Marie-Christine’s friend Tonya wanted to show off her home city for 7 years and the Falcon Hopital showed us something amazing and different for sure. I was feeling better and as a big bird lover since my year in Africa in 2001, this was something I did not want to miss.
Abu Dhabi like many Arab and Central Asian countries has a long history of using birds of prey to hunt. In Mongolia we had all (but Willow) had a massive eagle on our arm. They were bloody heavy and quite menacing due to their size. Falcons are much smaller so even Willow got a chance with these beauties.
The facility Tour
We started off with our Philippino guide Dennis learning about the three pure breeds of falcons and their ability to cross breed. It was amazing to hear that falcons are the national bird of Abu Dhabi and yet not native to the United Arab Emirates. Even crazier – hunting with falcons is illegal in the U.A.E so as to protect other indigenous animals! Topping it all off – these birds have actual passports so they may be taken abroad to hunt and also import d to the U.AE. They are allowed to fly in airplanes in the seat next to,their owner as long as they wear their little hoods….if not – watch out!
