Al Ain Zoo has earned a place in the Guinness World Records for creating the largest sentence ever made from palm leaves. The stunning environmental artwork, which spells out the name of the zoo, was unveiled during a special ceremony at the zoo, attended by its management, employees, and representatives from various participating organizations.
The record-breaking artwork, which measures 12 meters in length and 1.7 meters in height, met the stringent criteria set by Guinness World Records. These standards include ensuring sustainability practices such as safeguarding natural ecosystems, preventing environmental harm, and preserving the lifecycle of trees. By adhering to these principles, the zoo was able to create a piece of art that is both environmentally friendly and culturally significant.
In line with its commitment to sustainability and nature conservation, Al Ain Zoo opted to use palm leaves as the primary material for the artwork. This decision not only highlights the ecological benefits of using natural materials but also pays homage to the cultural importance of the palm tree in the UAE. Palm trees are deeply intertwined with the region’s history and identity, symbolizing both environmental sustainability and cultural heritage.
Ahmed Eisa Al Harasi, Acting Director General of Al Ain Zoo, expressed his pride in the achievement: “We are delighted to present this artwork as a beautiful representation of the sustainability of the palm tree, which holds immense environmental, cultural, and social value for the city of Al Ain. Known as the ‘City of Oases and Palms,’ Al Ain has long been a symbol of prosperity and environmental richness.”
He further explained, “We ensured that this environmental artwork aligns with our ongoing efforts to protect and sustain nature. The palm leaves used were collected from the pruning and trimming of palm trees in Al Ain farms, a process known locally as ‘takreeb,’ which involves removing dry and damaged fronds. This approach ensures that no harm was done to the environment, and the city’s natural resources remain intact.”
The choice of palm fronds as the central element for the artwork is especially significant. Palm trees have long been seen as symbols of generosity and abundance in the UAE, and Al Ain Zoo drew inspiration from this symbolism in its conservation efforts. “Just as the palm tree has been a fruitful source of life for Al Ain, we hope our conservation efforts will continue to benefit the environment and the community for generations to come,” Al Harasi added.
The zoo also expressed its gratitude to all those who contributed to the creation of the artwork, particularly the residents of Al Ain, including farm and palm owners, for their support in promoting environmental sustainability. This initiative aligns with Al Ain Zoo’s mission to engage the community in wildlife conservation and nature preservation.
The ceremony marking the record achievement featured various cultural activities, including performances of Emirati traditional arts, live demonstrations of palm weaving, carving, and painting, as well as a spectacular laser and light show. The artwork will be on display as part of the Nature Conservation Festival organized by Al Ain Zoo, which runs from December 9-18, 2024, and will remain on view after the festival concludes.
This environmental artwork is a testament to the zoo’s ongoing dedication to both preserving the UAE’s natural heritage and fostering a deep appreciation for sustainability in the community.
