Animal-lovers flock to show

The popular Mara’ee Bahrain International Animal Production Show caused traffic chaos at the weekend as hundreds of thousands of eager animal-lovers flocked to the festival, writes Kristian Harrison.
 
The third bi-annual fair, located at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir, featured more than 180 exhibitors from 35 countries.

According to its organisers, the Municipalities and Urban Planning Affairs Ministry, the four-day event pulled in around 230,000 visitors on its opening day and the following days had figures in the region of 160,000.

The cat and bird menageries, a sea kingdom, dog and horse shows, various farm animals for sale, as well as children’s bouncy castles and rides were just a few of the many attractions on hand.

Elena Uarooni , 31, a housewife from Hamad Town, was originally planning to showcase her beautiful Caucasian Shepherd, Mishka, at the event’s dog show but long queues to the venue meant they missed the appointment.

However, it didn’t prevent her from reaching the attraction on the following day. Elena said: “We tried to come on Saturday but we were stuck for more than two hours in traffic because of the sheer number of people heading to the festival. We didn’t manage to make it in the end.

“Luckily, we made it early on Sunday and since many people were at work, it only took us 15 minutes to get in. If we’d have left it later, we’d have been waiting again. The traffic was bumper-to-bumper on the way out.

“It’s wonderful that these events happen in Bahrain. I feel that it’s so important that people of all ages see and learn about animals and witness the diverse species we have here in Bahrain. I definitely can’t wait for it to return.”

It was fortunate that Elena and her three-year-old son Daniel, who attends St Christopher’s Nursery School, made it when they did because once the schools were out, the highway was jam-packed once more with families anxious to get a glimpse of the action.

Mishka, whose giant-size belied her actual age of nine months, was one of the many unique breeds that stole the spotlight. Children and adults alike couldn’t get enough of the friendly-bear-like beast as they rushed to stroke her and have their photo taken alongside her.

Cats were also a big hit with visitors. Children were cooing over the Himalayan and Persian kittens in the giant cat tent.

Hanah Mohamed, a cat breeder, and owner of Paws Bahrain, from Riffa, presented her fluffy kitties and said: “I have been breeding cats ever since I was a young girl and am happy to share my cats with others. We had a lot of inquiries about them. Also, a lot of kids and adults were excited to pet and play with them.

“This is our third year taking part and we would definitely come back again. The fair has a lot of activities for families. It gives parents the chance to introduce their children to different animals.”

There were also live expos, a trade exhibition, an outdoor theatre, an art gallery, a rodeo, a bio-poultry farm, children’s stations and an educational zone.

The main attraction came in the form of Lorenzo The Flying Frenchman who captivated the crowd with his riding skills. His show and display features a combination of gymnastics and horsemanship.

Other areas that attracted many visitors were the farmers’ market, which featured a variety of exotic animals such as bats, iguanas, squirrels and pythons.

Ali Al Qatari, 26, owner of Snake Show, has been raising the scaly reptiles since he was 10. The snake charmer from Budaiya, said: “I only raise purebreds such as the albino python and Burmese python, nothing poisonous. I teach children and adults not to be scared of snakes by staging exhibitions or attending birthday parties and private parties.

“I take part in this exhibition every time it comes around and I always get tons of people coming to my booth to carry my snakes. In fact, if I’m not there, people will ring me to find out when I will be around. Some will even wait for me to show up.”

Farzana Ramesh’s sons, Rahul, 13 and Rohit, nine, both students at the New Indian School, couldn’t get enough of the creatures. The 38-year-old mum from Khamis said: “My children love all animals and this event gives them a chance to get up close to them. We don’t have any pets because we live in an apartment. This is why it’s great to come to places like this.”

Another family business, two stalls down from the snake man, was showing unconventional pets such as iguanas, squirrels and bats. Mohamed Jassim, 20, from Hamad Town, said: “Our exotic animals have been attracting the crowds. “We have fruit bats from East Asia which are a top seller. You would be surprised with what people in Bahrain buy as pets.”

The bats were being sold at BD150, the iguanas at BD60 and squirrels snapped up for BD80. Mohamed also had rabbits for BD7, chicks for 500fils and ducks at BD7.

Mohamed said: “I wish they could stage this exhibition every year or perhaps every six months. It’s great for business and gives families a chance to see different types of animals.”

While children picked up scores of chicks and fish, families were entertained by a band of musical hens that didn’t cluck, but instead plucked at guitar strings.

On the other side of the massive exhibition was a Bahraini market selling clothing, accessories and traditional tasty food such as savoury Harees and sweet awwameh.

Nearby was a camel farm which one child was particularly enamoured with. While three-year-old Sarah Fakhro Janahi stroked a camel, her father Fakhro, 39, from Riffa, beamed at his daughter’s bravery.

Fakhro, a real estate executive, said: “Sarah loves animals. She has been talking to the camel and would climb into his pen for a cuddle if she could. This event has been great for our family. The minute we heard about it, we rushed over.”