The Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre was opened last week in Al Ain Zoo.
The learning centre has five interactive galleries: Sheikh Zayed Tribute Hall, Abu Dhabi Desert Over Time, Abu Dhabi’s Living World, Looking to the Future and People of the Desert.
It has been described as the UAE’s first sustainable building and was the first to achieve a Five Pearl rating from Estidama and a Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design platinum certification.
Al Ain Zoo director general Ghanim Al Hajeri said that the philosophy of sustainability and conservation guided the project from its beginning, with 92 per cent of construction waste either recycled, reused or reduced.
The centre’s special design resulted in a 70 per cent reduction in heat absorption from the Sun, and a 50 per cent saving in energy and water usage.
"The centre will teach visitors the importance of sustainability and preserving resources," Al Hajeri said, adding that it "reflects the history of the desert environment and the human adaptation to this nature".
"It is also an ideal model of environmentally-friendly buildings that use sustainable techniques. Al Ain Zoo has now achieved a unique position in modern interactive education, reaching out to visitors of all ages." (The National)
PHOTO: The African Zoo Safari at Al Ain Zoo extends over 217 hectares, with more than 400 animals roaming freely.
CREDIT: Mona Al Marzooqi / The National.
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