History & Overview - :: Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital ::

HISTORY

Established in 1999, the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital (ADFH) is the first public institution in the world providing comprehensive veterinary health care services exclusively for falcons. In the first nine years of its existence, the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital has emerged as one of the most reputed falcon hospitals in the Gulf region.

From being established as a purely veterinary facility, the ADFH has expanded over the past years in the fields of education and awareness, training and research. Due to the huge demand for providing our experience to other avian species, we have changed from a sole falcon hospital to a fully fledged specialized avian hospital for all kinds of birds and poultry in 2006. Moreover, we have expanded our facilities to meet the growing demand of our services and to be able hospitalize more sick birds.

The ADFH Pet Care Center was opened 1^st of July 2007. It comprises VIP boarding kennels for dogs and cats as well as pet grooming and dog training facilities. This dog and cat hotel lives up to European standards for boarding kennels and it is the latest of its kind in the Middle East. In 2008, a pet clinic was added for treatment of all kind of pets to round up the one-stop-service for our valued customers.

OVERVIEW

What our veterinary services can provide for you

The ADFH is open to the general public and provides comprehensive veterinary care to falcons, other species of raptors and all other birds. Equipped with the latest equipment and technologies, we have a wide experience in dealing even with the most complicate cases in all bird species and flocks. Our round-the-clock emergency service for our patients gives each ill bird the chance for immediate and professional treatment without delay.

What our laboratory provides for you

The ADFH laboratory has been tremendously expanded in the past years to provide the latest diagnostic test for our patients. Our modern and fully equipped in-house laboratory enables us to get accurate and fast diagnosis for all kinds of laboratory examinations including the most advanced ones. Our fully equipped and high-technology laboratory caters now for other external clients as well. It consists of facilities and equipment for blood hematology and biochemistry, parasitology, histopathology, microbiology, virology and advanced laboratory techniques. In 2007, the ADFH Laboratory has been reconfirmed for the second time as Avian Influenza Reference Laboratory for Abu Dhabi Emirate. In 2008, new tests for pets have been added to the wide range of laboratory services to provide a strong support for the Pet Care Center.

What our awareness program provides for you

ADFH actively promotes disease awareness and prevention campaigns by raising the awareness about the nature and method of spread of diseases like Aspergillosis, Clostridiosis, Newcastle disease, Falcon Pox etc. We also try to improve the general awareness on conditions like lead poisoning and Shenadra intoxication and advices falconers on improving nutrition and husbandry.

ADFH is involved in educating school children and university students as well as interested members of the public on the beautiful tradition of falconry, health issues and conservation of these endangered species.

What our tourism program provides for you

World-wide known from TV and media articles, the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital has opened its doors in 2007 to visitors to experience the fascinating world of falcons and falconry. This unique award-winning tour provides a once in a lifetime experience which is truly unforgettable. ADFH has entered in the MICE tourism, too. The Shaheen Conference Center was opened on September 1^st, 2009 and provides highest standards meeting facilities for up to 200 delegates. It can be booked for conferences, meetings, workshop, training and special events like gala dinners and birthday parties.

What our Pet Care Center provides for you

The excellent service of the ADFH Pet Care Center caters for all pets needs to keep the pets and their owners happy. Cats, dogs and other pets can be kept for boarding in our five star boarding hotels. Our latest addition to the Pet Care Center, the Pet Clinic provides a wide range of preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic and surgical methods for pets. Furthermore, even the most difficult cases of dog training will be professionally handled by our highly experienced staff. Our grooming team takes care of your dogs� and cats� beauty.

What our training and externship program provides for you

We provide training and externships based on our excellent experience in the avian veterinary field to interested veterinarians, veterinary students, veterinary technicians and falconers from all over the world. Due to the high demand the training available has been extended to the laboratory training for avian laboratory methods as well to provide laboratory technicians or interested vets with the necessary knowledge. The program has been internationally accredited by e.g. Florida University, Colorado University and Sydney University.

What we do in conservation efforts

ADFH is rehabilitating confiscated falcons and other raptors by finding places in breeding programs for these birds. Moreover, wild falcons are re-introduced in the wild population in the H.H. The Late Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Program.

What we research and publicize in falcon medicine

ADFH actively promotes research in falcon medicine and surgery in collaboration with national and international institutions to continuously improve the treatment of birds and has established itself successfully on the international avian research field with various scientific publications and presentations. A comprehensive book on falcon medicine and husbandry including 17 chapters was published in September 2009 which is available on all major online book stores.