Latest news with #EPZR
Khaleej Times
11-04-2025
- Khaleej Times
Emirates Park Zoo & Resort joins global conservation effort to rescue endangered wildlife in Cambodia
Emirates Park Zoo & Resort (EPZR), one of the UAE's leading wildlife destinations, has strengthened its commitment to global conservation through a strategic partnership with Wildlife Alliance. Launched in early 2024, the collaboration supports the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre (PTWRC) in Cambodia, which focuses on rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing wildlife affected by illegal trade and habitat loss. Since the beginning of 2024, Wildlife Alliance's efforts at PTWRC have resulted in the rescue of over 550 animals - including two elephant calves, pangolins and other vulnerable species. EPZR's support includes proceeds from its 'Made in the Zoo' merchandise initiative, which contributes directly to Wildlife Alliance's operations in Cambodia. The initiative also raises awareness among visitors by promoting the idea of 'purchasing with a purpose'. "Conservation is a shared responsibility that transcends borders," said Dr Walid Shabaan, director of Emirates Park Zoo & Resort. "Our partnership with Wildlife Alliance allows us to bring global conservation efforts closer to home, encouraging our visitors to engage with wildlife protection on a personal level. Through education and outreach, we aim to foster a culture of environmental stewardship and inspire the next generation to protect our planet's biodiversity." Among the many impactful stories is that of Chanam, an elephant calf found alone on farmland in October 2024 after villagers attempted to drive away an elephant herd. He was rescued and provided with urgent care. Another elephant, Lomphat, was found in Cambodia's Lomphat Wildlife Sanctuary with a severe snare wound on her front right leg. Thanks to advanced therapies, she has since gained 24kg and is recovering steadily. In January 2025, both calves were relocated to a specially designed enclosure to ensure their safety and comfort. In another success, Chhouk - a disabled elephant rescued in 2007 - received a lighter prosthetic shoe in September 2024, reducing its weight from 20kg to 15kg and significantly improving his mobility. The partnership also supports the care of rescued pangolins. Three young pangopups - Srey Roth, Srey Pov and Mimi - rescued from the illegal wildlife trade, are currently receiving specialised care in PTWRC's nursery. Two older pangolins have begun weaning and are feeding on ants, termites and their eggs, progressing well in their rehabilitation. Education remains central to EPZR's conservation efforts. Inspired by Cambodia's Kouprey Express Mobile Environmental Education Project, the only initiative of its kind in the country, EPZR has developed interactive conservation programmes, including on-site talks, workshops, and digital outreach through social media and live sessions. The Kouprey Express has reached more than 51,000 students across 55 schools since January 2024. It has also trained over 588 teachers (68 per cent of whom are women) and distributed more than 60,000 educational materials, reinforcing the importance of environmental responsibility among youth. Locally, EPZR collaborates with universities to provide students with hands-on experience in conservation research, sustainability projects and internships. The zoo also runs community outreach programmes in partnership with Abu Dhabi Municipality and the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, delivering interactive educational activities and environmental projects for the wider public. EPZR has been working with Wildlife Alliance since 2019. The ongoing collaboration enables the zoo to align global conservation with its local outreach and educational efforts, enhancing best practices in animal welfare, sustainability and community engagement. Through this partnership, Emirates Park Zoo & Resort is cementing its role in the UAE's growing conservation movement. The exchange of knowledge and expertise between EPZR and Wildlife Alliance enhances best practices in animal welfare, conservation management, and community engagement - connecting visitors with global initiatives and inspiring lasting action for wildlife protection.
Zawya
28-01-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Emirates Park Zoo & Resort eliminates 51,000 Kg of carbon emissions through Sparklo's innovative recycling solution
Abu Dhabi – Emirates Park Zoo & Resort (EPZR) has made significant strides in sustainability by collecting over 342,919 plastic bottles and aluminium cans, reducing carbon emissions by over 51,000 kilograms to date. This impressive achievement has been made possible through a partnership with Sparklo, a global cleantech company. The initiative has seen strong community engagement, with over 1,400 zoo visitors participating in the recycling efforts, underscoring a collective commitment to environmental conservation. Sparklo's mission goes beyond providing a recycling solution; it aims to transform recycling into an engaging and rewarding process, fostering new eco-friendly habits among the population. The company's innovative reverse vending machines, known as Sparklomats, are central to this mission. These state-of-the-art machines collect plastic bottles and aluminium cans while offering exciting rewards to users, making recycling a fun and fulfilling experience. Since the inception of this initiative, the response has been overwhelmingly positive with 304,408 plastic bottles, weighing approximately 7,610 KG, and 38,513 aluminium cans, weighing 579 KG being recycled. Dr. Walid Shabaan, CEO of Emirates Park Zoo & Resort, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, 'Our collaboration with Sparklo is a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainability and environmental education. By integrating innovative recycling technologies within our zoo, we aim to set a benchmark for green tourism and inspire our visitors to adopt eco-friendly practices. This initiative not only aligns with our core values but also significantly contributes to reducing our carbon footprint.' 'At Sparklo, fostering education is at the heart of our mission. By encouraging a community of conscientious individuals, especially the youth, we aim to promote awareness and inspire the younger generation. Through the installation of Sparklomats at the Emirates Zoo, we not only gather plastic bottles and aluminium cans but also demonstrate to children and adults alike that embracing sustainable living is both enjoyable and accessible,' says Azhar Auyelbekova, Managing Director, Sparklo MENA. To further motivate visitors to participate in this eco-friendly initiative, Sparklo offers a unique incentive. Recycling and collecting points through Sparklomats allows participants to enjoy a 20 per cent discount on explorer tickets at Emirates Park Zoo. This reward system not only encourages recycling but also enhances the visitor experience, integrating sustainability into their zoo visit. To use a Sparklomat, visitors can simply place an empty plastic bottle or aluminium can inside the machine, enter their phone number to collect Sparklo points, and register in the Sparklo app to receive these points. For every recycled item, users earn 10 Sparklo points, which can be exchanged for discounts from numerous partners. This process not only rewards eco-conscious behaviour but also makes recycling a fun and interactive experience. Emirates Park Zoo & Resort ensures that all collectables from the Sparklomats are transported to a recycling factory, where they undergo a transformation process to become new products. This process not only reduces waste but also promotes circular economy practices, contributing further to a sustainable world. The Sustainability Committee at Emirates Park Zoo & Resort has been instrumental in initiating the Sparklo partnership, along with various other sustainability initiatives within the zoo. These include replacing all lightbulbs with energy-efficient LEDs, implementing composting from animal waste to increase grass production for animal feed, transitioning to 100% rPET water bottles, organizing clean-up drives and educational outreach programs to promote sustainability, and producing sustainable products like bags and hats made from date palm leaves and jewelry using recycled materials, branded as 'Made in the Zoo' products. These initiatives collectively contribute to promoting a circular economy and fostering a culture of sustainability among visitors and the broader community. Through their efforts, the zoo has made significant strides in reducing its carbon footprint and promoting eco-friendly practices. Emirates Park Zoo & Resort is a premier destination for wildlife enthusiasts and families in the UAE. Committed to conservation, education, and sustainability, EPZR offers a unique blend of interactive animal experiences and educational programs. The zoo continuously strives to enhance its offerings to provide an enriching and memorable experience for all visitors. For more information about Emirates Park Zoo & Resort and its sustainability initiatives, please visit -Ends- About Emirates Park Zoo and Resort Emirates Park Zoo and Resort in Abu Dhabi, globally acclaimed for its wildlife haven, is a unique attraction. Holding prestigious awards such as best zoo operator in the Middle East and full institutional memberships such as WAZA (The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums) and AZA (The Association of Zoos & Aquariums), the facility seamlessly integrates a zoo, resort, veterinary clinic, retail store, restaurant, cafe, catering, and pet hotel. The visitors can witness around 250 species, comprising 1,125 fascinating animals, ranging from majestic mammals, diverse birds, and intriguing reptiles to enchanting aquatic life. From mighty elephants to tiny wonders like snails, the collection offers a diverse and captivating experience. The diverse animal encounters such as breakfast with giraffes, lunch with big cats and dinner with majestic elephants, each encounter is uniquely tailored to visitors' delight. Last but not least, guests engage in conservation education through interactive exhibits, guided tours, and educational programs, ensuring a memorable retreat. Promoting animal welfare awareness and actively engaging in conservation research to safeguard wildlife at the zoo is at the heart of our mission. Explore the wonders of nature and wildlife at your convenience throughout the week from 9 AM to 9 PM. About Sparklo: Sparklo is a global AI-driven cleantech company dedicated to revolutionizing the recycling industry and encouraging sustainable practices worldwide. Through its innovative reverse vending machines (RVMs) known as Sparklomats, the company motivates users to recycle plastic bottles and aluminum cans by offering engaging rewards. Sparklo's cutting-edge software and hardware solutions utilize AI and machine learning to optimize recycling processes, making it fun and easy for individuals to contribute to a sustainable lifestyle. For media queries, please contact: Yoshita Mohan Watermelon Communications Dubai, U.A.E. Email: yoshita@
