Set in a rain forest environment, Singapore Zoo's world famous "Open Concept” offers the opportunity to experience and be inspired by the wonders of nature.Home to over 2,500 specimens from 315 species, 16% of which are threatened, the Zoo has attained a strong reputation internationally for its conservation initiatives and breeding programs.
The Singapore Zoo is part of Wildlife Reserves Singapore. The Zoo is designated a wildlife rescue center by the governing authority.
The animals are kept in spacious, landscaped enclosures, separated from the visitors by either dry or wet moats. The moats are concealed with vegetation or dropped below the line of vision. In the case of dangerous animals which can climb very well, moat barriers are not used. Instead, these animals are housed in landscaped glass-fronted enclosures.
The zoo also offers various modes of rides available within the premises: trams, animals, boat, pony and horse carriage rides. Additional modes of transportation which can only be rented include: strollers, wagon and wheelchairs.
History:
The conception of the Singapore Zoo dates from 1969. The then Executive Chairman of Public Utilities Board, Dr Ong Swee Law, set aside 88 hectares of land for the construction of a zoological garden. In 1971, the construction of the basic 50 enclosures started. Animals were collected from dealers and donated by sponsors.
On 23 June 1973, the Singapore Zoo opened with a collection of 270 animals from over 72 species. By 1990, 1,600 animals from more than 160 species lived in social groups and were housed in 65 landscaped exhibits.
Night Safari
Introduction:
The Night Safari is the world's first nocturnal zoo and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Singapore.
Constructed at a cost of S$63 million, the Night Safari was officially opened on 26 May 1994 and occupies 40 hectares of secondary rainforests.
The Night Safari currently houses a total of 1,040 animals of 120 species, of which 29% are threatened species.
The Night Safari is an entire open-air zoo set in a humid tropical forest that is only open at night which can be explored either on foot or by tram.
The animals of the Night Safari are made visible by lighting that resembles moonlight which is dim enough not to disturb nocturnal animals' behavior.
Exhibits in the safari come from South America and other parts of Asia. The enclosures simulate the animals' habitat. Animals are separated from visitors with natural barriers, rather than caged. Cattle grids are laid all over the park to prevent animals from moving one habitat to another.
Personal account:
The ebony-black sky was lit up with the dancing flames of the torches. They spread out in a snake-like pattern creating a path easy for us to see. The animals were active and prowling around. The Safari had successfully created an environment where the animals were comfortable they had managed to create a man-made habitat. The enclosures were secure to prevent any mishaps to take place and were close enough for us to see the minute details one usually misses at zoos. The atmosphere was full of life, the tiny shuffling of deer in the bushes to the leaps of tigers from rocks to rocks.
Night Safari
The Night Safari is the world's first nocturnal zoo and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Singapore.
Constructed at a cost of S$63 million, the Night Safari was officially opened on 26 May 1994 and occupies 40 hectares of secondary rainforests.
The Night Safari currently houses a total of 1,040 animals of 120 species, of which 29% are threatened species.
The animals of the Night Safari are made visible by lighting that resembles moonlight which is dim enough not to disturb nocturnal animals' behavior.
Exhibits in the safari come from South America and other parts of Asia. The enclosures simulate the animals' habitat. Animals are separated from visitors with natural barriers, rather than caged. Cattle grids are laid all over the park to prevent animals from moving one habitat to another.
Personal account:
The ebony-black sky was lit up with the dancing flames of the torches. They spread out in a snake-like pattern creating a path easy for us to see. The animals were active and prowling around. The Safari had successfully created an environment where the animals were comfortable they had managed to create a man-made habitat. The enclosures were secure to prevent any mishaps to take place and were close enough for us to see the minute details one usually misses at zoos. The atmosphere was full of life, the tiny shuffling of deer in the bushes to the leaps of tigers from rocks to rocks. This was truly a wonderful experience and a must-go for all tourists and Singaporeans. It has instilled in me a love for nature. The organization has been extremely successful and competent in bringing out the best habitat man can possibly offer to the animals.
Directions:
One can take the MRT to Bugis Station and then change trains and take the MRT to Ang Mo Kio. Then take SBS Bus Number 138 at the Bus Terminal outside of MRT station and then alight at 80 Mandai Lake Rd. Click on the link below to see a map
