800-YEAR OLD OLIVE TREE IN ABU DHABI



Image Credit: Abdel-Krim Kallouche/Gulf News

Olive trees such as this particular specimen, part of the Olea Europaea species, are not common to the UAE, but grow wild in other parts of the Middle East.



This native of the Mediterranean region is not a common sight in the UAE. But an 800-year-old specimen has managed to make its way to the capital from Lebanon. The olive tree, which was originally brought here to beautify the surroundings, has now gone on to occupy the pride of place at the entrance of the future Rawdhat residential district in Abu Dhabi. Looking at the tree's journey to the capital.

Abu Dhabi: On the side of a busy highway in the capital, a lone tree with silvery grey leaves stands guard. The olive tree, a native of the eastern Mediterranean coast, has been in the UAE for only nine months. But it is already spreading its roots in its new home, and drawing the attention of everyone who passes by it.

BIRTHDAY PRAYER

Thank you, God, for giving me another year of life.
Thank you for all the people who remembered me today
by sending cards, and letters, gifts and good wishes.

Thank you for all the experience of this past year;
for times of success which will always be happy memories,
for times of failure which reminded me of my own weakness and of my need for you,
for times of joy when the sun was shining,
for times of sadness which drove me to you.

Forgive me
for the hours I wasted,
for the chances I failed to take,
for the opportunities I missed this past year.

Help me in the days ahead to make this the best year yet,
and through it to bring good credit to myself,
happiness and pride to my loved ones,
and joy to you.
Amen.

Thank you God for the wonderful blessings, friends and acquaintances who love and like me, and my family who are always there for me. To everyone, thank you very much for being around to be my mentor and true friend in life. Maraming Salamat po!!!
~ Isabel Saguinsin II

MANILA ZOOLOGICAL & BOTANICAL GARDENS

On July 25, 1959, the Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden opened its doors to the public. It serves as one of the educational centers in the country where the viewing public can observe, discover and learn interesting facts about the beauty of Philippine fauna and flora.

   

The zoo has 30 different kinds of mammals, 63 reptile species and 13 types of birds. The Manila Zoo also has a "kinder" zoo where children can play with tamed animals and learn about them and their environment. The "kinder" zoo features a butterfly dome, exotic birds aviary, koi pond, a petting zoo, turtle pond, party barn, a hanging bridge, playground, and a flamingo pond. Here you can also see exotic animals like the Kayman Crocodiles, peacocks, Peahen Ducks, different types of chickens from all over the world, rabbits, snakes, Sulcata Tortoises and Ostriches.

  

The zoo occupies 5.5 hectares of land and it houses several endemic and indigenous animals such as the long tailed macaques, crocodiles and the bearcats.