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Thousands of families and friends flocked to the fifth edition of the Mara’ee Bahrain International Animal Production Show in Sakhir to pet puppies, cuddle cats and learn about the art of falcon flying.
The five-day event, staged at the Bahrain International Endurance Village, once again featured a plethora of animals, including a range of farm exhibits and bird menageries, as well as canine and horse shows.
To add to the family mix there were bouncy castles for the little ones, a range of entertainment, a petting corner and a farmer’s market. New attractions included a horse show from Turkmenistan, a National Geographic’s corner with a virtual animals’ world, a decorative chicken and birds section, as well as an art exhibition.
Animal-loving University of Bahrain computer engineering student Shereen Abdulqader, 20, believes the event was a unique way to help educate people on how to care for animals.
“Mara’ee is an amazing show,” said Shereen from Hamad Town. “You get the chance to see all the animals up close, play and interact with them and learn about the different breeds. I especially enjoyed the bird tent as I have cockatiels of my own.”
The cat and chicken menageries proved popular with children and adults alike. Little ones were able to pet kittens in the feline tent while the chickens and roosters had visitors smiling in awe at their different shapes, sizes, colouring and feathering.
The tent was aptly called The Fancy Chicken and many of them lived up to the title such as the cream coloured, big feathered Silkie and the odd-looking Transylvanian Naked Neck.
The traditional falconry offering also drew in a large crowd with all ages holding the majestic birds with care and taking ‘selfies’ with them. There were around 14 species of falcons for visitors to admire.
Salah Hoori Isa, 49, has been raising falcons for more than 30 years and was eager to introduce six of his prized falcons to the crowd. He said: “I want to educate people on the different types of falcons, such as the Shaheen Falcon and Gyrfalcon. It gives children and adults a chance to find out more about these birds and ask whatever questions they want.”
There was also a section called The Barn featuring ducks, geese and other forms of fabulous fowl for people to pet. Husain Alahmed, 27, and Amna Al Ashar, 25, said their little daughters, Huda, three, and Layla, one, were impressed.
Amna said: “Mara’ee is fantastic! Our daughters love animals and they really enjoyed the cows and goats. This event is great for the entire family and there are so many activities to enjoy.”
As children squealed on the massive bouncy castle corner featuring giant unicorns, flamingos, gazelles and other animal caricatures, parents made their way to the Farmers’ Market for a spot of shopping.
Visitors snapped up vegetables, dates and honey from the vending area and pet supplies were on offer.
Stall owner, Aqeel Abdul Nabi Khayami, was delighted to show off his blue and yellow macaw Coo Coo and all the tricks it could do. Children were able to carry him in their arms like a baby and would happily sit on shoulders.
Aqeel, who also had a sheep exhibit, said: “I’ve had Coo Coo for five years and he is such a friendly bird. He will show off by performing fun tricks. I want to help educate people on not being afraid of birds like Coo Coo and how to properly care for them.”
The canine tent was another hit with families as they were introduced to different breeds such as Doberman pinchers, German shepherds, beagles, huskies, boxers and the regal saluki.
Aside from the various tents, there was also a cowboy village featuring the Muharraq Horse Riding School with an old western-style town and corral feel for people to sit and enjoy.
There were many chill zones around the massive venue too as well for people to rest their feet and feast in the food court section.
Siblings Sarah Ebrahim, 23, and Mohammed, 20, from Hamad Town, were thrilled to have attended and can’t wait to go back next year. Sarah said: “I loved everything about the event especially the horses and dogs. I can’t wait for it to return.”
The grand animal exhibition was opened under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad and the Undersecretary for Agriculture and Marine Resources, Mara’ee 2019 executive committee chairman Shaikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Khalifa extended his thanks to HM the King for his royal patronage.
