Dh1bn Dubai Safari park chief promises dignity for its animals

The head of a Dh1 billion safari park has promised that none of its animals will be used to perform circus-style tricks or carry visitors "while I have any say".

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DUBAI // The head of a Dh1 billion safari park has promised that none of its animals will be used to perform circus-style tricks or carry visitors “while I have any say”.

Timothy Husband, technical director of Dubai Safari, which is being built in Al Warqa, said that while the attraction will feature ethical educational shows with birds or small mammals, larger creatures such as elephants will be allowed to roam.

 “They will not be doing tricks or juggling, they will be behaving naturally,” he said, adding that all of the park’s animals will be donated from other zoos or rescued and in need of being rehomed.

“The animals are [ones] that cannot be returned to the wild for one reason or another.”

Mr Husband said Dubai Safari was looking to acquire ex-working elephants, either from logging camps or tourist parks. He said that their days of being put to work will be behind them.

 “[Riding an elephant] will not happen while I have any say in the safari. The whole idea is to save these animals from any more hardship and allow them to live out their lives in a safe environment where they no longer need to be treated as beasts of burden.”
Mr Husband’s assurances have been welcomed by animal welfare groups, who had expressed concerns that the animals at the attraction would be used to perform for tourists. More info
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