Abu Dhabi released 117 falcons in Kazakhstan in celebration of twenty consecutive years of its programmes to restore falcons to the wild. The first release took place in 1995 under the Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme. During the 20 years 1,671 of the culturally significant species have been returned to the wild. This year release is the greatest-ever single-year release in the history of the programme).  Of the 117 birds released in Kazakhstan this year, 99 were Peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) and 18 were Saker falcons (Falco cherrug). All the peregrines were released in the west of Kazakhstan near the Caspian Sea, while the Saker falcons were set free in the east of Kazakhstan on the southern edge of the Altai Mountains.

Commenting on the anniversary, H.E. Mohamed Al Bowardi, Managing Director of EAD said: "It was his passion for the natural world which inspired the late Sheikh Zayed to establish Abu Dhabi's falcon release and captive breeding programme. That we are able to honour his legacy with this twentieth anniversary is due to the patronage and commitment of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and other rulers."

Brigadier (Rtd.) Mukhtar, who was present at the first falcon release in 1995, commented on the occasion by saying: "This is a very special anniversary and I am as delighted to be present now as I was twenty years ago to witness the release of these special birds."

Under the Sheikh Zayed Falcon Release Programme, birds have also been released in Pakistan, Iran and Kyrgyzstan. However, as a result of many years of monitoring, Kazakhstan has been identified as providing the best environment for the falcons to survive after their release. The country is an ideal location to release falcons because its mountains and plains are situated within the falcons' migration range and host prey essential for falcons to breed and prosper. 

The falcons are those donated to the programme or confiscated by authorities due to violations of laws and regulations. The falcons undergo  medical testing and extensive training before being released. All the released falcons were tagged with microchips at Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital before their release. Four peregrine falcons and five saker falcons were fitted with solar-powered satellite transmitters to monitor their paths.

The importance of falconry was globally recognised in 2010 when it was listed by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage to Humanity. Through teachings, generations of falconers have learnt to respect nature and  value conservation. The programme proves that preserving culture and promoting conservation go hand-in-hand forming a partnership of mutual benefit. Today most falconers are conservationists, following in the footsteps of the man who is our inspiration, Sheikh Zayed.