Bandar, Aboud, Jamal, and Simba... Four Stories
In an episode highlighting Kuwait’s exceptional commitment to wildlife and marine conservation, the Kuwait Science Center orchestrated a creative symphony of animal preservation and rehabilitation through its Animal Care, Breeding, and Rehabilitation Program.
By adhering to responsible breeding practices, the Center follows global animal welfare standards and environment-based management systems to contribute to the protection of local Kuwaiti wildlife and marine life, while enhancing public awareness of biodiversity and environmental stewardship.
Alongside the animals that receive the highest standards of care within its specially prepared facilities, the Center seizes every opportunity to rehabilitate rescued animals. These animals are then monitored and released back into their natural habitats as soon as they are medically fit and capable of surviving independently.
The stories of the fathers Bandar, Simba, Jamil, and Aboud—celebrated by the Kuwait Science Center on June 21 in conjunction with Father’s Day—shine as bright chapters illustrating how these animals are cared for and provided with suitable environments for their protection.
Bandar, a male sand tiger shark, is an integral part of the Kuwait Science Center’s history. He has been housed at the Center since its opening 26 years ago and remains in good health in the Gulf Tank, measuring approximately three meters in length.
All sand tiger sharks undergo daily visual inspections by the aquarium staff to monitor for any abnormal behaviors or signs of distress. They are fed three times a week by a specialized team of aquarium employees.
Bandar receives weekly multivitamin supplements, administered in capsules mixed with his food. He has been trained for hand-feeding since he was young to avoid the congestion that can accompany surface feeding. Additionally, water quality in his tank is closely monitored to ensure he lives in a healthy environment.
Aboud, a male African penguin, became a father to Nora on November 15, 2015. He arrived at the Kuwait Science Center in the summer of 2009 as part of four pairs of African penguins. He successfully mated with Louza, and together they produced Nora, becoming an inseparable part of the Center’s family.
His preventive veterinary care includes routine annual oral examinations and regular health monitoring. It also involves providing a stimulating environment daily and effective behavioral management, including organized exercises through guided tours, in accordance with animal welfare standards issued by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).
Jamil, a male long-eared hedgehog, became a father earlier this year after giving birth to three young, who now reside in the hedgehog enclosure. Jamil and his family receive special care and attention.
The Center has welcomed numerous hedgehogs that receive care tailored to their specific needs. Their daily breeding, veterinary care, and welfare practices are conducted in line with global standards and guidelines.
Simba, a male sand cat, sired two healthy kittens. He was rescued from the Salwa desert on October 30, 2023, and was later paired with Alya, a female sand cat born at the Kuwait Science Center on January 15, 2018. Their successful breeding represents a significant achievement in the Center’s efforts in animal conservation and rehabilitation.
During the breeding and rearing period, animals are provided with a quiet environment away from public view to reduce stress and encourage natural parental behavior. Regular veterinary examinations, seasonal health assessments, and a balanced diet supplemented with essential vitamins and minerals contribute to maintaining the health of wild cats and their reproductive success.
To prepare them for life in the wild, kittens are raised with minimal human intervention to preserve their natural instincts and behaviors. This approach supports their ability to hunt, avoid predators, and adapt to their natural environment after release.
