Children learn falcon care at Saudi hunting exhibition

A new interactive clinic at the Saudi International Falcons and Hunting Exhibition 2026 is teaching children how veterinarians diagnose and treat falcon illnesses. The hands-on program is part of an expanded Future Falconer Village in Riyadh and is designed to build awareness of bird health and responsible falconry.

Why it matters: - The Falcon Clinic gives children a practical introduction to veterinary medicine through falcon health. - The program also reinforces the responsibilities that come with caring for falcons, a central part of Saudi falconry culture. - The exhibition’s expanded Future Falconer Village adds educational attractions aimed at younger visitors.

What happened: - Children attending the Saudi International Falcons and Hunting Exhibition 2026 are taking part in supervised activities at a new Falcon Clinic. - The clinic is part of the exhibition’s Future Falconer Village in Riyadh. - The exhibition runs through Saturday at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center in Malham, north of the Saudi capital. - The event is organized by the National Center for Falcons under the theme “A Destination for Everyone.”

The details: - Children learn how to identify symptoms of three falcon diseases and how those illnesses are diagnosed and treated. - Dr. Muhtadi Omar leads the coccidiosis activity, explaining how the parasitic disease affects a falcon’s digestive system and how it spreads. - Children examine samples under a microscope to look for parasites as part of the diagnostic lesson. - Dr. Hamed Mohammed leads the thrush activity, where children learn symptoms that can include white patches, difficulty breathing or swallowing, and lethargy. - Participants then complete a short quiz after identifying possible cases. - Dr. Mohammed Salah introduces bumblefoot, a condition that affects the underside of a falcon’s feet and can make standing difficult. - The bumblefoot activity highlights the role of hygiene and proper care in prevention and treatment. - Future Falconer Village also includes storytelling sessions, augmented reality activities and an artificial intelligence experience that creates images of children with falcons perched on their hands.

Between the lines: - The clinic uses entertainment-style activities to teach medical concepts in a way that is accessible to children. - The mix of hands-on science and digital attractions suggests the exhibition is broadening beyond traditional falcon displays. - The educational format also helps frame falconry as a practice tied to animal welfare, not just heritage.

What's next: - Families visiting the exhibition through Saturday can continue to explore the Falcon Clinic and other Future Falconer Village attractions. - The format could serve as a model for future youth-focused programming at falconry events. - The exhibition’s emphasis on learning and participation points to more interactive programming in future editions.