Miral and SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment have opened the MENA region’s first marine research, rescue, rehabilitation, and return center, Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue, located on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island. The center aims to contribute to marine-life conservation in the UAE and the wider region by conducting integrated research, rescue, rehabilitation, return, and education programs. The center, covering an area of 8,602 square meters, has a team of dedicated marine scientists, zoologists, and subject matter experts in research, rescue, and animal care, and is equipped with advanced laboratories and infrastructure, including a 345 m3 aquaculture facility.
The center aims to conduct fundamental and applied studies focusing on the marine ecology of the Arabian Gulf, including marine biodiversity, ecosystem resilience, sensitive wildlife conservation, critical habitats restoration, fisheries, pollution, and wildlife health. The center’s efforts will also help improve the public’s knowledge and commitment to the conservation of the region’s marine wildlife, habitats, and ecosystems.
The center’s fleet of rescue vehicles includes two custom-made rescue boats and a state-of-the-art veterinary hospital for triage of animals in critical condition, while the rescue pools include 25 pools, from large pools for marine mammals to smaller pools for fish, invertebrates, and marine reptiles. Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue aims to rescue sick, injured, and orphaned marine animals in the Arabian Gulf and provide life-saving rehabilitation with the goal of returning healthy animals back to their natural habitats.
One of the unique features of Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue is its focus on applied research studies for marine ecosystem restoration with aquaculture-based projects, including fish propagation, seagrass cultivation, coral reproduction, as well as field projects focusing on critical habitats of Arabian Gulf waters such as seagrass, mangroves, oyster beds, and coral reefs.
As part of its commitment to enhancing public knowledge and inspiring the next generation of marine biologists, the center will conduct workshops and lectures, both on its premises and in schools, offering learning and training opportunities for students as well as educators in the areas of marine life science and conservation.
Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue is the newest SeaWorld Research and Rescue center and the first outside of the U.S. The center will also become part of a global network and leverage the experience and knowledge gained from SeaWorld’s nearly 60 years of marine animal care, rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation to the region.
To support its efforts, Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue has urged the public to report any marine animals in danger to the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) on 800 555.
Overall, the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue is a state-of-the-art facility that is dedicated to marine research and conservation in the region. With its team of dedicated experts and advanced facilities, the center is expected to play a significant role in the conservation of the region’s marine life and habitats.
Visitors and residents of Abu Dhabi and the wider region can look forward to engaging and educational experiences at Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue, which will not only showcase the incredible diversity of marine life in the Arabian Gulf but also educate the public about the importance of marine conservation efforts.
Top 5 Animals to See at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi
- Bottlenose Dolphins – Intelligent, playful and social animals that are a joy to watch.
- Hammerhead Sharks – With their unique shape and curious behavior, these sharks are a must-see for any aquarium visitor.
- Giant Manta Rays – Majestic creatures that glide effortlessly through the water and have the largest brain-to-body ratio of any fish.
- Arabian Gulf Whale Shark – A rare and gentle giant that can grow up to 40 feet in length.
- Dugongs – Often referred to as “sea cows,” these gentle herbivores are a unique sight to behold.
Overall, the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue is an important addition to the conservation efforts in the UAE and the wider region. Its dedication to marine research, rescue, and education will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the health of the marine ecosystem and inspire future generations to care for and protect the world’s oceans.
