Doha, the capital city of Qatar, is one of the most popular and urban cities in the Persian Gulf. Serving as the official seat of government of Qatar, as well as the hub of commercial and educational activity, Doha is a city with many exciting attractions. These attractions include The Pearl-Qatar, Souq Waqif, and the Aspire Tower. One of the most plush and tranquil luxury hotels in Doha is the Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara.
A creature which is of immense importance to the culture and identity of Qatar is the Orxy. Considered to be the national symbol of Qatar, the Oryx is a fascinating species of dessert deer which are known primarily for their long slender horns and incredible resilience to dry and harsh surroundings. It is little known that these magnificent creatures were close upon extinction at one point, and one institution that has taken great measures to prevent this is the Al Maha Sanctuary.
The Al Maha Sanctuary is a breeding ground for the Oryx, which has ensured the survival of these creatures. This sanctuary is the first sanctuary that began breeding the Arabian Oryx in captivity, an act which has now set a precedent in many other Arabian nations. At the sanctuary Oryxes are allowed to breed free from hunters and other predators, ensuring their survival. The Al Maha Sanctuary was established by Sheikh Qassim bin Hamad. The tale goes that when the Sheikh was out hunting one day an Oryx charged at his vehicle and speared one of the tires. Since that day onward the Sheikh was fascinated with the Oryx, and decided not only to quit hunting, but to also establish a sanctuary of Oryxes. Today at the Al Maha Sanctuary professionals ensure the safety of many Oryxes, and their special breeding prgrammes achieve 75-100 calves each year.
A visit to this sanctuary will not only let you understand the intricacies of Oryx behavior, but will give you an appreciation of the Oryx and all the people that strive to conserve it.
Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+
