[10] In 1968 Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the late Ruler of Abu Dhabi and President of the United Arab Emirates joined efforts and decided on founding a national zoo.

Having said that, they continued their statement that concluded that the zoo's intention to import African elephants does not meet WAZA's Code of Ethics.

The decision comes after careful examination of evidence related to importing wild-caught African elephants from Namibia, which the Council agreed constituted multiple breaches of EAZA Codes and Standards.

[20][21] Al Ain Zoo has implemented a sustainability initiative by cultivating 211.2 tons of plant-based food annually in a dedicated nursery.

The zoo grows various local and non-local plant species like Sidr, Ghaf, Hibiscus, and others to ensure a steady food supply for its animals.