Pet-friendly cafes are nothing new, but Abu Dhabi has taken things to a new level. Enter Boomah Cafe, the first owl cafe in the Middle East. Inspired by Japanese owl cafes, Boomah offers a unique experience where you can learn about and even hold nine resident owls. Boomah Owl Cafe in Abu Dhabi has recently gone viral for all the wrong reasons. While some viewers find the concept intriguing, many netizens express outrage, labelling it as ‘animal cruelty’.
Controversial Concept Of Boomah Cafe In Abu Dhabi Draws Criticism
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Boomah offers visitors a chance to enjoy their coffee surrounded by owls. However, the cafe’s viral clips sparked a heated debate online. Critics argue that keeping owls in a cafe environment is unethical. They claim that the loud noises and constant human interaction cause stress and harm to the birds. Cafe owner Mohamed Al Shehhi insists the owls’ wellbeing is a top priority. The cafe opens at 2 pm daily, giving the owls plenty of rest time. “Some of the owls at Boomah can never live in the wild,” Al Shehhi explained. Take Venus, a Tawny Owl with a wing deformity. Thanks to Boomah’s care, Venus is now a healthy eight-year-old living her best life despite her disability.
Al Shehhi emphasized that Boomah has adapted the owl cafe concept to suit Middle Eastern sensibilities. Yet, the internet remains divided. A video by content creator Little Foodie has garnered over 84,000 likes and 1.7 million views on Instagram, but the comments section is a minefield of controversy.
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Netizens Demand Better Treatment For Owls
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Social media platforms are flooded with comments from concerned viewers. “Birds should be free unless they need rehab. Making money off caged animals seems so wrong,” one user commented. Another added, “Can we stop using animals for entertainment and money? This is wrong on every level.” Critics argue that the owls should be in sanctuaries, not cafes, and that using them as props sends the wrong message about wildlife conservation.
Al Shehhi counters these concerns by highlighting the cafe’s educational aspect and the care provided to the owls. He believes Boomah offers a safe environment for owls that cannot survive in the wild. However, the debate rages on.
Also Read: Abu Dhabi Just Got Its First Cat Cafe & It Is Purr- Fect
While the idea of an owl cafe may seem novel and appealing to some, it raises significant ethical questions. The response from netizens underscores the importance of considering the animals’ needs and ensuring their protection in such ventures. As the debate continues, the future of Boomah and similar establishments remains uncertain.
Cover Image Courtesy: Boomah Cafe/ Instagram
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