
fauna found in the peninsula and creates
awareness of the species, which have,
and are, becoming extinct.
Take
time to view the video just inside
the main entrance before entering
the display areas. The tour takes
you through the reptile, fish and
insect house, where many of the Arabian
snakes including the venomous vipers
and adders, monitor lizards and chameleons
plus common insects such as camel
spiders and scorpions are exhibited.
The
bird aviary set in a wadi and desert
environment contains several species
of songbirds, Indian Roller birds,
Houbara Bustard and flamingos. Look
out for the Rock Hyrax basking on
top of the rocks. These tail-less
brown creatures about the size of
a rabbit have only three toes on each
foot and surprisingly enough their
closest living relative is the elephant.
Within
the aviary's walk-through-cave, there
is a tank containing blind cave fish
from Oman. These fish are born with
eyes, but due to their naturally dark
habitat, they do not develop and end
up like a pinprick on adult fish.
To the side of the aviary are housed
the smaller cats of the desert; the
Caracal, recognized by the tufts on
the end of its ears, the Wildcat which
is visually very similar to a local
cat and the petite, shy Sand Cat.
The
nocturnal house is next, where night
has been turned into day, to display
a surprising variety of mammals including
three species of fox, porcupines,
hedgehogs, mongoose and twelve rodent
species, in their favored habitat.
The
finale takes you past the baboons,
wolves, hyena, cheetah and the rare
and captivating Arabian leopard. Information
is provided throughout the center
on display panels and via taped messages.
The
Museum welcomes its visitors during
the following timings:
Weekdays
& Public Holidays 9 AM to 7 PM
Thursday: 11 AM to 7 PM
Friday: from 2 PM to 7 PM ONLY
Ticket counters close t 5:30 PM
The
Museum is closed on Mondays
Admission : Adults Dh 15/Children
under 15 years free of charge.
Sharjah
Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum and Desert
Park is a venue that provides people
with a chance to learn about the flora
and fauna of the Arabian desert, while
at the same time having a relaxing
and fun time.
If
people get to know the great variety
of plants and animals and the amazing
ways in which these have adapted to
life in a dry, hot climate, they will
start to respect and enjoy these gifts
of nature.
A
children's farm was opened in May
1997 to provide city children with
a chance to have close contact with
farm animals. A Breeding Center for
Endangered Arabian Animals started
functioning in February 1998, but
this is not open to the general public,
because the animals need peace and
quiet to breed.
Towards
the middle of 1999 the Arabian Wildlife
Center was opened, where people can
observe and enjoy all the various
species of animals that are found
on the Arabian peninsula.
In
accordance with the concept launched
by His Highness, the Desert Park with
its various departments will be a
center for learning and enjoyment
for people of all ages, as well as
a place where original research can
be carried out by the next generation
of students.
Heritage
Area
The Sharjah Heritage Museum is a combination
of several museums and includes:
Souq
Al Arsah
An
old souq, that has been restored with
great charm and traditional style.
It is located just behind the waterfront
in Old Sharjah.
Bait
Al Naboodah
The
Al Naboodah family house, has been
converted into the heritage museum.
Each room has a different theme, and
displays jewelry, costumes and artifacts
of the period.
Al
Midfaa House
The
Al Midfaa family house is a charming
restored building in a quiet area
behind the souq
Al
Hisn Sharjah
The
Al Hisn fort was the traditional residence
of the ruling family of Sharjah. Sheikh
Sultan bin Saqr Al Qassimi "The
First" built the fort nearly
200 years ago and it was the center
of all developmental activities in
the Emirates of Sharjah. It displays
contents that cover the history of
Sharjah.
|
