Houbara bustards, large-bodied birds with long legs and a slender neck, have been an integral part of traditional Emirati life. So the UAE started a conservation programme for Houbaras way back in 1977. Haboura captive-breeding programme which began in Al Ain Zoo in 1977 was one of the initiatives of the late Shaikh Zayed for the sustainable conservation of wildlife. Shaikh Zayed realised, right from the beginning, the challenge that rapid development and urbanisation posed to the UAE’s fragile natural resources, and the essential link between the protection of environment and the preservation of UAE’s tradition and cultural identity. Shaikh Zayed said: “Now we live on this blessed land and we are responsible for preserving our environment and wildlife not only for ourselves but also for our children and grandchildren. To us, in the UAE, protecting the environment is not just a slogan, but an important part of our history, heritage and way of life. We were, and still do support the concept of living in harmony with nature.”