Nature, in its quiet resilience, offers us endless beauty, shelter, and sustenance, asking nothing in return. Its serene wonders continue to serve humanity selflessly, reminding us of a grace that exists beyond expectation or reward." — Dr. Mohammad Ali Reza Khan
About Me
I am Dr. Mohammad Ali Reza Khan, and for over 40 years, I’ve dedicated my life in the UAE to protecting and studying its incredible flora and fauna. My work at Dubai Zoo, along with my field research—where I've recorded first-time sightings and discoveries—has been pivotal in preserving the UAE’s natural heritage. Through my publications, public outreach, and the unique experiences my family and I have shared, I hope to inspire future generations to respect and care for our wildlife.
Today, as the retired Principal Wildlife Specialist, I remain dedicated to wildlife conservation in the UAE. The time spent with my family at Dubai Zoo and in the field continues to be deeply cherished, and I’m proud that my children grew up with a unique appreciation for the natural world. Looking back, I feel grateful for the countless moments spent in the deserts and reserves, from the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve to Ras Al Khor and Abu Dhabi’s mangroves, where I’ve observed the UAE’s magnificent flora and fauna up close.
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My life revolves around wildlife, and I wouldn’t trade what I do for anything else in the world. Through decades of work, I have strived to protect the UAE’s natural heritage, educate the public, and inspire a love for nature in future generations.
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This is my story.
Early Life and Education
I was born in 1947 in Bangladesh, where my fascination with nature began at a young age. Growing up, I was captivated by the wildlife around me, a curiosity that guided my academic journey into zoology and wildlife ecology. I pursued my undergraduate studies in Zoology at the University of Dhaka, followed by a Master’s in Wildlife Biology. My passion eventually led me to India, where I completed a doctorate in ornithology under the mentorship of the esteemed Dr. Salim Ali, affectionately known as the "Birdman of India" from Bombay University
Marriage and Family Life
Just a day after my marriage to my college sweetheart, Nurun Nahar Huda, in Dhaka, I received an unexpected opportunity that would shape the rest of my life. A postcard arrived from Dr. Ali, inviting me to the UAE for a role at Al Ain Zoo. Nurun, a biologist herself, joined me in this adventure, and we quickly settled into life in the UAE. In Al Ain, Nurun found new purpose as the first Bengali language teacher in the UAE, passionately preserving our language for future generations. We raised three wonderful children—Zeenath, Nesar, and Razib—all of whom grew up alongside the animals at Dubai Zoo, where they had unforgettable experiences hand-raising lion cubs, nursing tortoises, and even playing with a chimpanzee.
Early Career: Al Ain Zoo and Move to Dubai
In 1983, I accepted my first role in the UAE as the Curator of Birds at Al Ain Zoo. My work involved field studies, developing aviaries, and enhancing animal care, laying a strong foundation for my conservation work. Just five years later, I moved to Dubai, where I took on the role of Zoo Director at Dubai Zoo, living onsite in a six-bedroom villa that had been constructed by the zoo's founder. This unique setting allowed my family to be close to the animals, which fostered their own love for wildlife.
Contributions at Dubai Zoo
My time at Dubai Zoo was marked by several transformative changes. I initiated the zoo’s first drainage system, developed a specialized maintenance team, and enhanced the facilities to improve both animal welfare and public experience. Under my stewardship, Dubai Zoo achieved significant milestones, including becoming the first zoo in the Middle East to join the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). We also became the world’s smallest zoo to breed and release greater flamingos and the first to breed the rare Socotra cormorant, releasing 50 of these zoo-bred birds back into the wild. These accomplishments underscore the zoo's role in wildlife conservation and reflect my commitment to ethical and sustainable animal management.
Beyond Dubai Zoo
When I joined Dubai Zoo in the late 1980s, I envisioned creating a safari experience in Dubai that would immerse visitors in a naturalistic setting and highlight the region’s unique wildlife. This idea began to take root in the early 1990s, fueled by leadership’s vision and dedication to wildlife, which were crucial in shaping the project. With their support, we transformed a simple concept into today’s Dubai Safari—a world-class destination where people can connect with nature, observe endangered species up close, and understand the importance of biodiversity. Seeing this vision realized has been incredibly rewarding, fulfilling a dream that started decades ago.
Al Marmoom Conservation Centre
Working at Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve has given me the unique opportunity to conduct invaluable field research. I've recorded numerous wildlife sightings, carefully monitored breeding patterns, and gathered essential data on species behavior in their natural habitats. This work has deepened my understanding of the UAE’s ecosystems and contributes to preserving its delicate biodiversity.