Animal lover and UAE-founder Sheik Zayed transformed Sir Bani Yas from desert island to wildlife reserve for creatures like these caracal (also known as desert lynx) kittens.
Sir Bani Yas —
Animal lover and UAE-founder Sheik Zayed transformed Sir Bani Yas from desert island to wildlife reserve for creatures like these caracal (also known as desert lynx) kittens.
Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara
Originally permitted in small numbers only, visitors now have far greater freedom to stay on Sir Bani Yas.
Free to roam —
Originally permitted in small numbers only, visitors now have far greater freedom to stay on Sir Bani Yas.
Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara
Sheik Zayed established his wildlife park to protect one species in particular -- the Arabian oryx.
Only the oryx —
Sheik Zayed established his wildlife park to protect one species in particular -- the Arabian oryx.
Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara
Some species, such as the Arabian sand gazelle, liked Sir Bani Yas so much they over-bred.
Gazelle power —
Some species, such as the Arabian sand gazelle, liked Sir Bani Yas so much they over-bred.
Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara
A predator in the wild, the cheetah was an obvious choice to control the gazelles.
Here, gazelle ... —
A predator in the wild, the cheetah was an obvious choice to control the gazelles.
Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara
Hyenas were introduced to clean up the big cats' leftovers.
After-dinner bath —
Hyenas were introduced to clean up the big cats' leftovers.
Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara
Giraffes are among the more conventional menagerie members on the island.
Imports —
Giraffes are among the more conventional menagerie members on the island.
You can take a jeep tour, but walking on Sir Bani Yas is far more intimate. Cheetahs are kept safely away.
Hot walk —
You can take a jeep tour, but walking on Sir Bani Yas is far more intimate. Cheetahs are kept safely away.
Mountain biking is another way to experience the animals and their territory.
Island on wheels —
Mountain biking is another way to experience the animals and their territory.