Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Abu Dhabi Transport Department and Chairman of the Zoo and Aquarium Public Institution in Al Ain, yesterday opened the 70th Conference of World Association of Zoos and Aquariums in 2015.

The four-day event, being organised for the first time in the Middle East, will be held in Danat Al Ain Resort.

In his speech on the occasion, Sheikh Sultan welcomed the audience, members of the Board of Directors and participants in the conference who represent international zoos at the Al Ain Zoo.

He also praised international organisations which have paid attention to conservation of nature and preservation of various species of animals for over 80 years, as well as their efforts exerted to prevent the extinction of a number of animals.

Sheikh Sultan also expressed happiness on the occasion of the 80 anniversary of the event in Al Ain. He noted that hosting of this event for the first time in the Middle East is significant for the UAE and the Al Ain Zoo.

He also spoke about the establishment of the institution by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in 1968, as he was one of the first leaders who worked to preserve nature and his legacy was instilled in the Emiratis who followed in his footsteps.

In his speech during the event, Ghanim Mubaarak Al Hajeri, Director General of the Zoo and Aquarium Public Institution, said, "This is a very distinguished day which gathers together prominent figures of the Zoo and Aquarium Public Institution across the world as well as nature conservation and animal welfare representatives."