Al Ain Zoo was founded in 1968 by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the UAE. Being concerned about the wildlife and nature of his homeland all his life, the late Sheikh Zayed established this unique Zoo in the Middle East with the vision of creating natural habitats for animals to live freely. Since its founding, Al Ain Zoo has been a centre of conservation and endangered species. In line with this vision, UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan established the Zoo and Aquarium Public Institution in Al Ain in 2005.