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In pictures: Exclusive look inside Abu Dhabi’s falcon hospital
The Abu Dhabi facility is the world’s largest falcon hospital, frequented by falconers from across the Gulf region. They are among about 11,000 falcons the hospital treats annually, a number that has more than doubled in the past 10 years.
Margit Gabriele Muller (L) responsible for veterinary operations at the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, preforms minor surgery on a falcon. Image: AFP
They are among about 11,000 falcons the hospital treats annually, a number that has more than doubled in the past 10 years. Image: AFP
The Abu Dhabi facility is the world’s largest falcon hospital, frequented by falconers from across the Gulf region. Image: AFP
As well as check-ups and routine trimming of talons, it also conducts complicated surgery and offers a training programme for veterinary students from more than 40 countries to learn about avian medicine. Image: AFP
Emirati falconers are only legally allowed to own captive-bred birds, which must have their own passports that comply with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) for transport. Image: AFP
Abu Dhabi’s Etihad permits falcons in the cabin or as checked baggage, and Dubai’s Emirates allows birds to travel alongside their owner to certain destinations in Pakistan.
Image: AFP
While the hospital has its own programme and facilities to breed falcons that can be purchased, most of the birds are imported to the UAE from breeders in the Americas and Europe.
Image: AFP
