Al Ain Zoo has fulfilled the wish of a student from the Emirates Autism Society, who wished to become a veterinarian. The initiative reinforces the strong commitment to solidarity and social responsibility between institutions and individuals in line with the #Year of Giving, 2017.

Al Ain Zoo hosted student Alaa Ehab Ibrahim on a private cultural and educational programme that was especially tailored for her to fulfil her wish in becoming a veterinarian. Additionally, Alaa attended a veterinary clinic workshop, one of Abu Dhabi’s Science Festival workshops.

Omar Al-Blooshi, Director of Marketing and corporate Communications at Al Ain Zoo, said, "Fulfilling Alaa’s wish is in line with Al Ain Zoo’s commitment to the values of partnership, education and happiness, and responsibility for creating a unique, educational experience of exploration for our guests, with their different interests. In addition to the Abu Dhabi Science Festival activities that are currently hosted by Al Ain Zoo, we prepared a special course for Alaa, who shared her aspiration of becoming a veterinarian on graduating from high school."

Dr. Khawla Al Saadi, Chairman of the Emirates Autism Society, praised Al Ain Zoo’s collaboration as a main partner, and its efforts in education in whole, in addition to supporting the Emirates Autism Society objectives by offering year-around programmes and activities that contribute to integrating people suffering from autism with their peers, supporting them as active and capable to give to society.

Alaa Ehab and her family thanked Al Ain Zoo and the Emirates Autism Society for fulfilling her wish and helping her decide her career path. Alaa said, "I learned a lot and acquired knowledge that I never thought about before. I read a lot on veterinary medicine out of my passion for animals and caring, but the live experience was completely different. Thank you Al Ain Zoo, for your warm welcoming support and awareness.