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The Shaumari Reserve was created in 1975 by the Royal Society for the
Conservation of Nature as a breeding center for endangered or locally
extinct wildlife. Today, following breeding programs with some of the
world's leading wildlife parks and zoos, this small, 22 square-kilometer
reserve is a thriving protected environment for some of the most rare
species of animals in the Middle East. Oryx, ostriches, gazelles and
onagers, which are depicted on many 6th Century Byzantine mosaics, are
rebuilding their populations and reasserting their presence in this safe
haven, protected from hunting and habitat destruction that nearly wiped
them out. The Oryx can often be seen roaming freely in the desert grassland, and the Ostriches, Gazelles and Onagers can be observed in their enclosures. Shaumari's breeding enclosures provide a small "zoo" for visitors, making the reserve a popular spot for children and school outings. Wild Life The Shaumari area once contained an abundance of large animals, including Gazelles, Oryx, Onager, Ostrich, Cheetah, Hyena and Wolf. While most of these animals have disappeared from Shaumari altogether, some are now a part of the pioneering wildlife reintroduction program. Visitor's Center Shaumari's visitors' center contains a small museum holding interactive materials, slide shows, and videos on the history and wildlife on the Reserve. A playground and picnic area is located on the outside premises of the center. Observation Tower The observation tower provides eager animal watchers with a perfect location for spotting the Reserve's wild life. The early hours of the morning are in particular the best for observing the Oryx in its natural environment. The
Oryx Story |
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VISIT
OTHER CITIES (JERASH - DECAPOLIS ERA - JORDAN - PETRA - WADI RUM - AQABA - THE DEAD SEA - MUJIB WILDLIFE RESERVE - DANA NATURE RESERVE - SHAUMARI NATURE RESERVE - AJLOUN NATURE RESERVE - AZRAQ WETLAND RESERVE - BIRD WATCHING - THE GULF OF AQABA - BETHANY BEYOND JORDAN) |
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