Al Ain: An internet-based competition has been initiated to name the two-month old gazelle that was saved and reared by veterinarians at Al Ain Zoo after the death of its mother.
The gazelle was rendered helpless and orphaned only hours after birth and was hand-reared by professional zookeepers. Interested people have been asked to participate in the competition by sending suggestions through Facebook and Twitter, said a spokesperson of the zoo.
It is a Mhorr gazelle and the newest addition to the zoo's world renowned antelope and gazelle collection. All suggestions must be submitted by November 27 via e-mail to mhorrgazelle@awpr.ae, said an official of the zoo.
Al Ain Zoo fans have been asked to participate by logging on to the zoo's Facebook fan page at www.facebook.com/AlAinZooUAE or Twitter page at www.twitter.com/AlAinZooUAE.
The winner of the competition will not only receive the honour of naming the gazelle but will also be given five complimentary tickets to Al Ain Zoo, two for adults and three for children, as well as the book Sounds of Nature.
A jury comprising Al Ain Zoo staff from different departments will review the suggestions and select a name. The winner will be announced in early December, said the official.
Dr Arshad Toosy, Manager Veterinary Operations at Al Ain Zoo, said Mhorr gazelle is the largest of the true gazelles. It is a western sub-species of the Dama gazelle, once lived in the Sahara desert areas in Morocco. Their population has rapidly declined due to hunting, over grazing by domestic livestock, and civil unrest.
These gazelles now exist only in captivity where breeding and re-introduction programs are there only hope for survival. "Our naming competition in Social Media is a fun and creative way to learn more about these beautiful animals," said Dr Toosy.
He said the gazelle is in great health since birth. "I am confident he will be awarded a special name that commemorates the beginning of his life in Al Ain," he added.
