A few decades ago, the Arabian Oryx was all but extinct - the only remaining specimens being those held in zoos in various parts of the world. The oryx farm at Shahaniya is at the hub of the project to save this creature and I can only say it seems to be doing a pretty good job.
After a look round the centre, a talk and video filled us in on everything I could possibly have wanted to know, although I'm afraid to say it still left me slightly unclear on things like dates and numbers, so I won't go into details here. It was heartening to meet local people who are passionate about conservation in this region where oil-fuelled consumerism is king.
The organisation also runs two large reserves where the oryx, and other species of antelopey things, live in a more natural or wild habitat. These can not be visited, but the video gave an impression of suitable huge expanses of flat desert. The video was at great pains to reassure us that although these reserves took up a large amount of land, they had been strategically placed so that they didn't get in the way of building or development. Heaven forbid.
The farm is well worth a visit, but you'll need to call first - it's not open on a public drop-in basis.
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