Locking horns

A very early start to the day today for a wildlife safari on Sir Bani Yas island. The island was originally barren until Sheikh Zayed, the founder of the UAE, imported 2.5 million trees and 25,000 wild animals including cheetah, hyena, giraffes, oryx and lots of different types of antelope.

The kids were fascinated by seeing a carcass left by a cheetah from a kill yesterday and the story of how the male cheetah ate one of his sons and is trying to kill the other because he invaded his territory. The young cub has been put into a safe area but they plan to release him soon and let nature take its course (he may even be big enough to eat his father now according to the guide).

They are doing important conservation work here, even if they are importing 10 million litres of water a day from the mainland to do it. They have probably the world's largest colony of Arabian Oryx, which became extinct in the wild in 1982, and other vulnerable species like the barbary sheep all thriving on this large island.

All in all, a great start to the day. Now for a hard days sunbathing and relaxing by the pool!