Sharjah safari boosts global wildlife conservation efforts

Sharjah as a global beacon of sustainability and biological awareness

Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas Authority, stated that these initiatives directly reflect the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who has made environmental protection a global humanitarian mission and biodiversity a central pillar of the emirate’s sustainable development path.

She added that these international environmental projects reflect Sharjah’s vision of openness to the world through committed and sustainable environmental work. The initiatives go beyond protecting endangered species, aiming to restore ecosystems, empower local communities, and promote scientific collaboration among conservationorganisationsworldwide. Sharjah believes environmental protection knows no boundaries, and collective action and international experience are essential responsibilities toward the planet.

Al Suwaidi alsoemphasisedthat Sharjah Safari’s involvement in African species protection — from rhinos and elephants to birds and forests — continues the emirate’s approach of treating nature as an integral part of the UAE’s cultural and human identity. She highlighted that these efforts serve as a model for the region, combining scientific knowledge with fieldwork to strengthen Sharjah’s global reputation in environmental sustainability and biodiversity awareness.

Southern white rhino conservation in Kenya

One of the most prominent international conservation initiatives saw Sharjah Safari participate in a global project to relocate several southern white rhinos toLoisabaConservancy in Kenya, as part of an international plan to conserve endangered species and increase genetic diversity in their natural habitats. Two Sharjah Safari staff, Dr Jane Bud and Alberto, Head of Veterinary Services and Rhino Area Supervisor, were present in Kenya to support field teams and assist in the successful relocation of ten southern white rhinos. All environmental and care requirements were provided to ensure the animals’ safety and adaptation to their new environment, demonstrating Sharjah’s commitment to direct field involvement in international conservation projects.

Reports confirmed that all relocated rhinos arrived safely and are stable under the supervision of aspecialisedveterinary and expert team, beginning to explore and adapt to their new natural surroundings.

Global achievement in elephant care

Sharjah Safari also strengthened its international scientific presence by participating in the 46th Annual Conference of the Elephant Managers Association (EMA) in Fresno, California. The team presented a scientific paper titled “From the Sands to the Giants: Elephant Care in the Desert,” showcasing Sharjah’s pioneering experience in rehabilitating and caring for elephants within a unique desert environment. The presentation won first place for Best Presentation of 2025, reflecting the high scientific and practical level achieved by Sharjah Safari staff and cementing the emirate’s position as a regionalcentreof expertise in large animal care and wildlife management.

Strategic partnership with Madagascar for forest protection

As part of its approach to enhancing international cooperation in protecting sensitive ecosystems, Sharjah Safari signed a partnership agreement with Biodiversity Conservation Madagascar (BCM) to conserve local forests and rehabilitate degraded areas. The initiative aims to protect endemic species’ habitats and promote sustainable livelihoods for local communities through environmental development projects in theBefanganaarea. This partnership represents a practical example of Sharjah extending its global environmental impact by supporting forest conservation and ecological balance across Africa.

Supporting southern ground hornbill protection in South Africa

In South Africa, Sharjah Safari supports the “Southern Ground Hornbill – Mapula” project, focused on protecting southern ground hornbills, classified as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Sharjah Safari maintains four birds in an environment replicating their natural habitat, enhancing breeding opportunities and enablingbehaviouralstudies. This initiative continues Sharjah’s efforts to support endangered bird conservationprogrammesand raise awareness of biodiversity as part of a comprehensive ecological system.

These projects collectively reaffirm Sharjah Safari’s role as a leading internationalcentrefor biodiversity protection, combining direct field action, scientific research, and global collaboration to safeguard wildlife and ecosystems.