Zoos used to be entertainment venues, but now they're central to heritage and conservation

The holiday season between Eid Al Etihad and the New Year is always a good time to honour our rich history and culture, and also an opportunity to reflect on the many facets of our heritage. While heritage is often viewed through the lens of cultural traditions, historical landmarks and ancestral wisdom, it goes beyond this. It is woven into the natural world around us, into our landscapes, native species and ecosystems. From the vast deserts that inspired resilience to the Arabian oryx and falcons that have become symbols of survival and grace, these elements are features of our environment, but they are also integral to our shared identity, deeply rooted in the history and traditions of our nation.

Considered through the lens of heritage, the mission of modern zoos becomes profoundly meaningful. Historically, zoos were seen as entertainment venues, places where animals could be observed for leisure. But today this couldn’t be further from the truth, as the role of zoos has evolved dramatically, transitioning into institutions with a deep focus on education, conservation and connecting people to the natural world. Today’s zoos serve as living classrooms where visitors can engage with wildlife, gain a deeper understanding of biodiversity, and develop an emotional connection to the environment.

The importance of this role cannot be overstated. Conservation discussions often centre on complex topics, such as the impact of climate change on ecosystems o