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Pet-friendly cafes are all the rage, but Abu Dhabi has taken the concept to a whole new level with the Middle East’s first owl cafe. Boomah Cafe, home to nine owls, offers visitors a chance to interact with these majestic birds for 70 Dirhams (about ₹1500). The cafe's unique concept quickly went viral, but not everyone is a fan. Many internet users have labeled it as "animal cruelty."
Boomah Cafe has captured significant attention online, and owner Mohamed Al Shehhi insists that the owls' wellbeing is paramount. Speaking to Time Out, Al Shehhi emphasized that the cafe opens at 2 pm daily, allowing the owls to rest undisturbed through the night and morning.
“Some of the owls at Boomah can never live in the wild,” he explained. Venus, a Tawny Owl, has a wing deformity that prevents her from flying at high altitudes or long distances. Under Boomah's care, she is now a healthy and happy eight-year-old owl.
Al Shehhi also shared that the concept was inspired by Japanese Owl Cafes, but with enhancements to suit Middle Eastern culture. The cafe's schedule ensures the owls get ample rest, and they roam freely when the cafe is closed.
However, not everyone is convinced. Content creator Little Foodie shared a video of the cafe on Instagram, highlighting the owls’ names, species, and the cafe’s operating hours. The clip, which has garnered over 84,000 likes and 1.7 million views, sparked a heated debate.
One user commented, "Birds should be free unless they need rehab. It seems wrong to make money off caged animals." Another questioned, "Can we stop using animals for entertainment and money? This is wrong on every level."
Many echoed these sentiments, calling the practice animal cruelty. “When will animal entertainment be stopped for good? These birds are trapped in chains, it's heartbreaking,” remarked one person. Others urged the community to boycott the cafe, arguing that it sends the wrong message about wildlife conservation.
While Boomah Cafe insists their practices prioritize the owls’ wellbeing, the online community remains divided. The debate highlights ongoing concerns about the ethical treatment of animals in entertainment and the need for responsible wildlife care.
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