Doha Zoo animals attract Agriteq visitors

A number of wild animals, including chimpanzees, and a bird of prey are attracting many visitors at the fifth Qatar International Agricultural Exhibition (Agriteq), which opened at the Doha Exhibition and Conventions Centre (DECC).

The four-day event, under the patronage of HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani, hosts a large number of local and international companies from the agricultural industry across a 12,000sq m area.

Among the Doha Zoo animals at Agriteq, a pair of chimpanzees seemed to be getting the most attention from passersby while a ‘golden eagle,’ known as one of the largest and fastest raptors in North America, charms visitors with its elegant feathers and stunning look.

Doha Zoo also showcases a large python from India, some small poisonous snakes, a wild frog, a parrot, and some young goats. The zoo houses more than 1,000 animals at a facility in northern part of Qatar, it is learnt. “We have been taking very good care of these animals at their sanctuary, a well ventilated and air-conditioned facility,” an employee told Gulf Times.

There are suitable enclosures for various types of animals, including a carnivorous section and a clinic with a quarantine section, which treats sick animals and provides them with proper healthcare. “We vaccinate and feed animals with nutritious food such as alfalfa, green leaves and pellets for disease prevention, apart from vitamins,” he said. “We have a big temperature-controlled facility to take care of them during the summer.”

The zoo imports some of the animal food from countries like the UK while others are grown in Qatar, he said, citing a growing demand for more livestock fodder in the country. The employee said the number of wild animals at their facility has also started increasing. From less than 10 lions (from Africa), the zoo now has more than 30, including the new born.

“We have specialists and veterinarians at the clinic to monitor their health regularly,” he added. Agriteq also hosts a number of stalls that showcases several livestock animals such as cows, goats, sheep, chickens, and buffaloes, among others.

The event features five international pavilions and hosts some seminars, workshops, and panel discussions aimed at sharing and exchanging of experiences and knowledge to further enhance the agriculture sector.