View Fireworks and enjoy the atmosphere at Countdown 08/09.
Merry X'mas and Happy New Year!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Countdown at Singapore Marina Barrage
View Fireworks and enjoy the atmosphere at Countdown 08/09.
Merry X'mas and Happy New Year!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Donations
HELP US HELP THE ANIMALS
ACRES is a local charity and we depend heavily on public support and contributions to continue our mission of ending the exploitation of all animals.
We need funds to conduct fieldwork, publish reports and educational materials, rescue animals and campaign for a better life for all animals.
ACRES has the Institution of Public Character (IPC) status (Registration no. IPC000559). This means that donations to ACRES qualify for double tax exemption. For example, if you donate $100 to ACRES, $200 will be deducted from your taxable income.
ACRES address:
91 Jalan Lekar, Singapore 698917
Fax: + 65 6892 9721
http://www.acres.org.sg/donate.html
ACRES is a local charity and we depend heavily on public support and contributions to continue our mission of ending the exploitation of all animals.
We need funds to conduct fieldwork, publish reports and educational materials, rescue animals and campaign for a better life for all animals.
ACRES has the Institution of Public Character (IPC) status (Registration no. IPC000559). This means that donations to ACRES qualify for double tax exemption. For example, if you donate $100 to ACRES, $200 will be deducted from your taxable income.
ACRES address:
91 Jalan Lekar, Singapore 698917
Fax: + 65 6892 9721
http://www.acres.org.sg/donate.html
Friday, December 26, 2008
Taiwan & China - thru Pandas
Two Chinese pandas whose combined names mean "reunion" arrived in Taiwan on Tuesday, the latest installment in a Beijing charm offensive aimed at convincing the island's people to embrace their Communist rival.
A male panda, "Tuan Tuan," and his female companion, "Yuan Yuan," set down at the Taipei airport after a three-hour flight from southwestern China, as millions of Taiwanese watched spellbound on local television. Chinese pandas are usually loaned abroad in pairs, with hopes that they will mate.
Knots of eager onlookers at the zoo waited to see the couple _ the first-ever pandas to inhabit the island _ though all they could see was the red, panda-ornamented tarpaulin covering the pandas' cages.
The giant panda is unique to China and serves as an unofficial national mascot. China regularly sends the animals abroad as a sign of warm diplomatic relations or to mark breakthroughs in ties.
Front-page photographs of the pandas in their native Sichuan province habitat were splashed across Taiwanese papers Tuesday and TV stations followed their flight to Taipei with breathless updates.
The pandas' arrival _ more than three years in the making _ comes amid rapidly improving relations between Taiwan and China, which split amid civil war in 1949.
Only a week ago they initiated daily air and direct maritime links across the 100-mile- (160-kilometer-) wide Taiwan Strait, and several days later China agreed to loan 130 billion yuan ($19 billion) to mainland-based Taiwanese companies struggling to keep afloat in the global economic slowdown.
The rapid-fire Chinese moves underscore the determination of the Beijing government to leverage Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou's readiness to turn his back on his predecessor's contentious anti-China policies _ and move closer to Beijing's ultimate goal of China-Taiwan unity.
Since his inauguration seven months ago, Ma has moved aggressively to link Taiwan closer to the mainland, opening the door to a substantially increased flow of Chinese tourists and sanctioning a more liberalized regime for bilateral investments on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.
His steps contrast sharply with predecessor Chen Shui-bian's efforts to emphasize Taiwan's political and cultural separateness, which enraged Beijing, and prompted it to reaffirm long-standing threats to use military force against the democratic island it claims as its own.
Tuesday's voyage for Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan began at the Chengdu airport, where the two animals were loaded on a green-liveried charter operated by Taiwan's Eva Airways.
After the three-hour flight across southern China and the Taiwan Strait, Yuan Yuan and Tuan Tuan were taken from Taipei airport for the short trip to the city's zoo, where they are expected to remain in quarantine for 30 days.
The pandas _ and their new, two-story zoo habitat _ will be unveiled to the public during the Chinese Lunar New Year holiday in late January.
China expects big benefits from its panda largesse.
For more than five decades, Beijing has used panda diplomacy to make friends and influence people in countries ranging from the United States to the former Soviet Union.
The offer to send Yuan Yuan and Tuan Tuan to Taiwan was first made in 2005 when the pro-independence Chen was still in charge. Citing various bureaucratic obstacles, his government rejected it, but after Ma's inauguration in May, the way was cleared to reverse that decision.
While most Taiwanese support Ma's panda stand and his overall policy of greater China engagement, they still reject unity with the mainland, seeing it as a direct threat to their hard-won democratic freedoms.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Singapore Flyer Halted
The world's largest observation wheel, the Singapore Flyer, will be closed until investigations into Tuesday's incident are complete.
A major power disruption left 173 passengers stranded for about six hours.
Police say operations will be allowed to resume once the ride is certified safe.
All trapped passengers were able to leave their capsules after the Singapore Flyer resumed rotating at about 11:11pm (1511 GMT) on Tuesday.
Earlier, a few passengers were lowered down to safety in a sling-like device from one of the observation capsules.
A 59-year-old woman complaining of dizziness, and a boy who vomited were taken to hospital, said Lieutenant Colonel N. Subhas, of the Singapore Civil Defence Force.
A spokeswoman for the attraction said about 173 people were onboard the wheel when a short circuit in one of the drive motors occurred at around 5:00pm.
At least five passengers were lifted through the hatch on top of each capsule and winched to the ground by a private rescue firm engaged by Singapore Flyer.
The Flyer's technical team managed to isolate the problem and restored electricity, including the air-conditioning, to the capsules. The team also worked with the Singapore Civil Defence Force to resolve the problem.
Those stranded were provided with food and drink.
Mr Steven Yeo, General Manager of the Singapore Flyer, said: "At 4.50pm, we experienced an electrical problem on our drive unit number 1, north unit, which caused several of our electrical supplies to be cut. The defect has actually been isolated. We found it to be the drive unit itself. The rest of the wheel, the rest of the supply, is in full functioning order at the moment."
A passenger who was stuck in one of the capsules said there was a sudden jerk before the wheel stopped turning. An announcement a few minutes later said there was a technical error.
Madam Lim Boon Siang, a passenger stuck in one of the capsules, said: "About 4.30pm or 4.15pm, after we passed the maximum altitude, it suddenly jerked to a stop, and then for a good five to 10 minutes, we waited.
"We thought that this could be something normal. And then there was a message that came in that said that it has stopped temporary. Everybody was calm, but initially the air-con was switched off, so it was very hot due to the evening sun. They opened up the air ventilator, and the air-con is working now."
She said there were about 10 other people, including children, in her cabin.
The spokesperson said: "Their safety was never at risk while they were in the capsules. Every capsule is equipped with an intercom system which is linked to the control room - for passengers and the control room personnel to communicate.
"Our staff promptly informed passengers of the situation and reassured them that measures were being taken to fix the technical problem. There are also surveillance cameras installed in every capsule for the operations team to monitor what is going on in all capsules."
Singapore Flyer has reimbursed all affected passengers for their tickets and is making alternative transport arrangements for travellers who missed their flights to Europe and coaches to Malaysia.
A ride on the 165-metre tall wheel, about 42 storeys high, typically takes half an hour and each capsule can take up to 28 people.
Since the Flyer became operational in February this year, this is the third time it has encountered problems.
The last time a technical glitch occurred was just three weeks ago, on December 4. The wheel was stuck for nearly five hours due to extreme weather conditions and some 70 people were affected. In July, the Flyer stopped due to a minor fault in the braking system.
Unlike cramped, old-style Ferris wheel carriages that hang in the open air, the Singapore Flyer and other large observation wheels feature fixed "capsules".
The 28 sleek-looking capsules - about the size of a city bus - can hold up to 28 people, and passengers can walk around during the slowly-moving ride.
The Singapore Flyer, worth about S$240 million (US$171 million), was a private venture backed mainly by German investors and built by Mitsubishi Corp and Takenaka Corp of Japan.
Singapore-based Great Wheel Corp is also building wheels in Beijing and Berlin, which will edge out the Singapore Flyer as the world's biggest when they begin turning in about two years, the chairman of Singapore Flyer, Florian Bollen, said before the attraction opened. - AFP
Visit the Singapore Zoo then.
A major power disruption left 173 passengers stranded for about six hours.
Police say operations will be allowed to resume once the ride is certified safe.
All trapped passengers were able to leave their capsules after the Singapore Flyer resumed rotating at about 11:11pm (1511 GMT) on Tuesday.
Earlier, a few passengers were lowered down to safety in a sling-like device from one of the observation capsules.
A 59-year-old woman complaining of dizziness, and a boy who vomited were taken to hospital, said Lieutenant Colonel N. Subhas, of the Singapore Civil Defence Force.
A spokeswoman for the attraction said about 173 people were onboard the wheel when a short circuit in one of the drive motors occurred at around 5:00pm.
At least five passengers were lifted through the hatch on top of each capsule and winched to the ground by a private rescue firm engaged by Singapore Flyer.
The Flyer's technical team managed to isolate the problem and restored electricity, including the air-conditioning, to the capsules. The team also worked with the Singapore Civil Defence Force to resolve the problem.
Those stranded were provided with food and drink.
Mr Steven Yeo, General Manager of the Singapore Flyer, said: "At 4.50pm, we experienced an electrical problem on our drive unit number 1, north unit, which caused several of our electrical supplies to be cut. The defect has actually been isolated. We found it to be the drive unit itself. The rest of the wheel, the rest of the supply, is in full functioning order at the moment."
A passenger who was stuck in one of the capsules said there was a sudden jerk before the wheel stopped turning. An announcement a few minutes later said there was a technical error.
Madam Lim Boon Siang, a passenger stuck in one of the capsules, said: "About 4.30pm or 4.15pm, after we passed the maximum altitude, it suddenly jerked to a stop, and then for a good five to 10 minutes, we waited.
"We thought that this could be something normal. And then there was a message that came in that said that it has stopped temporary. Everybody was calm, but initially the air-con was switched off, so it was very hot due to the evening sun. They opened up the air ventilator, and the air-con is working now."
She said there were about 10 other people, including children, in her cabin.
The spokesperson said: "Their safety was never at risk while they were in the capsules. Every capsule is equipped with an intercom system which is linked to the control room - for passengers and the control room personnel to communicate.
"Our staff promptly informed passengers of the situation and reassured them that measures were being taken to fix the technical problem. There are also surveillance cameras installed in every capsule for the operations team to monitor what is going on in all capsules."
Singapore Flyer has reimbursed all affected passengers for their tickets and is making alternative transport arrangements for travellers who missed their flights to Europe and coaches to Malaysia.
A ride on the 165-metre tall wheel, about 42 storeys high, typically takes half an hour and each capsule can take up to 28 people.
Since the Flyer became operational in February this year, this is the third time it has encountered problems.
The last time a technical glitch occurred was just three weeks ago, on December 4. The wheel was stuck for nearly five hours due to extreme weather conditions and some 70 people were affected. In July, the Flyer stopped due to a minor fault in the braking system.
Unlike cramped, old-style Ferris wheel carriages that hang in the open air, the Singapore Flyer and other large observation wheels feature fixed "capsules".
The 28 sleek-looking capsules - about the size of a city bus - can hold up to 28 people, and passengers can walk around during the slowly-moving ride.
The Singapore Flyer, worth about S$240 million (US$171 million), was a private venture backed mainly by German investors and built by Mitsubishi Corp and Takenaka Corp of Japan.
Singapore-based Great Wheel Corp is also building wheels in Beijing and Berlin, which will edge out the Singapore Flyer as the world's biggest when they begin turning in about two years, the chairman of Singapore Flyer, Florian Bollen, said before the attraction opened. - AFP
Visit the Singapore Zoo then.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Christmas at Park
Spend an unforgettable and enriching day with us through our half-day Bird Camps, specially designed to enhance your experience at the Park. Choose to be enthralled by the majestic Birds of Prey, delighted by the intelligent parrots or just spend a wild and special day with us!
Predator Vs Prey
Size up magnificent condors, formidable eagles and fearsome falcons as we shed 'feathers' on these majestic creatures. Also, learn about the adaptation skills of these birds in their various habitats. The camp comes with a panorail ride around the BirdPark.
Time
Activity
9.00am
Pitter Pellets Special Tour
10.00am
Birds-of-Prey Show
10.30am
Break (have your snacks and drinks or play at the Wet and Splash Playground)
11.00am
Birds-of-Prey Behind-the-Scenes
12.00pm
Free & Easy
Parrot Chitchat
Step into the noisy and vibrant world of parrots and join us in a parrot discovery tour. Uncover their habits, lifestyle and intelligence as we have an enjoyable time in the Lory Loft and watch the parrots perform in the all-time favorite - Birds n Buddies Show! Check out their eggs and how our foster parents take good care of eggs and chicks abandoned by their parents. The camp comes with a panorail ride around the BirdPark. It's going to be a chirpy chatty time!
Time
Activity
9.00am
Parrot Discovery Tour
10.00am
Eggs and Chicks Behind-the-Scenes
10.45am
Break
11.00am
Birds n Buddies Show
11.30am
Special Bird Interaction
12.00pm
Free & Easy
Into The Nursery
Where do baby birds come from? Do all baby birds look the same? Are all of them born blind and 'naked'? Get all your questions answered as we visit babies big and small, and take you behind the scenes into our nursery. Help the babies make a home by building them a nest. The camp comes with a panorail ride around the BirdPark.
Time
Activity
9.00am
Nest workshop
10.00am
Birds-of-Prey Show
10.30am
Break
11.00am
Birds n Buddies Show
11.30am
Eggs and Chicks Behind-the-Scenes
12.00pm
Free & Easy
Conservationist Explorer half-day Bird Camp
Be a conservationist for a day! Start the day learning how we help abandoned eggs and chicks in the nursey, then meet the endangered toucans from South America and learn about their interesting breeding habits and colorful beaks. The Lories from Australia needs your help in feeding them and also to spread the word to stop deforestation. Lastly, hop on the panorail and take in the sights of the whole park, but don't miss out the magnificent Birds of Prey show!
Time
Activity
9.00am
Eggs & Chicks Behind-the-Scenes
9.30am
Hornbills & Toucans Tour
10.00am
Birds-of-Prey Show
10.30am
Break
11.00am
Lory Loft Feeding
12.00pm
Free & Easy
We try our best to adhere to the itinerary, which may change due to unforeseen circumstances.
Contact Info : Jurong BirdPark
Tel: (65) 6265 0022
www.birdpark.com.sg
Date : 22 Dec 2008 9:00 am - 30 Oct 2009 12:00 pm
Venue : Jurong BirdPark
2 Jurong Hill
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Berlin zoo thrilled with baby hippo
It is the ultimate in swimming lessons as Paula the baby hippo struggles to keep up with her mother Kathi.
The 18-day-old calf, Paula, had its first public outing at Berlin Zoo, as it swam alongside mother Kathi.
Although only a fraction of its mother's size, currently only 40kg, the zoo's newest resident is expected to weigh up to two tons when fully grown.
Until now the calf, Kathi's second baby, had only spent time with its mother, away from the other hippos.
She is the first hippo to born in Berlin in three years.
The cute calf is not the first animal to gain worldwide attention from the German zoo, following in the footsteps of Knut the Polar Bear.
Knut was made a star in 2006 when the zoo decided to hand-raise him after his mother abandoned him and some animal rights activists said it was better to let him die.
Last week it was reported that Knut could soon be evicted by the cash-strapped zoo because of financial woes.
Neumuenster Zoo, in the country's far north, is claiming guardianship of Knut under an agreement it says was struck when it loaned Berlin Knut's father, Lars, in 1999.
Although they cannot house Knut because they already have a polar bear with whom Knut would not get along, they are demanding Berlin show them architectural plans for a new enclosure and evidence he will properly be cared for. --Reuters
Friday, December 12, 2008
In Hard Economic Times, Berlin Zoo Turns to Selling Polar Bears
Last year Knut the polar bear cub got a giant marzipan cake with a wooden candle for his birthday; this year he’ll get a quiche frozen in a block of ice. The global economic crisis is hitting even the celebrity polar bear sector, including Knut, whose fluffy features and adorable antics have earned the Berlin Zoo more than $7 million in endorsments. But now nearly two, Knut has lost his cuteness, and the Berlin Zoo has announced that it is ready to sell him.
“It’s time for him to go—the sooner he gets a new home the better. Anything else would be financially irresponsible,” said Heiner Kloes, the senior bear keeper. The zoo says it cannot afford to build a new compound large enough to accommodate the now-210 kilogram and 2.5-meter-tall bear. Neither can it afford to take on a mate for him. Several zoos around the world appear eager to welcome Knut, but the winning bid is likely to come from Gelsenkirchen Zoo, also in Germany, which has spacious facilities and Lara, a three-year-old female cub.
In his cuddlier days, Knut graced the cover of Vanity Fair, starred in films, inspired pop songs, and was honored on a postage stamp. (He’s even been accused of being a diva and has been called the Britney Spears of zoo animals.) But boy have times changed. Along with the stock market (and Britney), Knut’s stardom has taken a nosedive. Nowadays, he is often cranky and only rouses from his naps to eat. Knut was once an icon of the environmental movement, but some say his transfer to a new zoo may be funded by Gazprom, the Russian energy giant.
“It’s time for him to go—the sooner he gets a new home the better. Anything else would be financially irresponsible,” said Heiner Kloes, the senior bear keeper. The zoo says it cannot afford to build a new compound large enough to accommodate the now-210 kilogram and 2.5-meter-tall bear. Neither can it afford to take on a mate for him. Several zoos around the world appear eager to welcome Knut, but the winning bid is likely to come from Gelsenkirchen Zoo, also in Germany, which has spacious facilities and Lara, a three-year-old female cub.
In his cuddlier days, Knut graced the cover of Vanity Fair, starred in films, inspired pop songs, and was honored on a postage stamp. (He’s even been accused of being a diva and has been called the Britney Spears of zoo animals.) But boy have times changed. Along with the stock market (and Britney), Knut’s stardom has taken a nosedive. Nowadays, he is often cranky and only rouses from his naps to eat. Knut was once an icon of the environmental movement, but some say his transfer to a new zoo may be funded by Gazprom, the Russian energy giant.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Doing the Singapore's Part in Earth Day 2009
Earth Hour starts ticking
By Tania Tan
SIXTY black balloons dotted the sky over the Hort Park on Wednesday as drums sounded to launch Earth Hour 2009.
The 60 orbs represented the minutes of the hour during which people are encouraged to turn off their lights, in a symbolic gesture to support the fight against climate change.
Spearheaded by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Earth Hour gained international recognition after its inaugural launch in Sydney last year), with over 74 cities pledging their involvement.
WWF Singapore wants to see some one million people taking part during Earth Hour at 8.30pm on March 28, and hopefully throughout 2009 as well.
Already, companies like Microsoft and Meritus Hotels & Resorts - parent company of Meritus Mandarin and Marina Mandarin Hotels - have pledged their participation.
'It's not just about that one hour, it's about taking action in our everyday lives,' said WWF Singapore's managing director Amy Ho.
Using a fan instead of the air-conditioning, turning off lights not in use, and recycling plastic bottles are just some of the simple changes people can make to combat climate change, she added.
For more information and to get involved visit www.earthhour.org.
By Tania Tan
SIXTY black balloons dotted the sky over the Hort Park on Wednesday as drums sounded to launch Earth Hour 2009.
The 60 orbs represented the minutes of the hour during which people are encouraged to turn off their lights, in a symbolic gesture to support the fight against climate change.
Spearheaded by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Earth Hour gained international recognition after its inaugural launch in Sydney last year), with over 74 cities pledging their involvement.
WWF Singapore wants to see some one million people taking part during Earth Hour at 8.30pm on March 28, and hopefully throughout 2009 as well.
Already, companies like Microsoft and Meritus Hotels & Resorts - parent company of Meritus Mandarin and Marina Mandarin Hotels - have pledged their participation.
'It's not just about that one hour, it's about taking action in our everyday lives,' said WWF Singapore's managing director Amy Ho.
Using a fan instead of the air-conditioning, turning off lights not in use, and recycling plastic bottles are just some of the simple changes people can make to combat climate change, she added.
For more information and to get involved visit www.earthhour.org.
Panda bites keeper
A GIANT panda named Peace bit a park keeper's left leg while he was laying bamboo leaves in the animal's pen at a Hong Kong amusement park, officials said on Tuesday.
The park staffer was recovering well in hospital after the attack at Ocean Park, which has four giant pandas from China, park spokesman Christie Lau said.
Ms Lau said park officials were still investigating the Nov 30 incident involving the male panda, whose name, An An, means 'peace' in Mandarin. Ms Lau declined to provide further details.
A park visitor posted a video clip on YouTube that allegedly shows the post-attack scene, with the keeper in a green park uniform crawling out of the panda pen as the furry animal runs back into its den.
The mass-market Apple Daily newspaper quoted an unidentified park employee as saying the keeper did not follow proper protocol, which requires locking pandas in their sleeping dens before putting bamboo leaves in their habitat.
Although pandas look cute and cuddly, they are wild animals that can be violent when provoked or startled.
Last month, a panda bit a college student in the southern Chinese city of Guilin after the student went into the animal's enclosure and tried to hug it.
A gift from the mainland Chinese government, An An arrived in Hong Kong in 1999 with female consort Jia Jia from the south-western province of Sichuan. Another two giant pandas were also moved to the territory last year to celebrate the 10th anniversary of this former British colony's return to Chinese rule. -- AP
The park staffer was recovering well in hospital after the attack at Ocean Park, which has four giant pandas from China, park spokesman Christie Lau said.
Ms Lau said park officials were still investigating the Nov 30 incident involving the male panda, whose name, An An, means 'peace' in Mandarin. Ms Lau declined to provide further details.
A park visitor posted a video clip on YouTube that allegedly shows the post-attack scene, with the keeper in a green park uniform crawling out of the panda pen as the furry animal runs back into its den.
The mass-market Apple Daily newspaper quoted an unidentified park employee as saying the keeper did not follow proper protocol, which requires locking pandas in their sleeping dens before putting bamboo leaves in their habitat.
Although pandas look cute and cuddly, they are wild animals that can be violent when provoked or startled.
Last month, a panda bit a college student in the southern Chinese city of Guilin after the student went into the animal's enclosure and tried to hug it.
A gift from the mainland Chinese government, An An arrived in Hong Kong in 1999 with female consort Jia Jia from the south-western province of Sichuan. Another two giant pandas were also moved to the territory last year to celebrate the 10th anniversary of this former British colony's return to Chinese rule. -- AP
Friday, December 05, 2008
Zoo staff problem a "one-off incident"
IT WAS a one-off incident, says the cleaning company whose supervisor was filmed beating up a worker outside the Singapore Zoo.
And it had nothing to do with the death of its employee, Mr Nordin Montong, the Malaysian cleaner killed by white tigers at the zoo last month.
Mr Jason Law, operations director at Sun City Maintenance, said: 'The beating incident and Nordin's death are completely unrelated.'
The company came forward to 'clear the air' over the handphone video, which had been taken about six months ago.
Mr Law, 44, told The New Paper that the beating, involving a supervisor called Alan, was a 'one-off incident' after a misunderstanding between Alan and a foreign worker named Phang Siau Nian.
Sun City was not able to give us the contact details of Alan, a Singaporean in his 30s, and Mr Phang, a Malaysian in his early 20s, as they had left the company.
Started with a look
Mr Stanley Kuta Teo Ukau, 20, a Sun City cleaner who witnessed the beating, said Alan got upset because he felt Mr Phang had given him a defiant look during his briefing after work at about 6pm.
Speaking in Malay, Mr Stanley, who is from Sarawak in Malaysia, said: 'We were waiting for transport. Phang didn't say anything, but he was showing a 'black face' (looking angry). Alan took it in a bad way.
'They were already not on good terms.
'For example, we're supposed to tuck in our uniforms, but Phang refused to do so despite being told off repeatedly by Alan. Phang can also be quite hot-tempered.'
He added that an ambulance and a police patrol car showed up and Mr Phang was examined for serious injury.
Sun City's operations director, Mr Law, who has been with the company for about 10 years, said there was no visible injury on Mr Phang. He did not know who had called the police.
No official report was lodged, so the police did not investigate further.
Mr Phang worked for Sun City for about four months before he went back to Sarawak in July.
According to Mr Stanley, Mr Phang said he had matters to see to.
Alan had worked for the company for two to three years.
Mr Law said Alan had been quite 'rash and impulsive', but his actions should not be taken to represent Sun City's treatment of its workers.
He said: 'I knew about the beating and that it had been recorded on the handphone of one of the workers. I also knew it was being circulated.
'We didn't do anything to suppress the incident in any way. Why should we? The company had not done anything wrong. Fights can break out for all sorts of reasons.'
Mr Law had advised Mr Phang that it was up to him to make a police report.
'I told him that if he wanted to make a report, no one would stop him,' he said.
Privately settled
Mr Phang eventually settled the matter privately with Alan and accepted compensation from him. Mr Law did not know the amount agreed upon.
He said: 'The company issued Alan a warning letter. He acknowledged it. The incident was noted in his record.'
Mr Stanley also said he was aware of the compensation, but not the amount.
He added: 'If the matter was not properly settled, the rest of us would have been unhappy. We would not have continued working for Sun City.'
'It is not right for a supervisor to beat up a worker.'
Mr Law said that a few months after the incident, Alan was asked to resign because of attitude problems.
'He would turn up late for work or not come at all. In addition to what had happened, we felt it was unacceptable,' he said.
Mr Law also stressed that Mr Phang had not resigned because of the beating or because he was ill-treated.
He said: 'Why would we ill-treat our workers? They are our assets. We are not irresponsible employers. If we were, why would I personally accompany Nordin's body back to Sarawak?
'Everybody advised me against it, because they were worried that I would be held responsible for his death and be attacked in his village.'
He claimed that there was a tense moment after the burial, when a relative holding a parang asked him, 'Insurance, how?'
Mr Law said: 'Luckily, Nordin's brother-in-law stepped in. He told me not to go anywhere by myself as it was not safe. Later, he drove me back to my hotel.'
He added: 'I believe I have a good relationship with my workers. I go to the work sites and ask if they are happy with their work, their accommodation.
'I have workers who stay with me for a few years. In an industry with a turnover rate of a few months, this is very rare.'
Mr Stanley, who has been with Sun City for eight months, said: 'The beating incident did make us very upset, but in other matters, the company treats us okay.'
And it had nothing to do with the death of its employee, Mr Nordin Montong, the Malaysian cleaner killed by white tigers at the zoo last month.
Mr Jason Law, operations director at Sun City Maintenance, said: 'The beating incident and Nordin's death are completely unrelated.'
The company came forward to 'clear the air' over the handphone video, which had been taken about six months ago.
Mr Law, 44, told The New Paper that the beating, involving a supervisor called Alan, was a 'one-off incident' after a misunderstanding between Alan and a foreign worker named Phang Siau Nian.
Sun City was not able to give us the contact details of Alan, a Singaporean in his 30s, and Mr Phang, a Malaysian in his early 20s, as they had left the company.
Started with a look
Mr Stanley Kuta Teo Ukau, 20, a Sun City cleaner who witnessed the beating, said Alan got upset because he felt Mr Phang had given him a defiant look during his briefing after work at about 6pm.
Speaking in Malay, Mr Stanley, who is from Sarawak in Malaysia, said: 'We were waiting for transport. Phang didn't say anything, but he was showing a 'black face' (looking angry). Alan took it in a bad way.
'They were already not on good terms.
'For example, we're supposed to tuck in our uniforms, but Phang refused to do so despite being told off repeatedly by Alan. Phang can also be quite hot-tempered.'
He added that an ambulance and a police patrol car showed up and Mr Phang was examined for serious injury.
Sun City's operations director, Mr Law, who has been with the company for about 10 years, said there was no visible injury on Mr Phang. He did not know who had called the police.
No official report was lodged, so the police did not investigate further.
Mr Phang worked for Sun City for about four months before he went back to Sarawak in July.
According to Mr Stanley, Mr Phang said he had matters to see to.
Alan had worked for the company for two to three years.
Mr Law said Alan had been quite 'rash and impulsive', but his actions should not be taken to represent Sun City's treatment of its workers.
He said: 'I knew about the beating and that it had been recorded on the handphone of one of the workers. I also knew it was being circulated.
'We didn't do anything to suppress the incident in any way. Why should we? The company had not done anything wrong. Fights can break out for all sorts of reasons.'
Mr Law had advised Mr Phang that it was up to him to make a police report.
'I told him that if he wanted to make a report, no one would stop him,' he said.
Privately settled
Mr Phang eventually settled the matter privately with Alan and accepted compensation from him. Mr Law did not know the amount agreed upon.
He said: 'The company issued Alan a warning letter. He acknowledged it. The incident was noted in his record.'
Mr Stanley also said he was aware of the compensation, but not the amount.
He added: 'If the matter was not properly settled, the rest of us would have been unhappy. We would not have continued working for Sun City.'
'It is not right for a supervisor to beat up a worker.'
Mr Law said that a few months after the incident, Alan was asked to resign because of attitude problems.
'He would turn up late for work or not come at all. In addition to what had happened, we felt it was unacceptable,' he said.
Mr Law also stressed that Mr Phang had not resigned because of the beating or because he was ill-treated.
He said: 'Why would we ill-treat our workers? They are our assets. We are not irresponsible employers. If we were, why would I personally accompany Nordin's body back to Sarawak?
'Everybody advised me against it, because they were worried that I would be held responsible for his death and be attacked in his village.'
He claimed that there was a tense moment after the burial, when a relative holding a parang asked him, 'Insurance, how?'
Mr Law said: 'Luckily, Nordin's brother-in-law stepped in. He told me not to go anywhere by myself as it was not safe. Later, he drove me back to my hotel.'
He added: 'I believe I have a good relationship with my workers. I go to the work sites and ask if they are happy with their work, their accommodation.
'I have workers who stay with me for a few years. In an industry with a turnover rate of a few months, this is very rare.'
Mr Stanley, who has been with Sun City for eight months, said: 'The beating incident did make us very upset, but in other matters, the company treats us okay.'
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Post-mortem on Singapore Zoo staff mauled to death by white Tigers
This is captured from Sammyboy forum, Possible reason why My favourite White Tiger mauled Zoo staff to death, A ONE off incident?
Sg Zoo Not Proactive But Retroactive
Dear ALL,
With the grisly death of the employee of the Singapore Zoo still very much the talk of the town, I like to state that the management of the Singapore Zoo has failed in its responsibility in looking after the welfare of their employees or those who work in their premises.
If Nordin Montong was indeed "mentally disturbed" then there would have been signs of this many days if not weeks prior to this fatal incident.
Had his supervisors, managers or immediate superiors noticed or bothered to notice then they should have ordered him to seek medical help and perhaps this incident could have been averted. Or at least he wouldn't have died being mauled by tigers.
Reacting to his actions after the fact only compounds the mal-management of human assets in the Singapore Zoo. All reports talk of how he is merely a contract worker and what sort of behaviour he exhibited, all done as if the distance themselves and avoid responsibility.
The point is that many people in organisations as large as the Singapore Zoo depend on contract workers, this is the reality of business today, but at what cost? There is distinct lack of responsibility and accountability towards the very people that work to bring prestige, fame and keep the place running for the organisation itself.
A life was needlessly lost and despite exhibiting all the telltale signs of mental problems, as SPH's ST so boldly states, but the question that goes abegging is why was he ignored?
Wasn't there anyone who could have intervened? Don't huge organisations like the Sg Zoo have meetings with its staff and don't supervisors and managers look out for potential problems among their staff?
Poor all round management and poor humanistics stands out, IMHO.
Personally, when I was a teenager, I used to volunteer at the zoo during school holidays. Bernard Harrison had been there for the longest time and he would talk to all employees at least once a week and he would sometimes call out people for 1 on 1 talks in his office if he sensed something amiss.
Especially when one of the primate keepers was all depressed when Pinky the orang utan died some weeks earlier.
Of course this was way back then when employees were all zoo staff and contract workers were unheard of.
No matter how one feels about Nordin Montong's nationality and the FT issue, one must have some sympathy. The basis of Singapore society has become such that "you die your business" has taken its toll once again. This time it's an FT next time another Sgean.
How many suicides are the result of this attitude? How many lives have been lost because the business model of Singapore leaves no room for personal intervention and interests before organisational. The simple simple answer is, because it makes no economic sense to do so.
There is something seriously wrong with regards to employer to employee relationships in Sg, and this I bet my very last inflation ravaged dollar that this is merely the tip of a collossal iceberg.
Cheers,
MentisMortis
Sg Zoo Not Proactive But Retroactive
Dear ALL,
With the grisly death of the employee of the Singapore Zoo still very much the talk of the town, I like to state that the management of the Singapore Zoo has failed in its responsibility in looking after the welfare of their employees or those who work in their premises.
If Nordin Montong was indeed "mentally disturbed" then there would have been signs of this many days if not weeks prior to this fatal incident.
Had his supervisors, managers or immediate superiors noticed or bothered to notice then they should have ordered him to seek medical help and perhaps this incident could have been averted. Or at least he wouldn't have died being mauled by tigers.
Reacting to his actions after the fact only compounds the mal-management of human assets in the Singapore Zoo. All reports talk of how he is merely a contract worker and what sort of behaviour he exhibited, all done as if the distance themselves and avoid responsibility.
The point is that many people in organisations as large as the Singapore Zoo depend on contract workers, this is the reality of business today, but at what cost? There is distinct lack of responsibility and accountability towards the very people that work to bring prestige, fame and keep the place running for the organisation itself.
A life was needlessly lost and despite exhibiting all the telltale signs of mental problems, as SPH's ST so boldly states, but the question that goes abegging is why was he ignored?
Wasn't there anyone who could have intervened? Don't huge organisations like the Sg Zoo have meetings with its staff and don't supervisors and managers look out for potential problems among their staff?
Poor all round management and poor humanistics stands out, IMHO.
Personally, when I was a teenager, I used to volunteer at the zoo during school holidays. Bernard Harrison had been there for the longest time and he would talk to all employees at least once a week and he would sometimes call out people for 1 on 1 talks in his office if he sensed something amiss.
Especially when one of the primate keepers was all depressed when Pinky the orang utan died some weeks earlier.
Of course this was way back then when employees were all zoo staff and contract workers were unheard of.
No matter how one feels about Nordin Montong's nationality and the FT issue, one must have some sympathy. The basis of Singapore society has become such that "you die your business" has taken its toll once again. This time it's an FT next time another Sgean.
How many suicides are the result of this attitude? How many lives have been lost because the business model of Singapore leaves no room for personal intervention and interests before organisational. The simple simple answer is, because it makes no economic sense to do so.
There is something seriously wrong with regards to employer to employee relationships in Sg, and this I bet my very last inflation ravaged dollar that this is merely the tip of a collossal iceberg.
Cheers,
MentisMortis
Monday, November 17, 2008
Tigers would have been shot if...
I will be very upset if those white tigers are hurt...
Cleaner Nordin Montong's fatal mauling by two white tigers at the Singapore Zoo raised questions about safety. Yesterday, Mr Biswajit Guha, the zoo's assisant director of zoology, and Ms Isabel Cheng, the director of sales, marketing and communications of Wildlife Reserves Singapore, addressed such concerns.
Q: Could the Zoo's licensed shooters have arrived sooner?
Mr Biswajit Guha: The shooters' weapons are stored in an armoury, and the shooters have to get the weapons and then go to the scene (the location of the armoury could not be disclosed for security reasons).
After collecting their weapons, the shooters arrived at the white tiger exhibit within five minutes.
But the tigers were already back in their dens by the time the shooters arrived.
If the tigers could not be lured back to their dens by then, the shooters would have shot and killed the animals.
Q: How far is the armoury from the white tiger enclosure?
Mr Guha: It is slightly less than 800m away. It can be reached within three minutes by running or buggy.
Q: What items are placed in the armoury?
Mr Guha: (Each armoury) contains our weapons and live rounds. The weapons are double-barrelled shotguns and 0.375calibre rifles.
Q: How many licensed shooters does the Zoo have and where are they positioned?
Mr Guha: We have a pool of 16licensed shooters between the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari.
As a standard operating procedure (SOP), upon collection of their arms, the designated officers will go to the front of the exhibit where the incident is takingplace.
Q: How many shooters were on duty and where were they positioned?
Mr Guha: At this time, we are not able to check how many out of our 16 licensed shooters were working on Nov 13. However, on any working day, a minimum of four licensed shooters are on duty.
On Nov 13, two licensed shooters were activated to collect their weapons. They then positioned themselves at the front of the white tiger exhibit.
Q: Witnesses said that they saw the keepers mainly throwing umbrellas and using a long pole to distract the tigers on Thursday. Could they have been better equipped?
Mr Guha: The keepers also used items from a nearby safety box to distract the tigers. All of the items and more were used to distract the tigets.
These included fire extinguishers, extensible poles, cymbals, loud hailers and clay balls.
Q: Can you tell us your standard operating procedures for handling the various dangerous animals, should a similar incident occur?
Mr Guha: These are confidential internal documents which we are unable to share with external parties.
Q: What happens to the tigers now?
Mr Guha: They are still being looked after and maintained by the Zoo. We have no plans to put them down.
The keepers have been told to keep an eye on them and we want to give them time to recover from the event.
But we are not having extra security measures for the tigers. We think that the white tiger exhibit should be back in action within less than a week.
The tigers are not dangerous to humans. They would not attack humans unless they were taunted, or they thought the humans were prey
Q: Did Mr Nordin have any history of mental illness?
Mr Guha: As far as we know, he was all right when he reported for work on Thursday morning. He was hardworking and there was no indication that he had any mental problems when he was working in the Zoo.
Q: Will the Zoo be reviewing the safety features in the white tiger exhibit and its other dangerous animal enclosures?
Mr Guha: We are looking into the possibility of installing alarm buttons, like those activated by pressing or breaking a glass, near the enclosures so that visitors and/or keepers can raise an alarm more quickly if something happens at these places.
We will increase the frequency of patrols by our keepers and ground staff, especially during lunch time.
The Zoo has 50 keepers and 30 ground staff walking or cycling around its premises daily.
Ms Cheng: The white tiger exhibit is very safe. We have safety features to guard against someone who accidentally falls in the enclosure, like a planter bed below the railing and cable wires that the person can roll onto to prevent him falling into the moat.
In addition, fences on the left and right wings of the exhibit measure 8.5m, inclusive of the water moat wall. The exhibit is permanently surrounded by a water moat 10m wide from the shore to the overhang at the visitors' bridge, and 8.5m from the rock platform to the overhang at the visitors' bridge.
At its deepest, the water is 1.75m deep in the moat.
These enclosure measurements conform to international safety guidelines imposed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Our lion and polar bear exhibits are also well-protected. But we cannot completely secure against someone who intentionally enters the enclosure.
The incident on Thursday was such a case.
Cleaner Nordin Montong's fatal mauling by two white tigers at the Singapore Zoo raised questions about safety. Yesterday, Mr Biswajit Guha, the zoo's assisant director of zoology, and Ms Isabel Cheng, the director of sales, marketing and communications of Wildlife Reserves Singapore, addressed such concerns.
Q: Could the Zoo's licensed shooters have arrived sooner?
Mr Biswajit Guha: The shooters' weapons are stored in an armoury, and the shooters have to get the weapons and then go to the scene (the location of the armoury could not be disclosed for security reasons).
After collecting their weapons, the shooters arrived at the white tiger exhibit within five minutes.
But the tigers were already back in their dens by the time the shooters arrived.
If the tigers could not be lured back to their dens by then, the shooters would have shot and killed the animals.
Q: How far is the armoury from the white tiger enclosure?
Mr Guha: It is slightly less than 800m away. It can be reached within three minutes by running or buggy.
Q: What items are placed in the armoury?
Mr Guha: (Each armoury) contains our weapons and live rounds. The weapons are double-barrelled shotguns and 0.375calibre rifles.
Q: How many licensed shooters does the Zoo have and where are they positioned?
Mr Guha: We have a pool of 16licensed shooters between the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari.
As a standard operating procedure (SOP), upon collection of their arms, the designated officers will go to the front of the exhibit where the incident is takingplace.
Q: How many shooters were on duty and where were they positioned?
Mr Guha: At this time, we are not able to check how many out of our 16 licensed shooters were working on Nov 13. However, on any working day, a minimum of four licensed shooters are on duty.
On Nov 13, two licensed shooters were activated to collect their weapons. They then positioned themselves at the front of the white tiger exhibit.
Q: Witnesses said that they saw the keepers mainly throwing umbrellas and using a long pole to distract the tigers on Thursday. Could they have been better equipped?
Mr Guha: The keepers also used items from a nearby safety box to distract the tigers. All of the items and more were used to distract the tigets.
These included fire extinguishers, extensible poles, cymbals, loud hailers and clay balls.
Q: Can you tell us your standard operating procedures for handling the various dangerous animals, should a similar incident occur?
Mr Guha: These are confidential internal documents which we are unable to share with external parties.
Q: What happens to the tigers now?
Mr Guha: They are still being looked after and maintained by the Zoo. We have no plans to put them down.
The keepers have been told to keep an eye on them and we want to give them time to recover from the event.
But we are not having extra security measures for the tigers. We think that the white tiger exhibit should be back in action within less than a week.
The tigers are not dangerous to humans. They would not attack humans unless they were taunted, or they thought the humans were prey
Q: Did Mr Nordin have any history of mental illness?
Mr Guha: As far as we know, he was all right when he reported for work on Thursday morning. He was hardworking and there was no indication that he had any mental problems when he was working in the Zoo.
Q: Will the Zoo be reviewing the safety features in the white tiger exhibit and its other dangerous animal enclosures?
Mr Guha: We are looking into the possibility of installing alarm buttons, like those activated by pressing or breaking a glass, near the enclosures so that visitors and/or keepers can raise an alarm more quickly if something happens at these places.
We will increase the frequency of patrols by our keepers and ground staff, especially during lunch time.
The Zoo has 50 keepers and 30 ground staff walking or cycling around its premises daily.
Ms Cheng: The white tiger exhibit is very safe. We have safety features to guard against someone who accidentally falls in the enclosure, like a planter bed below the railing and cable wires that the person can roll onto to prevent him falling into the moat.
In addition, fences on the left and right wings of the exhibit measure 8.5m, inclusive of the water moat wall. The exhibit is permanently surrounded by a water moat 10m wide from the shore to the overhang at the visitors' bridge, and 8.5m from the rock platform to the overhang at the visitors' bridge.
At its deepest, the water is 1.75m deep in the moat.
These enclosure measurements conform to international safety guidelines imposed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Our lion and polar bear exhibits are also well-protected. But we cannot completely secure against someone who intentionally enters the enclosure.
The incident on Thursday was such a case.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Continue to Visit the Singapore Zoo
Please continue to visit the Singapore Zoo, nothing have changed except that its star inhabitants - the three white tigers - were nowhere in sight.
A red sign hanging on a wooden gate, which barred access to the viewing gallery of the white tiger enclosure, bore the words 'Exhibit closed. Any inconvenience is regretted'.
It was a stark contrast to the scene only the day before in which horrified visitors screamed and watched helplessly from the viewing gallery as a cleaner who had jumped into the enclosure was mauled to death by the tigers.
The temporary closure of the exhibit was for investigation purposes and to allow the tigers to settle down following the incident, zoo officials said.
But that did not stop local and foreign visitors from stopping by the enclosure of one of the Singapore Zoo's key attractions yesterday.
Some were there hoping to view the extremely rare tigers, others out of curiosity to see for themselves where the incident had taken place. A number were disappointed tourists who were there specifically to see the white tigers.
Though the viewing gallery was closed, the enclosure area was still clearly visible from the sides.
Polytechnic student Gillian Chan, 19, wanted to check how the tigers, her favourite zoo exhibit, were doing after she heard about the incident.
'I am very concerned about the tigers and I hope they won't be put to sleep because it wasn't their fault,' Miss Chan, who visits the zoo almost yearly to see the white tigers, said.
Miss Jolin Chew, 25, a sales co-ordinator, and her friend, Miss Ng Li Xin, 25, a share registrar, had taken leave to visit the zoo.
They had planned their visit a few weeks before and yesterday's incident did not put them off. They headed for the white tiger exhibit first, hoping to see them.
Disappointed
Miss Ng said: 'I don't think the zoo is unsafe just because of the incident as the man jumped into the enclosure on his own.'
One Malaysian family was disappointed.
Mr Lee Hon Leong, 38, who arrived in Singapore with his family yesterday, said: 'We had come all the way from Kuala Lumpur because the white tigers are very rare.'
His crestfallen daughter, 13, and son, 9, had been excited about seeing the tigers.
'Perhaps we will drop by again after six months so that we can see the tigers,' Mr Lee said.
Several tourists from Australia were also disappointed at the closure.
Mrs Leanne Stummer, 40, and her husband were at the zoo for the first time with the main purpose of viewing the tigers because of their rarity.
'We read online that it was one of the main attractions of the zoo here and wanted to see them,' she said.
Although disappointed, she was sympathetic about the tragedy.
'People need to remember that these are wild animals,' she added.
Mr Mike Barnett, 57, and his wife, while disappointed, also understood why the enclosure had to be closed.
'The tigers need time and quiet to settle down after what happened,' he said.
A woman was seen gesturing and discussing in Mandarin with friends how the cleaner could have climbed into the enclosure. She declined to be interviewed.
The zoo opened the Rainforest Kidzworld, a new exhibit targeted at children, yesterday afternoon.
Ms Isabel Cheng, director of sales, marketing and communications, Wildlife Reserves Singapore, said it was not possible to reschedule the event at such late notice.
She said that Thursday's incident was an isolated case.
'The safety of our visitors and employees were not compromised, thus we decided to proceed with the grand opening,' she added.
Groups of kindergarten children trooped past the white tiger enclosure led by their teachers on their way to the Rainforest Kidzworld. Some stopped to look before moving on.
Teacher Chew May Ling, 31, said: 'We had hoped the children could see the tigers, but they are too young to know what happened. We are just here for the opening of Kidzworld.'
A red sign hanging on a wooden gate, which barred access to the viewing gallery of the white tiger enclosure, bore the words 'Exhibit closed. Any inconvenience is regretted'.
It was a stark contrast to the scene only the day before in which horrified visitors screamed and watched helplessly from the viewing gallery as a cleaner who had jumped into the enclosure was mauled to death by the tigers.
The temporary closure of the exhibit was for investigation purposes and to allow the tigers to settle down following the incident, zoo officials said.
But that did not stop local and foreign visitors from stopping by the enclosure of one of the Singapore Zoo's key attractions yesterday.
Some were there hoping to view the extremely rare tigers, others out of curiosity to see for themselves where the incident had taken place. A number were disappointed tourists who were there specifically to see the white tigers.
Though the viewing gallery was closed, the enclosure area was still clearly visible from the sides.
Polytechnic student Gillian Chan, 19, wanted to check how the tigers, her favourite zoo exhibit, were doing after she heard about the incident.
'I am very concerned about the tigers and I hope they won't be put to sleep because it wasn't their fault,' Miss Chan, who visits the zoo almost yearly to see the white tigers, said.
Miss Jolin Chew, 25, a sales co-ordinator, and her friend, Miss Ng Li Xin, 25, a share registrar, had taken leave to visit the zoo.
They had planned their visit a few weeks before and yesterday's incident did not put them off. They headed for the white tiger exhibit first, hoping to see them.
Disappointed
Miss Ng said: 'I don't think the zoo is unsafe just because of the incident as the man jumped into the enclosure on his own.'
One Malaysian family was disappointed.
Mr Lee Hon Leong, 38, who arrived in Singapore with his family yesterday, said: 'We had come all the way from Kuala Lumpur because the white tigers are very rare.'
His crestfallen daughter, 13, and son, 9, had been excited about seeing the tigers.
'Perhaps we will drop by again after six months so that we can see the tigers,' Mr Lee said.
Several tourists from Australia were also disappointed at the closure.
Mrs Leanne Stummer, 40, and her husband were at the zoo for the first time with the main purpose of viewing the tigers because of their rarity.
'We read online that it was one of the main attractions of the zoo here and wanted to see them,' she said.
Although disappointed, she was sympathetic about the tragedy.
'People need to remember that these are wild animals,' she added.
Mr Mike Barnett, 57, and his wife, while disappointed, also understood why the enclosure had to be closed.
'The tigers need time and quiet to settle down after what happened,' he said.
A woman was seen gesturing and discussing in Mandarin with friends how the cleaner could have climbed into the enclosure. She declined to be interviewed.
The zoo opened the Rainforest Kidzworld, a new exhibit targeted at children, yesterday afternoon.
Ms Isabel Cheng, director of sales, marketing and communications, Wildlife Reserves Singapore, said it was not possible to reschedule the event at such late notice.
She said that Thursday's incident was an isolated case.
'The safety of our visitors and employees were not compromised, thus we decided to proceed with the grand opening,' she added.
Groups of kindergarten children trooped past the white tiger enclosure led by their teachers on their way to the Rainforest Kidzworld. Some stopped to look before moving on.
Teacher Chew May Ling, 31, said: 'We had hoped the children could see the tigers, but they are too young to know what happened. We are just here for the opening of Kidzworld.'
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Singapore Zoo Business as usual
A day after a cleaner was mauled to death at the Singapore Zoo’s white tiger enclosure, officials assured the public that the exhibit is "very safe".
It held a news conference on Friday to clear any doubts even as it opened its latest S$12 million attraction.
Business was as usual at the Singapore. Visitors streamed in to view the latest attraction called the Rainforest Kidzworld which opened in time for the school holidays.
Gracing the launch was executive director and CEO of Temasek Holdings, Ms Ho Ching.
She said: "The zoo has deepened its own knowledge and expertise through the years. I have full respect for the team at the WildLife Reserves for their hard work, passion and constant care. It is amazing how their dedication and imagination have created a natural and safe wildlife habitat only half an hour away from the city lights."
The chairman of Wildlife Reserves, which owns the zoo, took the opportunity to speak on the incident.
Claire Chiang, non—executive chairman, Wildlife Reserves, said: "Let me take a few minutes to address the unfortunate incident at the white tiger exhibit yesterday. Our sympathies and condolences go to Mr Nordin Bin Montong’s family. I would like to reassure all visitors that the white tiger exhibit is very safe and is as safe as any part of the zoo.
The safety measures we have implemented exceed the standards recommended by the association of zoos and aquariums (AZA). AZA is the internationally recognised organisation that accredits only institutions that have achieved rigorous standards for animal care, education, wildlife conservation and science."
Visitors too, didn’t seem too concerned about safety.
Aaron Tan, a visitor, said: "The enclosure is actually quite safe as long as you don’t go close into the enclosure itself. So I can still bring my kid here."
At a news conference later, zoo officials addressed other concerns raised, including the five—minute response time it took the sharpshooters to reach the scene.
Biswajit Guha, assistant director, Singapore Zoo, said: "The five—minute situation is essentially sufficient to go to a hotspot in the case of an animal escape. This was an extraordinary situation whereby someone had actually jumped in.
“Even if it had been a fall and the person was trying very hard to avoid the tigers and had gone to the deep end, we are quite confident he would have been able to move in, in time."
He added that firing tranquilisers would not have saved the cleaner as it could have further provoked the animals.
He added: "Tranquilisers don’t work instantaneously. So it will take about five minutes before having an impact on the animal. And to have such a sharp impact coming into contact with an animal, it could provoke the animal more and there might be a more drastic reaction."
Meanwhile, the Singapore Zoo said it will not be stationing armed officers at the enclosures which are deemed dangerous. But it will definitely be increasing its patrols conducted by the zoo’s keepers and operational staff.
Staff who witnessed the incident or need counselling will also be taken care of.
The zoo hopes to re—open the white tiger attraction within the next few days.
It held a news conference on Friday to clear any doubts even as it opened its latest S$12 million attraction.
Business was as usual at the Singapore. Visitors streamed in to view the latest attraction called the Rainforest Kidzworld which opened in time for the school holidays.
Gracing the launch was executive director and CEO of Temasek Holdings, Ms Ho Ching.
She said: "The zoo has deepened its own knowledge and expertise through the years. I have full respect for the team at the WildLife Reserves for their hard work, passion and constant care. It is amazing how their dedication and imagination have created a natural and safe wildlife habitat only half an hour away from the city lights."
The chairman of Wildlife Reserves, which owns the zoo, took the opportunity to speak on the incident.
Claire Chiang, non—executive chairman, Wildlife Reserves, said: "Let me take a few minutes to address the unfortunate incident at the white tiger exhibit yesterday. Our sympathies and condolences go to Mr Nordin Bin Montong’s family. I would like to reassure all visitors that the white tiger exhibit is very safe and is as safe as any part of the zoo.
The safety measures we have implemented exceed the standards recommended by the association of zoos and aquariums (AZA). AZA is the internationally recognised organisation that accredits only institutions that have achieved rigorous standards for animal care, education, wildlife conservation and science."
Visitors too, didn’t seem too concerned about safety.
Aaron Tan, a visitor, said: "The enclosure is actually quite safe as long as you don’t go close into the enclosure itself. So I can still bring my kid here."
At a news conference later, zoo officials addressed other concerns raised, including the five—minute response time it took the sharpshooters to reach the scene.
Biswajit Guha, assistant director, Singapore Zoo, said: "The five—minute situation is essentially sufficient to go to a hotspot in the case of an animal escape. This was an extraordinary situation whereby someone had actually jumped in.
“Even if it had been a fall and the person was trying very hard to avoid the tigers and had gone to the deep end, we are quite confident he would have been able to move in, in time."
He added that firing tranquilisers would not have saved the cleaner as it could have further provoked the animals.
He added: "Tranquilisers don’t work instantaneously. So it will take about five minutes before having an impact on the animal. And to have such a sharp impact coming into contact with an animal, it could provoke the animal more and there might be a more drastic reaction."
Meanwhile, the Singapore Zoo said it will not be stationing armed officers at the enclosures which are deemed dangerous. But it will definitely be increasing its patrols conducted by the zoo’s keepers and operational staff.
Staff who witnessed the incident or need counselling will also be taken care of.
The zoo hopes to re—open the white tiger attraction within the next few days.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Speeding elephant too much for comfort!
'A zoo employee rang his bell frantically to warn visitors to flee from the elephant's path.'
MR TAN JUAN YEW: 'My family and I visited the Singapore Zoo last Saturday. As we rested in a shelter, we saw an elephant speed past. A zoo employee riding a bicycle beside it rang his bell frantically to visitors to flee from the elephant's path. We broke into a cold sweat when we saw a pram in the middle of its path. Fortunately, the father quickly pushed it aside just before the elephant ran past. Later, we found out that the pram was empty as the baby was with its mother. Still, it was dangerous, especially for children and the elderly who may not be able to react in time.'
The Singapore Zoo will look into this problem!
MR TAN JUAN YEW: 'My family and I visited the Singapore Zoo last Saturday. As we rested in a shelter, we saw an elephant speed past. A zoo employee riding a bicycle beside it rang his bell frantically to visitors to flee from the elephant's path. We broke into a cold sweat when we saw a pram in the middle of its path. Fortunately, the father quickly pushed it aside just before the elephant ran past. Later, we found out that the pram was empty as the baby was with its mother. Still, it was dangerous, especially for children and the elderly who may not be able to react in time.'
The Singapore Zoo will look into this problem!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Singapore Zoo claim first Human tragedy
SINGAPORE, Nov 13, 2008 (AFP) - An apparently disturbed worker was mauled to death by three tigers at the Singapore Zoo on Thursday when he deliberately jumped into their enclosure, the zoo said.
The white tigers pounced on the 32-year-old contract cleaner after he jumped into the moat surrounding their enclosure and then moved toward the animals, the zoo said in a statement.
The zoo, one of Singapore's most prominent tourist attractions, described the victim as "apparently disturbed and agitated".
Fellow workers reported that he "was acting a little bit erratic and odd, throwing papers around" before the incident, assistant director of zoology Biswajit Guha told Singapore's 938Live radio.
Guha said the cleaner worked at the chimpanzee area and was on his lunch break when the tragedy occurred.
"Goodbye, I won't be seeing you again," Guha quoted the victim as telling one of the zookeepers.
"And they saw him riding off on a bicycle and coming back in through the front entrance again, and then about five minutes later, the whole alert came on the walkie talkie," he said.
Horrified visitors screamed as zookeepers rushed into the tiger enclosure to try to rescue the victim.
They threw rocks to try to distract the animals, which dragged their victim toward a passageway, said Guha.
Zoo workers finally succeeded in luring the tigers away from the man and confining them to their pens, but paramedics later pronounced him dead.
The victim had injuries mainly to his head and neck, Lieutenant Colonel N. Subhas, the director of public affairs with the Singapore Civil Defence Force, told AFP.
The zoo identified the dead man as Nordin Bin Montong, a zoo contract worker from Malaysia.
"At no time was any visitor or Singapore Zoo staff exposed to any danger," the zoo said.
Police said they were called to the zoo about 12:30 pm (0430 GMT) and were investigating the "unnatural" death.
The zoo said the moat and other permanent safety features at the enclosure meant there was no risk to visitors or staff.
"Nonetheless, we have temporarily closed the White Tiger exhibit to visitors to facilitate investigations into this unfortunate incident," it said.
The white tigers pounced on the 32-year-old contract cleaner after he jumped into the moat surrounding their enclosure and then moved toward the animals, the zoo said in a statement.
The zoo, one of Singapore's most prominent tourist attractions, described the victim as "apparently disturbed and agitated".
Fellow workers reported that he "was acting a little bit erratic and odd, throwing papers around" before the incident, assistant director of zoology Biswajit Guha told Singapore's 938Live radio.
Guha said the cleaner worked at the chimpanzee area and was on his lunch break when the tragedy occurred.
"Goodbye, I won't be seeing you again," Guha quoted the victim as telling one of the zookeepers.
"And they saw him riding off on a bicycle and coming back in through the front entrance again, and then about five minutes later, the whole alert came on the walkie talkie," he said.
Horrified visitors screamed as zookeepers rushed into the tiger enclosure to try to rescue the victim.
They threw rocks to try to distract the animals, which dragged their victim toward a passageway, said Guha.
Zoo workers finally succeeded in luring the tigers away from the man and confining them to their pens, but paramedics later pronounced him dead.
The victim had injuries mainly to his head and neck, Lieutenant Colonel N. Subhas, the director of public affairs with the Singapore Civil Defence Force, told AFP.
The zoo identified the dead man as Nordin Bin Montong, a zoo contract worker from Malaysia.
"At no time was any visitor or Singapore Zoo staff exposed to any danger," the zoo said.
Police said they were called to the zoo about 12:30 pm (0430 GMT) and were investigating the "unnatural" death.
The zoo said the moat and other permanent safety features at the enclosure meant there was no risk to visitors or staff.
"Nonetheless, we have temporarily closed the White Tiger exhibit to visitors to facilitate investigations into this unfortunate incident," it said.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Zoo...phonics anyone?
http://www.zoo-phonics.com.sg
Isn't it wonderful to see your child excel?
We think so, too! That's exactly why we have the Zoo-phonics School here in Singapore.
For nearly nineteen years, Char and Gigi two award-winning veteran American teachers, have put their heart and soul into the program, developing, refining and advocating the Zoo-phonics methodology. Today, their highly-acclaimed programme is used successfully in over 6000 schools worldwide.
At Zoo-phonics School Singapore, we present you with this playful, unique, effective approach that will have your child well on the way to reading success in just a few sessions.
We invite you to join us as we can't wait to share Zoo-phonics with you and hear you talk triumphantly about your little 'reading champ'.
New Nov/Dec 2008 Holiday Programmes are now available.
Isn't it wonderful to see your child excel?
We think so, too! That's exactly why we have the Zoo-phonics School here in Singapore.
For nearly nineteen years, Char and Gigi two award-winning veteran American teachers, have put their heart and soul into the program, developing, refining and advocating the Zoo-phonics methodology. Today, their highly-acclaimed programme is used successfully in over 6000 schools worldwide.
At Zoo-phonics School Singapore, we present you with this playful, unique, effective approach that will have your child well on the way to reading success in just a few sessions.
We invite you to join us as we can't wait to share Zoo-phonics with you and hear you talk triumphantly about your little 'reading champ'.
New Nov/Dec 2008 Holiday Programmes are now available.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Next Generation Technologies for Next Generation Learning
First five FutureSchools Partner Four Consortia to Develop Next Generation Infocomm Solutions in Education
Imagine immersive learning environments that can mimic different kinds of scenarios in the classroom. Without having to visit the Singapore Zoo, Science students can, for example, immerse themselves in a 4-Dimensional (4D) environment and observe a lion’s behaviour, record it and share the information with fellow students. Such highly immersive and interactive solutions will soon be a reality for Singapore’s pioneer batch of FutureSchools, when fully implemented by 2012.
Announced in May 2008, by the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) and the Ministry of Education (MOE), four consortia have been selected to design and deploy next generation infocomm-enabled solutions for five FutureSchools, namely, Beacon Primary School, Canberra Primary School, Crescent Girls’ School, Hwa Chong Institution and Jurong Secondary School.
However nothing beats the REAL thing! Visit the Singapore Zoo this school Holiday!
Imagine immersive learning environments that can mimic different kinds of scenarios in the classroom. Without having to visit the Singapore Zoo, Science students can, for example, immerse themselves in a 4-Dimensional (4D) environment and observe a lion’s behaviour, record it and share the information with fellow students. Such highly immersive and interactive solutions will soon be a reality for Singapore’s pioneer batch of FutureSchools, when fully implemented by 2012.
Announced in May 2008, by the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) and the Ministry of Education (MOE), four consortia have been selected to design and deploy next generation infocomm-enabled solutions for five FutureSchools, namely, Beacon Primary School, Canberra Primary School, Crescent Girls’ School, Hwa Chong Institution and Jurong Secondary School.
However nothing beats the REAL thing! Visit the Singapore Zoo this school Holiday!
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Zoo Animals being Attacked
Australia - A 7-year-old boy broke into a popular Outback zoo, fed a string of animals to the resident crocodile and bashed several lizards to death with a rock, the zoo's director said Friday.
The 30-minute rampage, caught on the zoo's security camera, happened early Wednesday after the boy jumped a security fence at the Alice Springs Reptile Center in central Australia, said zoo director Rex Neindorf.
The child then went on a killing spree, bashing three lizards to death with a rock, including the zoo's beloved, 20-year-old goanna, which he then fed to "Terry," an 11-foot, 440-pound saltwater crocodile, said Neindorf.
The boy also fed several live animals to Terry by throwing them over the two fences surrounding the crocodile's enclosure, at one point climbing over the outer fence to get closer to the giant reptile.
In the footage, the boy's face remains largely blank, Neindorf said, adding: "It was like he was playing a game."
By the time he was done, 13 animals worth around $5,500 had been killed, including a turtle, bearded dragons and thorny devil lizards, Neindorf said. Although none were considered rare, some are difficult to replace, he said.
"We're horrified that anyone can do this and saddened by the age of the child," Neindorf said.
Alice Springs police said they are unable to press charges against the boy because of his age. Children under age 10 can't be charged with criminal offenses in the Northern Territory. His name was not released because of his age.
Neindorf said he plans to sue the boy's parents.
The boy's small size is probably the reason he didn't trip the zoo's security system, which relies on sensors to detect intruders, Neindorf said.
"I just want people to learn that they can't let their children go and run amok," Neindorf said. "If we can't put the blame onto the child, then someone has to accept the responsibility."
The 30-minute rampage, caught on the zoo's security camera, happened early Wednesday after the boy jumped a security fence at the Alice Springs Reptile Center in central Australia, said zoo director Rex Neindorf.
The child then went on a killing spree, bashing three lizards to death with a rock, including the zoo's beloved, 20-year-old goanna, which he then fed to "Terry," an 11-foot, 440-pound saltwater crocodile, said Neindorf.
The boy also fed several live animals to Terry by throwing them over the two fences surrounding the crocodile's enclosure, at one point climbing over the outer fence to get closer to the giant reptile.
In the footage, the boy's face remains largely blank, Neindorf said, adding: "It was like he was playing a game."
By the time he was done, 13 animals worth around $5,500 had been killed, including a turtle, bearded dragons and thorny devil lizards, Neindorf said. Although none were considered rare, some are difficult to replace, he said.
"We're horrified that anyone can do this and saddened by the age of the child," Neindorf said.
Alice Springs police said they are unable to press charges against the boy because of his age. Children under age 10 can't be charged with criminal offenses in the Northern Territory. His name was not released because of his age.
Neindorf said he plans to sue the boy's parents.
The boy's small size is probably the reason he didn't trip the zoo's security system, which relies on sensors to detect intruders, Neindorf said.
"I just want people to learn that they can't let their children go and run amok," Neindorf said. "If we can't put the blame onto the child, then someone has to accept the responsibility."
Saturday, October 04, 2008
They are not for the weak hearts
Halloween Horrors at Night Safari
Event Dates : 19th Oct 2007 to
27th Oct 2007
Venue: : Night Safari
Category : Special Programme
Description
The whole park will be transformed into a haunted Rainforest with scare zones, spooky tram rides, Halloween party, Halloween Cocktail Tream and lots of fun and scares.
Activities will be over the weekends only: 19, 20, 26 & 27 October.
Some of the highlights are :
Enter the Haunted Rainforest and be greeted by a parade of the dead who have risen and taken over the Night Safari.
Embark on the haunted tram ride.
Venture into the haunted Forest Giant's trail, which meanders into the Pet Cemetery and Bridge of Hell.
Event Dates : 19th Oct 2007 to
27th Oct 2007
Venue: : Night Safari
Category : Special Programme
Description
The whole park will be transformed into a haunted Rainforest with scare zones, spooky tram rides, Halloween party, Halloween Cocktail Tream and lots of fun and scares.
Activities will be over the weekends only: 19, 20, 26 & 27 October.
Some of the highlights are :
Enter the Haunted Rainforest and be greeted by a parade of the dead who have risen and taken over the Night Safari.
Embark on the haunted tram ride.
Venture into the haunted Forest Giant's trail, which meanders into the Pet Cemetery and Bridge of Hell.
Friday, October 03, 2008
Halloween Party at the SIngapore Zoo
Night Safari
Details for "Halloween Mocktails"
Halloween Mocktails
A frightfully fun evening among friends
Friday, 24 October 2008
Night Safari
7:30pm & 8:30pm tram rides available
Wicked witches. Bubbling points. Hanging skeletons and creepy crawlies.
This Halloween, a night of spooky fun and suspense awaits all who dare to venture into the Haunted Rainforest at the Night Safari.
Take a ride on board the ghouslishly decked out Halloween Cocktail Express and sip on specially concocted cocktail that will send tingles down your spine. Feast on spider-themed cakes and prepare your journey into the darkness of the 'Haunted Rainforest.'
*Please note that the Student member and Student non-member pricing is for children ages between 3 to 12 years old.
Send an email to Jasmin at sponsor.admin@aasingapore.com for the choice of timing for the tram rides.
SPECIAL OFFER
The first 3 to sign up for this event will win a free ticket for a friend. To win, please send an email saying "Sign Me Up!" to aas@aasingapore.com and we'll automatically sign up two tickets for the price of one.
Details for "Halloween Mocktails"
Halloween Mocktails
A frightfully fun evening among friends
Friday, 24 October 2008
Night Safari
7:30pm & 8:30pm tram rides available
Wicked witches. Bubbling points. Hanging skeletons and creepy crawlies.
This Halloween, a night of spooky fun and suspense awaits all who dare to venture into the Haunted Rainforest at the Night Safari.
Take a ride on board the ghouslishly decked out Halloween Cocktail Express and sip on specially concocted cocktail that will send tingles down your spine. Feast on spider-themed cakes and prepare your journey into the darkness of the 'Haunted Rainforest.'
*Please note that the Student member and Student non-member pricing is for children ages between 3 to 12 years old.
Send an email to Jasmin at sponsor.admin@aasingapore.com for the choice of timing for the tram rides.
SPECIAL OFFER
The first 3 to sign up for this event will win a free ticket for a friend. To win, please send an email saying "Sign Me Up!" to aas@aasingapore.com and we'll automatically sign up two tickets for the price of one.
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Virtual Etour Singapore Zoo
http://www.etour-singapore.com/singapore-zoo.html
I'm impressed!
Tips for Enjoying the Singapore Zoo
The Singapore Zoo is quite a big place. A little bit of planning with make your trip there more enjoyable. Here are some tips for enjoying the Zoo:
The Animal Shows
While the animal exhibits are great by themselves, the animal shows are must-see in my opinion. Here's the schedule of the main animal shows:
Splash Safari (a sealion, manatees, penguins, pelicans)
11am, 2.30pm, 5pm
Elephants at Work and Play
11.30am, 3.30pm
Note that it's almost impossible to see the first 2 shows (11am + 11.30am) together.
If you are arriving in the morning, consider the 11.30am + 2.30pm shows.
If you are arriving in the afternoon, just combine any of the Splash Safaris with the elephant show at 3.30pm.
The elephants will give the front row spectators a 'welcome shower'. They have the 'stuff' hidden in their trunks. If you don't want to get wet, sit 2 or 3 rows back. Otherwise, this could be a great way to surprise your little ones or your travel companions. Get them to sit in the front row and get your camera ready! But remember to take a change of clothes for them. Enjoy ;-)
If you are taking children to the Splash Safari, sit them near the front. There's a chance for them to shake hands with the sealion. Prepare your kids to put up their hands quickly when the show master asks for volunteers. Believe me, they'll be very excited about this.
Other Singapore Zoo Tips
If you plan of having a buffet breakfast with the animals (a.k.a. Jungle Breakfast with Wildlife), it's better to book ahead (Tel: +65 6360 8560). 9-10am daily, on a first-come-first-served basis.
The Singapore Zoo has a well-thought-out animal feeding schedule. It is worthwhile to follow their so-called 'feeding trails' - there's nothing like seeing animals during meal time. Get a brochure at the entrance, which tells you when the feeding times are.
Here are 3 interesting feeding trails grouped by location:
Morning:
10.30am - Treetops Trail (siamang & false gavial) & Otters
11.00am - Primate Kingdom (apes)
(These are near the Zoo entrance.)
Afternoon:
1.05pm - Polar Bear
1.15pm - White Rhinos
1.25pm - African Lions
2.00pm - Treetops Trail
2.10pm - Otters
2.20pm - White Tigers
2.30pm - Pygmy Hippos
If you are sensitive to mosquitoes and other insects, take some repellent with you. A hat and lots of water would be useful too.
If you don't fancy walking a lot in Singapore's heat, (pay and...) take the tram and hop off whenever you feel like it.
Many visitors like to combine a trip to the Zoo with the Night Safari, which is just next to the Zoo. It can be very tiring if you have an entire day at the Zoo, followed by the Night Safari. This is especially so if you are taking kids there.
One way to overcome this is see the Zoo in the afternoon, have dinner at the Night Safari restaurants, and then visit the Night Safari. Grab a Bongo Burger for dinner and sit near the stage - at 7pm, the fire-eating Bornean tribesmen will get you all pumped up for night!
The Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and Jurong Bird Park have a 3-in-1 joint ticket called the Park Hopper Ticket. This is great value if you plan on visiting all 3 parks. You get to save a chunk off the total ticket price. You may get the Park Hopper at any of the 3 parks and take up to a month to see all 3 parks.
3-in-1 Park Hopper Adult Ticket: $40 (save $16.50)
3-in-1 Park Hopper Child Ticket: $20, (save $8.50)
Normal Singapore Zoo Entrance Fee:
Adult, $16.50.
Child (3-12), $8.50.
You may also get the 2-in-1 Singapore Zoo + Night Safari Park Hopper ticket for $30 ($15, child). Savings of $8.50 per adult. Savings of $4.50 per child.
Transport Options to Singapore Zoo
I'm impressed!
Tips for Enjoying the Singapore Zoo
The Singapore Zoo is quite a big place. A little bit of planning with make your trip there more enjoyable. Here are some tips for enjoying the Zoo:
The Animal Shows
While the animal exhibits are great by themselves, the animal shows are must-see in my opinion. Here's the schedule of the main animal shows:
Splash Safari (a sealion, manatees, penguins, pelicans)
11am, 2.30pm, 5pm
Elephants at Work and Play
11.30am, 3.30pm
Note that it's almost impossible to see the first 2 shows (11am + 11.30am) together.
If you are arriving in the morning, consider the 11.30am + 2.30pm shows.
If you are arriving in the afternoon, just combine any of the Splash Safaris with the elephant show at 3.30pm.
The elephants will give the front row spectators a 'welcome shower'. They have the 'stuff' hidden in their trunks. If you don't want to get wet, sit 2 or 3 rows back. Otherwise, this could be a great way to surprise your little ones or your travel companions. Get them to sit in the front row and get your camera ready! But remember to take a change of clothes for them. Enjoy ;-)
If you are taking children to the Splash Safari, sit them near the front. There's a chance for them to shake hands with the sealion. Prepare your kids to put up their hands quickly when the show master asks for volunteers. Believe me, they'll be very excited about this.
Other Singapore Zoo Tips
If you plan of having a buffet breakfast with the animals (a.k.a. Jungle Breakfast with Wildlife), it's better to book ahead (Tel: +65 6360 8560). 9-10am daily, on a first-come-first-served basis.
The Singapore Zoo has a well-thought-out animal feeding schedule. It is worthwhile to follow their so-called 'feeding trails' - there's nothing like seeing animals during meal time. Get a brochure at the entrance, which tells you when the feeding times are.
Here are 3 interesting feeding trails grouped by location:
Morning:
10.30am - Treetops Trail (siamang & false gavial) & Otters
11.00am - Primate Kingdom (apes)
(These are near the Zoo entrance.)
Afternoon:
1.05pm - Polar Bear
1.15pm - White Rhinos
1.25pm - African Lions
2.00pm - Treetops Trail
2.10pm - Otters
2.20pm - White Tigers
2.30pm - Pygmy Hippos
If you are sensitive to mosquitoes and other insects, take some repellent with you. A hat and lots of water would be useful too.
If you don't fancy walking a lot in Singapore's heat, (pay and...) take the tram and hop off whenever you feel like it.
Many visitors like to combine a trip to the Zoo with the Night Safari, which is just next to the Zoo. It can be very tiring if you have an entire day at the Zoo, followed by the Night Safari. This is especially so if you are taking kids there.
One way to overcome this is see the Zoo in the afternoon, have dinner at the Night Safari restaurants, and then visit the Night Safari. Grab a Bongo Burger for dinner and sit near the stage - at 7pm, the fire-eating Bornean tribesmen will get you all pumped up for night!
The Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and Jurong Bird Park have a 3-in-1 joint ticket called the Park Hopper Ticket. This is great value if you plan on visiting all 3 parks. You get to save a chunk off the total ticket price. You may get the Park Hopper at any of the 3 parks and take up to a month to see all 3 parks.
3-in-1 Park Hopper Adult Ticket: $40 (save $16.50)
3-in-1 Park Hopper Child Ticket: $20, (save $8.50)
Normal Singapore Zoo Entrance Fee:
Adult, $16.50.
Child (3-12), $8.50.
You may also get the 2-in-1 Singapore Zoo + Night Safari Park Hopper ticket for $30 ($15, child). Savings of $8.50 per adult. Savings of $4.50 per child.
Transport Options to Singapore Zoo
(Map of Singapore Zoo and Singapore Night Safari)
Cheapest: MRT to Ang Mo Kio Station + Bus 138 to Zoo entrance.
Fastest: Drive. Take the PIE, then BKE. Take Exit 7. Follow the Singapore Zoo signboard.
Smartest: Take a taxi. About $15-20 from a city hotel. Shared among 4 persons = $4 to $5 per person.
Essential Information:
Opening hours: 8.30am - 6pm.
Singapore Zoo address: 80 Mandai Lake Road Singapore 729826.
Tel: +65 6269 3411
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Its Children's Day!
WORLD ANIMAL DAY
Singapore Zoo will be showcasing a day full of animal enrichment programmes. Visitors can learn how simple 'toys' help the Zoo's residents keep active. At the same time, learn how you can adopt similar techniques and improve your pets' quality of life through positive reinforcement. Part of Animal Enrichment Day.
Where: Singapore Zoo When: Sat:10am-4pm Admission: $16.50(adult)$8.50(child) Tel: 6534-5122
For your little loved ones.
Singapore Zoo will be showcasing a day full of animal enrichment programmes. Visitors can learn how simple 'toys' help the Zoo's residents keep active. At the same time, learn how you can adopt similar techniques and improve your pets' quality of life through positive reinforcement. Part of Animal Enrichment Day.
Where: Singapore Zoo When: Sat:10am-4pm Admission: $16.50(adult)$8.50(child) Tel: 6534-5122
For your little loved ones.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Animal attack victims will be compensated
If you were attacked by a wild animal, you can get compensation from the Welfare Department of Malaysia.
Victims or their family members can claim up to RM20,000 if they were confirmed to have been attacked by wild animals, including a tiger, panther, elephant, python, crocodile, bear or gaur.
State Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) director Saharudin Anan said those attacked should lodge a report with the department and fill in a form provided by the Welfare Department.
With the endorsement from Perhilitan and the hospital, he said a victim would be compensated based on the injuries.
"The maximum payment of RM20,000 will only be paid if the victim died or sufferred permanent disability after the attack."
Saharudin said the fund was set up last year, but no one had applied for it in Pahang.
He said a 49-year-old man, who was attacked by a panther in Kampung Panching near here on Sept 7, was eligible for the compensation. Saharudin said Perhilitan was still investigating the case.
Victims or their family members can claim up to RM20,000 if they were confirmed to have been attacked by wild animals, including a tiger, panther, elephant, python, crocodile, bear or gaur.
State Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) director Saharudin Anan said those attacked should lodge a report with the department and fill in a form provided by the Welfare Department.
With the endorsement from Perhilitan and the hospital, he said a victim would be compensated based on the injuries.
"The maximum payment of RM20,000 will only be paid if the victim died or sufferred permanent disability after the attack."
Saharudin said the fund was set up last year, but no one had applied for it in Pahang.
He said a 49-year-old man, who was attacked by a panther in Kampung Panching near here on Sept 7, was eligible for the compensation. Saharudin said Perhilitan was still investigating the case.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Singapore Zoo not doing enough to attract F1 fans
Television sets on its premises and in each of its 28 capsules showing live Formula 1 action. Fringe activities such as fire twirlers, samba dance and live band performances. Deejays hitting the deck and gigs by local celebrities like Kumar and John Molina.
The Singapore Flyer is going all out with these to woo visitors during the Republic’s inaugural night Grand Prix race over the weekend of September 26-28.
“Next to getting an F1 Paddock Pass, you can’t get any closer to the pit building than at the Singapore Flyer,” said its general manager Steven Yeo.
But it appears to be the only tourist attraction in town doing so.
A random check with other popular attractions, such as Sentosa, the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari, revealed that little has been planned to tap the influx of at least 50,000 visitors for the race.
This, when the Flyer is rolling out a slew of ticketing packages to cater to crowds of various levels of affluence: From a regular flight at S$29.50 with an open bar, to a luxurious lounge party at S$688, which includes a three-day trackside pass.
With Singapore hosing the first F1 night race, it seems the perfect opportunity to aggressively market this as the choice tourist destination - and also boost chances of hitting the target of 10.8 million visitors this year, given slowing tourist arrivals in the first half.
So, why are other tourist attractions not doing more?
It could be because they do not think these will increase visitorship significantly, said tourism and hospitality expert Judy Siguaw.
“The other tourist attractions might not think it is necessary to have special promotions or programmes. We have the Singapore Biennale and the Singapore River Festival going on at the same time, for example, and these visitors will have enough on their hands to keep them entertained,” said the dean of the Cornell-Nanyang Institute of Hospitality Management.
But it’s not as if nothing can be done to “sell” Singapore, Dr Siguaw added. Having readily available information at the airport on the sights and activities in Singapore “wouldn’t hurt”.
Meanwhile, the Singapore Mint and Logo House Singapore will be launching commemorative F1 coins and medallions tomorrow.
The S$2 silver proof coin and S$2 cupro-nickel proof-like coin will be sold at S$282 and S$47 each. - TODAY
Zoo to attract F1 fans? Racing with the Cheetahs?
The Singapore Flyer is going all out with these to woo visitors during the Republic’s inaugural night Grand Prix race over the weekend of September 26-28.
“Next to getting an F1 Paddock Pass, you can’t get any closer to the pit building than at the Singapore Flyer,” said its general manager Steven Yeo.
But it appears to be the only tourist attraction in town doing so.
A random check with other popular attractions, such as Sentosa, the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari, revealed that little has been planned to tap the influx of at least 50,000 visitors for the race.
This, when the Flyer is rolling out a slew of ticketing packages to cater to crowds of various levels of affluence: From a regular flight at S$29.50 with an open bar, to a luxurious lounge party at S$688, which includes a three-day trackside pass.
With Singapore hosing the first F1 night race, it seems the perfect opportunity to aggressively market this as the choice tourist destination - and also boost chances of hitting the target of 10.8 million visitors this year, given slowing tourist arrivals in the first half.
So, why are other tourist attractions not doing more?
It could be because they do not think these will increase visitorship significantly, said tourism and hospitality expert Judy Siguaw.
“The other tourist attractions might not think it is necessary to have special promotions or programmes. We have the Singapore Biennale and the Singapore River Festival going on at the same time, for example, and these visitors will have enough on their hands to keep them entertained,” said the dean of the Cornell-Nanyang Institute of Hospitality Management.
But it’s not as if nothing can be done to “sell” Singapore, Dr Siguaw added. Having readily available information at the airport on the sights and activities in Singapore “wouldn’t hurt”.
Meanwhile, the Singapore Mint and Logo House Singapore will be launching commemorative F1 coins and medallions tomorrow.
The S$2 silver proof coin and S$2 cupro-nickel proof-like coin will be sold at S$282 and S$47 each. - TODAY
Zoo to attract F1 fans? Racing with the Cheetahs?
Friday, September 12, 2008
ACRES takes legal action against wildlife centre contractor
CNA - Work has halted at Singapore's first Wildlife Rescue Centre. Managed by the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES), the centre is now embroiled in an environmental pollution lawsuit.
At the heart of the case is the contractor engaged to construct the wildlife centre. It is alleged that A.N.A Contractor Pte Ltd had dumped woodchips onto the site, leading to the discharge of wastewater into the watercourse linked to Kranji Reservoir.
The discharge originates from a site located at Jalan Lekar – in the North-Western part of Singapore – that is meant to house rescued wildlife.
In its writ of summons to A.N.A Contractor and its director, Mr Tan Boon Kwee, who was the clerk of works for the rescue centre project, ACRES alleged that the toxic discharge is the result of A.N.A burying woodchips on the site.
Subsequent tests by environmental consultants, using boreholes dug up to 13 metres underground, showed that contaminants in the ground water included petroleum hydrocarbons and volatile organic compounds.
ACRES will be claiming damages and losses as a result of the actions of A.N.A Contractor and its director.
In a statement to Channel NewsAsia, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said its officers found that the discharge contained high organic content. Its investigation also revealed that ACRES' contractor had used woodchips for the earth works at the site.
NEA has initiated prosecution against A.N.A Contractor, under the Environmental Protection and Management Act, for causing discharge of water with high organic content.
Under the Act, the penalties for discharging toxic substances or hazardous substances into inland waters are a fine of up to S$100,000 and a jail term of up to 12 months. NEA said the prosecution action is still pending the court's judgement.
It added that although woodchips do not contain any toxic chemical or hydrocarbon, it can discharge water with high organic content when it decays. But like any decayed or dried wood, when the decay is complete, the woodchips will no longer give rise to any discharge of high organic content waste water.
As for the hydrocarbons found present in the ground water by environmental consultant ENVIRONcorp, NEA said it is not unusual for hydrocarbons to be present in trace levels in the soil.
The agency added that it is monitoring the site and there has been no such further discharge into the watercourse.
Louis Ng, executive director, ACRES, said: "It's been a long and tiring journey for us and we look forward to ACRES Wildlife Rescue Centre becoming a landmark facility for the protection of animals. But at the same time, we will work tirelessly to rectify all these problems that have arisen.
"These setbacks have not dampened our spirit, our passion and determination to make a difference, and we will learn from this setback. We'll move forward, we'll stay positive and we'll definitely become stronger."
ACRES is now appealing to other construction companies to help in the excavation and rebuilding works. Notwithstanding the delay, it said it would open the front portion of the centre, which includes the Volunteer House, Education Centre and Administrative Building, on Friday.
The Recovery and Rehabilitation Centre will open soon, following further talks with the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority. The opening of the Animal Sanctuary, which needs to be torn down, is delayed for at least another six months.
To date, the work of ACRES has led to the rescue of more than 200 wild animals. ACRES has also conducted more than 280 roadshows and talks in Singapore to create awareness on animal protection issues.
At the heart of the case is the contractor engaged to construct the wildlife centre. It is alleged that A.N.A Contractor Pte Ltd had dumped woodchips onto the site, leading to the discharge of wastewater into the watercourse linked to Kranji Reservoir.
The discharge originates from a site located at Jalan Lekar – in the North-Western part of Singapore – that is meant to house rescued wildlife.
In its writ of summons to A.N.A Contractor and its director, Mr Tan Boon Kwee, who was the clerk of works for the rescue centre project, ACRES alleged that the toxic discharge is the result of A.N.A burying woodchips on the site.
Subsequent tests by environmental consultants, using boreholes dug up to 13 metres underground, showed that contaminants in the ground water included petroleum hydrocarbons and volatile organic compounds.
ACRES will be claiming damages and losses as a result of the actions of A.N.A Contractor and its director.
In a statement to Channel NewsAsia, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said its officers found that the discharge contained high organic content. Its investigation also revealed that ACRES' contractor had used woodchips for the earth works at the site.
NEA has initiated prosecution against A.N.A Contractor, under the Environmental Protection and Management Act, for causing discharge of water with high organic content.
Under the Act, the penalties for discharging toxic substances or hazardous substances into inland waters are a fine of up to S$100,000 and a jail term of up to 12 months. NEA said the prosecution action is still pending the court's judgement.
It added that although woodchips do not contain any toxic chemical or hydrocarbon, it can discharge water with high organic content when it decays. But like any decayed or dried wood, when the decay is complete, the woodchips will no longer give rise to any discharge of high organic content waste water.
As for the hydrocarbons found present in the ground water by environmental consultant ENVIRONcorp, NEA said it is not unusual for hydrocarbons to be present in trace levels in the soil.
The agency added that it is monitoring the site and there has been no such further discharge into the watercourse.
Louis Ng, executive director, ACRES, said: "It's been a long and tiring journey for us and we look forward to ACRES Wildlife Rescue Centre becoming a landmark facility for the protection of animals. But at the same time, we will work tirelessly to rectify all these problems that have arisen.
"These setbacks have not dampened our spirit, our passion and determination to make a difference, and we will learn from this setback. We'll move forward, we'll stay positive and we'll definitely become stronger."
ACRES is now appealing to other construction companies to help in the excavation and rebuilding works. Notwithstanding the delay, it said it would open the front portion of the centre, which includes the Volunteer House, Education Centre and Administrative Building, on Friday.
The Recovery and Rehabilitation Centre will open soon, following further talks with the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority. The opening of the Animal Sanctuary, which needs to be torn down, is delayed for at least another six months.
To date, the work of ACRES has led to the rescue of more than 200 wild animals. ACRES has also conducted more than 280 roadshows and talks in Singapore to create awareness on animal protection issues.
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
The Singapore Zoo and Night Safari get 3 star Awards
The Singapore Zoo
The Night Safari
Four tourist attractions from Singapore have received a 3—star rating from Michelin, the renowned French lifestyle surveyors.
Raffles Hotel, Botanic Gardens, Night Safari and the Singapore Zoological Gardens now join the ranks of famous international attractions like the Paris Eiffel Tower and New York Empire State Building, in having a 3—star Michelin rating.
Michelin, which has been publishing travel guides since 1900, only picked 25 countries in the world to feature.
And it is the first time that Michelin is publishing a travel guide on Singapore. The other Asian countries with this honour are China, Japan and Thailand.
Christian Delhaye, president, Worldwide Strategic Business Unit, Michelin Maps and Guides, said: "The Europeans are very interested in Singapore as a destination, it’s an entry door to the Asian world."
To rank the sites, writers anonymously visited the attractions and assessed them according to criteria such as authenticity, aesthetics, service quality and convenience.
One out of every five visitors to Singapore consults a guidebook before they arrive.
Michelin sold 1.5 million guidebooks worldwide last year and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) hopes that the Singapore edition will boost tourism arrival numbers.
Close to 1.3 million Europeans visited Singapore last year. Double—digit growth rates were seen in tourist arrivals from Spain, Russia, Denmark and France.
The STB believes that the Michelin guide will not only help market Singapore to a Western audience, but to other Asian travellers as well.
Margaret Teo, assistant chief executive (leisure), Singapore Tourism Board, added: "Michelin intends to produce a pocket—sized version of the guide in Chinese, and that will be available for sale in China; and there is also a must—see guide, made available, targeting the India market.
"So with these two markets as one of our key source markets, I think that will value add to the experience of tourists from India and China."
Singapore aims to attract 17 million visitor arrivals and generate S$30 billion in tourism receipts by 2015. — CNA
Friday, September 05, 2008
Another Green Polar Bear
A polar bear, its fur stained with algae, stands in its cage at Higashiyama Zoo in Nagoya, central Japan, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008. Three polar bears at the zoo changed their colors in July after swimming in a pond with an overgrowth of algae, prompting many questions from visitors concerned about whether the animals are sick or carrying mold, a zoo official said. (AP Photo/Kyodo News, Shuzo Shikano)
Green polar bears are drawing questions from puzzled visitors at a Japanese zoo.
Three normally white polar bears at Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens in central Japan changed their color in July after swimming in a pond with an overgrowth of algae.
The sight of green polar bears has prompted many questions from visitors concerned about whether the animals are sick or carrying mold, zoo official Masami Kurobe said Sunday.
"Visitors seem to be shocked by the color, and we are asked every day why they are so green," he said.
High temperatures in July and August and less-frequent water changes because of the zoo's conservation efforts caused an algae growth in the bear pond and safety moat, Kurobe said.
Algae that enters hollow spaces in the bears' fur is hard to rinse off, he said.
The bears are expected to return to their natural color when the algae growth subsides in November, Kurobe said.
The question is will these Polar bears be shipped OUT?!
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Singapore Zoological Gardens - A Must visit when in Singapore
The zoo is set in 250 acres of lush, peaceful surroundings. This world-famous, award winning attraction is worth spending an entire day. Visitors can even have breakfast or tea with orangutans! There is a children’s section as well as a unique Night Safari.
Monday, September 01, 2008
Singapore Zoo – Committed to Wild Life Preservation
Commonly known as Mandai Zoo, “Singapore Zoo” was opened on the 23rd of June in 1973 with an initial investment of 9 million Singapore dollars. It is being preserved by Wildlife Reserves Singapore that also operates the “Jurong Bird Park” and the “Night Safari”.
The conception of the creation of the zoo was brought up by Public Utilities Board in 1969 and having hired consultants from many countries during the construction of two years it was opened with 270 animals of 72 species that were maintained by a staff of 130 people. By 1990, it was home for more than 1600 animals including over 160 species.
Now the zoo is operated by “open zoo” concept where the visitors are able to see the animals that are in spacious enclosures. The zoo spreads through 28 hectares and attracts more than 1.4 million visitors a year who come to observe the natural life of over 315 different animal species. Another feature of the attraction was established as the “Night Safari” with a secondary forest of 40 hectares. The other most interesting program featured in the zoo is “Breakfast with an Orangutan” which is the moment where the visitors get the opportunity to interact with the orangutans.
A fruitful consequence of efforts of the zoo in wildlife conservation is “The Wildlife Healthcare & Research Centre” which was opened in 2006 as a main center where most of animal research and rescue programs are conducted specially for threatened species. and another effective and beneficial program implemented in the zoo is “friends of the Zoo” which offers its members free entrance and rides for an entire year and free quarterly magazine “Wildlife wonders” delivered home.
Singapore Zoo also offers special rides, trams and horse rides which can be enjoyed at lower charges. Further more the zoo offers accessibility for even disabled people and small babies having offering some additional transportation modes providing even wheelchairs and strollers. More over visitors get enthralled by various kinds of events of the animals at the main three event venues of the zoo which are Pavilion-By-the-Lake, Forest Lodge and the Garden Pavilion. Other than that, the zoo also provide the possibility to hold weddings and birth day parties while getting use of its main cocktail spots such as Tiger Trek and Treetops Trail.
The conception of the creation of the zoo was brought up by Public Utilities Board in 1969 and having hired consultants from many countries during the construction of two years it was opened with 270 animals of 72 species that were maintained by a staff of 130 people. By 1990, it was home for more than 1600 animals including over 160 species.
Now the zoo is operated by “open zoo” concept where the visitors are able to see the animals that are in spacious enclosures. The zoo spreads through 28 hectares and attracts more than 1.4 million visitors a year who come to observe the natural life of over 315 different animal species. Another feature of the attraction was established as the “Night Safari” with a secondary forest of 40 hectares. The other most interesting program featured in the zoo is “Breakfast with an Orangutan” which is the moment where the visitors get the opportunity to interact with the orangutans.
A fruitful consequence of efforts of the zoo in wildlife conservation is “The Wildlife Healthcare & Research Centre” which was opened in 2006 as a main center where most of animal research and rescue programs are conducted specially for threatened species. and another effective and beneficial program implemented in the zoo is “friends of the Zoo” which offers its members free entrance and rides for an entire year and free quarterly magazine “Wildlife wonders” delivered home.
Singapore Zoo also offers special rides, trams and horse rides which can be enjoyed at lower charges. Further more the zoo offers accessibility for even disabled people and small babies having offering some additional transportation modes providing even wheelchairs and strollers. More over visitors get enthralled by various kinds of events of the animals at the main three event venues of the zoo which are Pavilion-By-the-Lake, Forest Lodge and the Garden Pavilion. Other than that, the zoo also provide the possibility to hold weddings and birth day parties while getting use of its main cocktail spots such as Tiger Trek and Treetops Trail.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Please Continue to visit the Singapore Zoo
Tourism targets may not be met
By Lim Wei Chean
THE global economic slowdown, rising inflation and high oil prices have put the brakes on Singapore's tourism industry, causing the tourism board to express concern that it could fail to meet this year's target of 10.8 million visitors.
After 51 months of consecutive growth in tourist arrivals, Singapore saw its second year-on-year decline for July.
Last month, 916,000 foreigners visited the Republic. Though the highest number to date this year, and better than June's 817,000, it was a drop of 3.8 per cent from last July's 953,000 visitors.
There are more reasons to worry: Only four of the top 15 visitor-generating countries saw growth compared with the same period last year.
The four, according to the latest report released yesterday by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), are: Vietnam (17.3 per cent growth, with 29,000 visitors); Germany, (8.3 per cent growth, 13,000); India (7.1 per cent growth, 63,000); and Australia (5.1 per cent growth, 80,000).
Singapore's top tourists, the Indonesians, dropped in number to 167,000, down 13 per cent from last July, and the No. 2 market, China, dipped 4 per cent to 105,000.
The weakening of the industry can be traced back to April when visitor arrivals expanded at a slower rate of 0.8 per cent over the previous year, the lowest growth in 51 months.
Industry players say the global economic slowdown along with high fuel prices are reasons for tourists staying away.
Mr Michael Soh, who runs Diamond Tours specialising in the China market, estimated that the decline in business from Chinese tourists could be as high as 40 per cent.
He said the Sichuan quake saw the local government cutting back on official travel. Other factors include the Beijing Olympics and commercial flights from China to new destinations like Taiwan.
Hotels, which experienced a boom with record room rates and occupancy in the last two years, have been hit by the drop in arrivals.
Said Shangri-La Singapore's general manager Thierry Douin: 'We did so well last year that this is unexpected. We are definitely not seeing the figures we hoped to get for this year.'
July's average room occupancy was down 5.7 percentage points to 85 per cent. The STB reported that average room rates were up from last July by 14.3 per cent at $238. And revenue was estimated at $180 million, up 6.2 per cent from last year.
Hotels from The Sentosa Resort to Meritus Mandarin cited the softening of corporate travel as a major factor for the decline as corporate clients are the ones who can afford to pay the more expensive rates now commanded by Singapore hotels.
Companies have cut both the number of employees travelling as well as the number of days spent travelling, the hoteliers said. At the Shangri-La, corporate demand has dropped by 10 to 15 per cent over the same period last year. At the Royal Plaza on Scotts, corporate business has fallen from 90 per cent of overall occupancy to 85 per cent.
But hoteliers are expecting demand to pick up in the second half of the year with events like the world's first Formula One night race next month.
The STB said in its statement that the downward trend for June and July 'reflects the challenging global economic environment and outlook for the tourism sector, which may continue into 2009'.
Although Singapore may fall short of its arrivals target, STB is trying to hit its tourist spending target of $15.5 billion. A spokesman said it is boosting efforts in marketing Singapore in traditional source markets with big spenders, like Indonesia, and promoting major events like Christmas in the Tropics.
By Lim Wei Chean
THE global economic slowdown, rising inflation and high oil prices have put the brakes on Singapore's tourism industry, causing the tourism board to express concern that it could fail to meet this year's target of 10.8 million visitors.
After 51 months of consecutive growth in tourist arrivals, Singapore saw its second year-on-year decline for July.
Last month, 916,000 foreigners visited the Republic. Though the highest number to date this year, and better than June's 817,000, it was a drop of 3.8 per cent from last July's 953,000 visitors.
There are more reasons to worry: Only four of the top 15 visitor-generating countries saw growth compared with the same period last year.
The four, according to the latest report released yesterday by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), are: Vietnam (17.3 per cent growth, with 29,000 visitors); Germany, (8.3 per cent growth, 13,000); India (7.1 per cent growth, 63,000); and Australia (5.1 per cent growth, 80,000).
Singapore's top tourists, the Indonesians, dropped in number to 167,000, down 13 per cent from last July, and the No. 2 market, China, dipped 4 per cent to 105,000.
The weakening of the industry can be traced back to April when visitor arrivals expanded at a slower rate of 0.8 per cent over the previous year, the lowest growth in 51 months.
Industry players say the global economic slowdown along with high fuel prices are reasons for tourists staying away.
Mr Michael Soh, who runs Diamond Tours specialising in the China market, estimated that the decline in business from Chinese tourists could be as high as 40 per cent.
He said the Sichuan quake saw the local government cutting back on official travel. Other factors include the Beijing Olympics and commercial flights from China to new destinations like Taiwan.
Hotels, which experienced a boom with record room rates and occupancy in the last two years, have been hit by the drop in arrivals.
Said Shangri-La Singapore's general manager Thierry Douin: 'We did so well last year that this is unexpected. We are definitely not seeing the figures we hoped to get for this year.'
July's average room occupancy was down 5.7 percentage points to 85 per cent. The STB reported that average room rates were up from last July by 14.3 per cent at $238. And revenue was estimated at $180 million, up 6.2 per cent from last year.
Hotels from The Sentosa Resort to Meritus Mandarin cited the softening of corporate travel as a major factor for the decline as corporate clients are the ones who can afford to pay the more expensive rates now commanded by Singapore hotels.
Companies have cut both the number of employees travelling as well as the number of days spent travelling, the hoteliers said. At the Shangri-La, corporate demand has dropped by 10 to 15 per cent over the same period last year. At the Royal Plaza on Scotts, corporate business has fallen from 90 per cent of overall occupancy to 85 per cent.
But hoteliers are expecting demand to pick up in the second half of the year with events like the world's first Formula One night race next month.
The STB said in its statement that the downward trend for June and July 'reflects the challenging global economic environment and outlook for the tourism sector, which may continue into 2009'.
Although Singapore may fall short of its arrivals target, STB is trying to hit its tourist spending target of $15.5 billion. A spokesman said it is boosting efforts in marketing Singapore in traditional source markets with big spenders, like Indonesia, and promoting major events like Christmas in the Tropics.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Save the Whale!
'No whale sharks'
By Ang Yiying
NATURE and animal welfare groups in Singapore have banded together again to oppose the move by the integrated resort on Sentosa to bring in whale sharks for its oceanarium.
The Singapore Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), the Nature Society of Singapore and the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres) objected publicly to the plan when Resorts World at Sentosa unveiled it in 2006.
With International Whale Shark Day being observed on Saturday, the groups said it was timely to create awareness of the issue again.
SPCA executive officer Deirdre Moss said the society was concerned about the welfare of the whale shark as some have died in captivity overseas.
She said: 'When we're talking about the biggest fish in the ocean, one has to ask the question, 'Who is benefiting? Is it the animal or is it the human?' The animal's welfare will definitely be compromised.'
Whale sharks can grow to 12m long and possibly up to 20m.
At very least this whale won't be eaten up by the Japanese...
By Ang Yiying
NATURE and animal welfare groups in Singapore have banded together again to oppose the move by the integrated resort on Sentosa to bring in whale sharks for its oceanarium.
The Singapore Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), the Nature Society of Singapore and the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres) objected publicly to the plan when Resorts World at Sentosa unveiled it in 2006.
With International Whale Shark Day being observed on Saturday, the groups said it was timely to create awareness of the issue again.
SPCA executive officer Deirdre Moss said the society was concerned about the welfare of the whale shark as some have died in captivity overseas.
She said: 'When we're talking about the biggest fish in the ocean, one has to ask the question, 'Who is benefiting? Is it the animal or is it the human?' The animal's welfare will definitely be compromised.'
Whale sharks can grow to 12m long and possibly up to 20m.
At very least this whale won't be eaten up by the Japanese...
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Student goes to Zoo
Eco Tourism Through Conservation (Announcements)
18-Mar-2008
An Enrichment Programme Organised by the Singapore Zoological Gardens by Saksampan Ketprayoon, Diploma in Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Management student
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“I am glad to join this enrichment programme in which my classmates and I were given the opportunity to find out how zookeepers handle and manage the animals. We also touched the creepy crawlies and fluttering butterflies in the Fragile Forest Walk, an open zoo with various invertebrates and vertebrates species.
I learnt that the zoo places high priority in the conservation of the environment and breeding through animal exchange programmes. This is so as to keep attracting both local and foreign visitors to this popular tourist attraction. Animals are placed in spacious enclosures modeled after their natural habitats. Through the exchange programme, animals are loaned from other zoos which resulted in the breeding of healthier offspring.
Our group gathered to watch the various animals performed at the animal show. It highlighted the conservation message and was entertaining.
On the whole, it is truly an enjoyable and educational experience.”
18-Mar-2008
An Enrichment Programme Organised by the Singapore Zoological Gardens by Saksampan Ketprayoon, Diploma in Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Management student
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“I am glad to join this enrichment programme in which my classmates and I were given the opportunity to find out how zookeepers handle and manage the animals. We also touched the creepy crawlies and fluttering butterflies in the Fragile Forest Walk, an open zoo with various invertebrates and vertebrates species.
I learnt that the zoo places high priority in the conservation of the environment and breeding through animal exchange programmes. This is so as to keep attracting both local and foreign visitors to this popular tourist attraction. Animals are placed in spacious enclosures modeled after their natural habitats. Through the exchange programme, animals are loaned from other zoos which resulted in the breeding of healthier offspring.
Our group gathered to watch the various animals performed at the animal show. It highlighted the conservation message and was entertaining.
On the whole, it is truly an enjoyable and educational experience.”
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Friday, August 08, 2008
Saturday, August 02, 2008
More Fun and Games for Singapore
Marina Bay Sand and Resort World at Sentosa
http://www.marinabaysand.com.sg/marinabaysand_004.com
http://www.resortsworldsentosa.com.sg/
Resort World @ Sentosa Resorts World at Sentosa is the name of the integrated resort in development stages on the island of Sentosa, off the southern coast of Singapore. The S$6 billion (US$3.6 billion) integrated resort is developed by Genting International, the overseas investment arm of the Genting Group. Due to complete in early 2010, the mammoth resort will occupy over 49 hectares of land and will employ more than 10,000 people directly.
Universal Studios Singapore
Resorts World at Sentosa's Universal Studios Singapore will be Southeast Asia's first and only Universal Studios theme park and it will feature 24 attractions, with 18 rides exclusively designed for the park, including a pair of duelling roller coasters where friends and siblings can !¡±compete!¡L on separate coasters that meet in near-collision moments. The park will be divided into six zones - including Superhero City, Egypt, New York, The Lost World and Hollywood.
Marine Life Park
Spanning 8 ha, the Marine Life Park of Resorts World at Sentosa will be the world's largest oceanarium [3], holding more than 20 million gallons of salt water habitats. It will be home to the whale sharks as well as over 700,000 fish of various sizes and colours. Visitors to the oceanarium will also be able to swim among whale sharks inside a 6.6 million gallon lagoon.
The Marine Life Park aims to spur interest in marine science education, research and stewardship.
Maritime Xperiential Museum
The Maritime Xperiential Museum of Resorts World at Sentosa is the first in the region that celebrates the diversity and richness of Asia's maritime history. The museum will house a 360-degree multimedia theatre where visitors can trace the history of the maritime Silk Route from the 9th to the 19th century, through an interactive, multi-sensory process.
Equarius Water Park
The Equarius Water Park of Resorts World at Sentosa is a water theme park nestled under the canopy of Sentosa!|s rainforest, with water rides integrated into the island!|s natural tropical environment. Incorporating the latest water theme park technology, the Equarius Water Park will feature "Water Coaster", a water flume that winds through treetops and the jungle; "Snakes and Ladders" where water flows upwards; a surf pool that will offer a variety of wave types for surfers, and a specially designed water-based adventure zone.
http://www.marinabaysand.com.sg/marinabaysand_004.com
http://www.resortsworldsentosa.com.sg/
Resort World @ Sentosa Resorts World at Sentosa is the name of the integrated resort in development stages on the island of Sentosa, off the southern coast of Singapore. The S$6 billion (US$3.6 billion) integrated resort is developed by Genting International, the overseas investment arm of the Genting Group. Due to complete in early 2010, the mammoth resort will occupy over 49 hectares of land and will employ more than 10,000 people directly.
Universal Studios Singapore
Resorts World at Sentosa's Universal Studios Singapore will be Southeast Asia's first and only Universal Studios theme park and it will feature 24 attractions, with 18 rides exclusively designed for the park, including a pair of duelling roller coasters where friends and siblings can !¡±compete!¡L on separate coasters that meet in near-collision moments. The park will be divided into six zones - including Superhero City, Egypt, New York, The Lost World and Hollywood.
Marine Life Park
Spanning 8 ha, the Marine Life Park of Resorts World at Sentosa will be the world's largest oceanarium [3], holding more than 20 million gallons of salt water habitats. It will be home to the whale sharks as well as over 700,000 fish of various sizes and colours. Visitors to the oceanarium will also be able to swim among whale sharks inside a 6.6 million gallon lagoon.
The Marine Life Park aims to spur interest in marine science education, research and stewardship.
Maritime Xperiential Museum
The Maritime Xperiential Museum of Resorts World at Sentosa is the first in the region that celebrates the diversity and richness of Asia's maritime history. The museum will house a 360-degree multimedia theatre where visitors can trace the history of the maritime Silk Route from the 9th to the 19th century, through an interactive, multi-sensory process.
Equarius Water Park
The Equarius Water Park of Resorts World at Sentosa is a water theme park nestled under the canopy of Sentosa!|s rainforest, with water rides integrated into the island!|s natural tropical environment. Incorporating the latest water theme park technology, the Equarius Water Park will feature "Water Coaster", a water flume that winds through treetops and the jungle; "Snakes and Ladders" where water flows upwards; a surf pool that will offer a variety of wave types for surfers, and a specially designed water-based adventure zone.
Friday, August 01, 2008
Zoo's latest Wildlife Unlimited Plus
http://www.zoo.com.sg/getinvolved/membership_WUplus.htm
Enjoy unlimited access to Singapore's 3 exciting parks all year.
The Bird Park, Night Safari and Singapore Zoo.
Its the WILDLIFE UNLIMITED PLUS Membership, currently introductory price at $380
Wildlife Unlimited Plus
Promotion period: 1st June 2008 till 31st September 2008
Membership Category Family** Individual
Wildlife Unlimited Plus
(WU Plus) $380
(usual $430) $170
(usual $190)
** Family membership is limited to 2 adults and up to 3 children (3 – 12 years old)
Benefits of Wildlife Unlimited Plus:
Free admission to Jurong BirdPark, Night Safari and Singapore Zoo
Free tram rides/ Panorail rides# (Not valid on Saturday, Sunday and Public holidays)
Complimentary parking at Singapore Zoo & Night Safari
10% discount at participating retail outlets
10% discount at participating F&B outlets
Receive quarterly Wildlife Wonders Magazines worth $24
Email updates on the latest happenings and promotions for all 3 parks
# Free Night Safari Trams & Jurong BirdPark Panorail rides are only valid for a single round-trip from the main station. Panorail rides are only available at the Jurong BirdPark.
Terms & Conditions of Membership
Membership card is strictly NON-TRANSFERABLE
Membership privilege is only extended to persons whose names and photographs are on the card+
Family membership is limited to 2 adults and up to 3 children (3 – 12 years old)
Official documents maybe requested for verification purposes
Replacement fee for the loss of membership card is $20 per card
As a gesture of goodwill for family memberships, we allow only ONE foreign domestic worker++ or a grandparent to take the place of an absent parent
Free Night Safari trams and Jurong BirdPark Panorail rides are only valid for a single round-trip from the main station
Panorail rides are only available at the Jurong BirdPark.
Discounts are not applicable for animal photography nor animal rides
All membership discounts are suspended during the first 10 days of the Chinese Lunar New Year
Membership fees are non-refundable
The management of Wildlife Reserves Singapore reserves the rights to reject any application and to terminate a membership without refund if terms of the membership are not complied with.
+ Photographs are required for membership application (including ALL co-members for family application) Photos must be submitted within 14 days of application .
++ The management reserves the right to deny entry should there be no valid work permit available for verification.
Enjoy unlimited access to Singapore's 3 exciting parks all year.
The Bird Park, Night Safari and Singapore Zoo.
Its the WILDLIFE UNLIMITED PLUS Membership, currently introductory price at $380
Wildlife Unlimited Plus
Promotion period: 1st June 2008 till 31st September 2008
Membership Category Family** Individual
Wildlife Unlimited Plus
(WU Plus) $380
(usual $430) $170
(usual $190)
** Family membership is limited to 2 adults and up to 3 children (3 – 12 years old)
Benefits of Wildlife Unlimited Plus:
Free admission to Jurong BirdPark, Night Safari and Singapore Zoo
Free tram rides/ Panorail rides# (Not valid on Saturday, Sunday and Public holidays)
Complimentary parking at Singapore Zoo & Night Safari
10% discount at participating retail outlets
10% discount at participating F&B outlets
Receive quarterly Wildlife Wonders Magazines worth $24
Email updates on the latest happenings and promotions for all 3 parks
# Free Night Safari Trams & Jurong BirdPark Panorail rides are only valid for a single round-trip from the main station. Panorail rides are only available at the Jurong BirdPark.
Terms & Conditions of Membership
Membership card is strictly NON-TRANSFERABLE
Membership privilege is only extended to persons whose names and photographs are on the card+
Family membership is limited to 2 adults and up to 3 children (3 – 12 years old)
Official documents maybe requested for verification purposes
Replacement fee for the loss of membership card is $20 per card
As a gesture of goodwill for family memberships, we allow only ONE foreign domestic worker++ or a grandparent to take the place of an absent parent
Free Night Safari trams and Jurong BirdPark Panorail rides are only valid for a single round-trip from the main station
Panorail rides are only available at the Jurong BirdPark.
Discounts are not applicable for animal photography nor animal rides
All membership discounts are suspended during the first 10 days of the Chinese Lunar New Year
Membership fees are non-refundable
The management of Wildlife Reserves Singapore reserves the rights to reject any application and to terminate a membership without refund if terms of the membership are not complied with.
+ Photographs are required for membership application (including ALL co-members for family application) Photos must be submitted within 14 days of application .
++ The management reserves the right to deny entry should there be no valid work permit available for verification.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Singapore jobless rate at 1-year high, seen rising
SINGAPORE, July 31 - Singapore's jobless rate rose to a one-year high as firms slowed hiring amid choppy financial markets and a weakening global economy, and analysts warned that unemployment may climb in coming months.
The jobless rate rose to 2.3 percent in the April-June period after seasonal adjustments, compared to 2 percent in the previous quarter, the Ministry of Manpower said in preliminary data on Thursday.
Employment rose by 70,600 in the second quarter, slowing from a rise of 73,200 in the January-March period.
Economists said the rising jobless rate was evidence that the economic slowdown had extended beyond economic data and was spreading into the real economy, although Singapore's labour market is still expected to remain tight this year.
"The labour market is going to soften as growth...slows," said Irvin Seah, an economist at DBS. "We don't expect a sharp rise in retrenchments but things are going to move along at a slower pace."
Economists said the tight labour market -- the unemployment rate was at a 10-year low in the fourth quarter -- may fuel price pressures in Singapore where inflation is at a 26-year high.
"The labour market is still tight but it is moving towards a more sustainable pace that will soften the margin squeeze on companies," Seah said.
The booming construction industry created a record 22,100 jobs in the second quarter, compared to 14,500 in the first three months of the year, as building deals carried over from last year's red-hot property market -- which has since cooled -- continued to fuel activity.
Services, which includes the key financial sector, added 37,600 jobs in the April-June period, slowing from the first quarter when 46,500 jobs were created.
Employment in manufacturing rose by 10,200, down from an increase of 11,800 in the first quarter.
Retrenchments in Singapore fell to 1,900 in the second quarter from 2,274 in the previous quarter.
Heng Swee Keat, Singapore's central bank chief, said this month unemployment rate is seen at 2 percent for 2008.
Economies across Asia are expected to slow this year as growth in the key U.S. and Europe export markets weaken, while demand in emerging markets are not as strong as hoped.
Singapore's trade-driven economy, a barometer for global demand for Asian exports, shrank an annualised and seasonally adjusted 6.6 percent in the second quarter, its biggest contraction in five years.
NOT here in the Singapore Zoo...
Career Opportunities at the Zoo (http://www.zoo.com.sg/careers/careers.htm)
Animal Presentations Department
Show Presenters (FT/PT)
Finance & IT Department
IT Project Manager
Accounts Assistant
Finance Manager
Exhibit Design Department
Architect
Food and Beverage Department
F&B Supervisors
F&B Service Crew
F&B Service Crew (PT)
Asst Managers - Banquet/Restaurant
Life Sciences, Research & Conservation
Director, Life Sciences, Veterinary, Conservation & Education
Reseach & Conservation Curator
Operations Department
Play Crew
Service Leader
Receptionist (PT)
Senior Operations Manager
Tram Captain (Part Time)
Operations Assistant
Operations Assistant (Hourly Rated)
Ticketing Supervisor
Ticketing Staff (hourly rated)
Wild Discoverer Guide
Boat Captain
Boat Crew
Boat Guide
Retail Department
Retail Exec
Retail Asst (FT)
Retail Supervisors
Visual Merchandiser
Veterinary
Vet Nurse
Zoology Department
Animal Keeper
The jobless rate rose to 2.3 percent in the April-June period after seasonal adjustments, compared to 2 percent in the previous quarter, the Ministry of Manpower said in preliminary data on Thursday.
Employment rose by 70,600 in the second quarter, slowing from a rise of 73,200 in the January-March period.
Economists said the rising jobless rate was evidence that the economic slowdown had extended beyond economic data and was spreading into the real economy, although Singapore's labour market is still expected to remain tight this year.
"The labour market is going to soften as growth...slows," said Irvin Seah, an economist at DBS. "We don't expect a sharp rise in retrenchments but things are going to move along at a slower pace."
Economists said the tight labour market -- the unemployment rate was at a 10-year low in the fourth quarter -- may fuel price pressures in Singapore where inflation is at a 26-year high.
"The labour market is still tight but it is moving towards a more sustainable pace that will soften the margin squeeze on companies," Seah said.
The booming construction industry created a record 22,100 jobs in the second quarter, compared to 14,500 in the first three months of the year, as building deals carried over from last year's red-hot property market -- which has since cooled -- continued to fuel activity.
Services, which includes the key financial sector, added 37,600 jobs in the April-June period, slowing from the first quarter when 46,500 jobs were created.
Employment in manufacturing rose by 10,200, down from an increase of 11,800 in the first quarter.
Retrenchments in Singapore fell to 1,900 in the second quarter from 2,274 in the previous quarter.
Heng Swee Keat, Singapore's central bank chief, said this month unemployment rate is seen at 2 percent for 2008.
Economies across Asia are expected to slow this year as growth in the key U.S. and Europe export markets weaken, while demand in emerging markets are not as strong as hoped.
Singapore's trade-driven economy, a barometer for global demand for Asian exports, shrank an annualised and seasonally adjusted 6.6 percent in the second quarter, its biggest contraction in five years.
NOT here in the Singapore Zoo...
Career Opportunities at the Zoo (http://www.zoo.com.sg/careers/careers.htm)
Animal Presentations Department
Show Presenters (FT/PT)
Finance & IT Department
IT Project Manager
Accounts Assistant
Finance Manager
Exhibit Design Department
Architect
Food and Beverage Department
F&B Supervisors
F&B Service Crew
F&B Service Crew (PT)
Asst Managers - Banquet/Restaurant
Life Sciences, Research & Conservation
Director, Life Sciences, Veterinary, Conservation & Education
Reseach & Conservation Curator
Operations Department
Play Crew
Service Leader
Receptionist (PT)
Senior Operations Manager
Tram Captain (Part Time)
Operations Assistant
Operations Assistant (Hourly Rated)
Ticketing Supervisor
Ticketing Staff (hourly rated)
Wild Discoverer Guide
Boat Captain
Boat Crew
Boat Guide
Retail Department
Retail Exec
Retail Asst (FT)
Retail Supervisors
Visual Merchandiser
Veterinary
Vet Nurse
Zoology Department
Animal Keeper
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Singapore Zoo: Blood Donation Drive
Saving animals and ensuring their continued survival is part and parcel of the Singapore Zoo mission, but what about saving people?
Come August 6 2008, Singapore Zoo, in collaboration with Singapore Red Cross, is doing just that by holding a blood donation drive for both members of the public and its staff.
The drive hopes to address the rising need of blood in hospitals nationwide. About 350 units of blood are needed daily by hospitals across Singapore, especially O blood types.
While recognising that getting more people to donate blood is an uphill task, the Singapore Zoo hopes the blood drive will encourage staff and the public to come forward and do their part.
All donors will be presented a special certificate of participation in recognition of their help. Every pack of blood counts and every donor makes a difference!
Details:
Date: 6 August 2008 (Wednesday) Venue: Singapore Zoo 80 Mandai Lake Road
Singapore 729826
Time: 11am to 5pm
All donors are required to bring along their NRIC for registration and verification purposes. Registration point is at the entrance of Singapore Zoo.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Top 10 Zoo in the World
http://blog.ratestogo.com/best-zoos
As a child, I loved visiting the zoo. The world’s most incredible species all gathered into one location for our viewing pleasure. As I grew up, the novelty wore off as I began viewing animals as innocent victims that had been plucked from their natural habitats, but that opinion soon changed as well.
Today’s zoos have evolved and are much more sophisticated than the ones I visited more than 20 years ago. They’re developed to resemble the natural habitats of each animal, allowing them to roam, mate, and feed as they would have anywhere else in the world. The world is full of zoos, and we’ve searched each continent for the best (for both you and the animals)!
10. Animal Kingdom, Orlando
9. Basel Zoo, Switzerland
8. Beauval Zoo, France
7. Bronx Zoo, New York
6. National Zoological Gardens of South Africa
5. Berlin Zoological Garden, Germany
4. Schonbrunner Zoo, Australia
3. Smithsonian National Zoological Park, Washington, DC
2. Toronto Zoo
1. Singapore Zoo
Will I be able to visit them all in my life time?
As a child, I loved visiting the zoo. The world’s most incredible species all gathered into one location for our viewing pleasure. As I grew up, the novelty wore off as I began viewing animals as innocent victims that had been plucked from their natural habitats, but that opinion soon changed as well.
Today’s zoos have evolved and are much more sophisticated than the ones I visited more than 20 years ago. They’re developed to resemble the natural habitats of each animal, allowing them to roam, mate, and feed as they would have anywhere else in the world. The world is full of zoos, and we’ve searched each continent for the best (for both you and the animals)!
10. Animal Kingdom, Orlando
9. Basel Zoo, Switzerland
8. Beauval Zoo, France
7. Bronx Zoo, New York
6. National Zoological Gardens of South Africa
5. Berlin Zoological Garden, Germany
4. Schonbrunner Zoo, Australia
3. Smithsonian National Zoological Park, Washington, DC
2. Toronto Zoo
1. Singapore Zoo
Will I be able to visit them all in my life time?
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Rare fish bitten to death
HONG KONG - A RARE Chinese sturgeon given as a gift for the Olympics has died in Hong Kong's Ocean Park after being bitten by barracudas housed in the same aquarium.
The fish, of a species dating back to the dinosaur age 140million years ago, died on Monday just three days after being unveiled for public viewing.
'The marks around the wound are consistent with those produced by barracudas,' the park said.
Chinese sturgeon, which can reach up to 5m in length and weigh up to 500kg, are an endangered species and are classified as protected in China.
There are fewer than 1,000 Chinese sturgeon in existence, making them rarer than pandas, reported The South China Morning Post.
Chinese sturgeon coexist in the wild with barracudas, according to park officials.
Four remaining sturgeon have been removed from the aquarium as a precautionary measure. They will be exhibited again early next month.
The dead Chinese sturgeon was the smallest of five given by China's National Aquatic Wildlife Conservation Association last month as a gift.
They symbolised the five Olympic rings, marking the Beijing Olympic Games in August.
The association said it would send a replacement. -AP
The fish, of a species dating back to the dinosaur age 140million years ago, died on Monday just three days after being unveiled for public viewing.
'The marks around the wound are consistent with those produced by barracudas,' the park said.
Chinese sturgeon, which can reach up to 5m in length and weigh up to 500kg, are an endangered species and are classified as protected in China.
There are fewer than 1,000 Chinese sturgeon in existence, making them rarer than pandas, reported The South China Morning Post.
Chinese sturgeon coexist in the wild with barracudas, according to park officials.
Four remaining sturgeon have been removed from the aquarium as a precautionary measure. They will be exhibited again early next month.
The dead Chinese sturgeon was the smallest of five given by China's National Aquatic Wildlife Conservation Association last month as a gift.
They symbolised the five Olympic rings, marking the Beijing Olympic Games in August.
The association said it would send a replacement. -AP
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Friday, June 20, 2008
Hit and run an animal is an offence!
If your hit-and-run victim is an animal: you get fined or jailed
IF you hit someone on the road and flee from the scene of the accident, you will get into trouble with the law.
But what if you knock down an animal?
Well, don't think you can just drive off.
Be it a person or an animal, the same law applies.
Under the Road Traffic Act, if you are involved in an accident where a person or an animal is injured, you have to stop your vehicle and help the victims.
If not, you can face a fine up to $3,000 or be jailed up to a year.
For a subsequent conviction, you can be fined up to $5,000 or jailed up to two years.
Lawyer Luke Lee told The New Paper: 'Animals are protected under the same law as humans.'
And those who injure an animal in a hit-and-run case face the same penalties if the law is violated, he added.
Ms Deirdre Moss, executive officer of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), said: 'Most people, unfortunately, do not think that such cases are important just because (the victim) is an animal.'
Student Andrew Teo's dog was one such victim.
On 4 Jun, the 23-year-old took his 2-year-old miniature schnauzer, Vodka, for their usual evening walk.
At 9.45pm, they were about to cross Choa Chu Kang Crescent when a white van sped towards them.
Mr Teo said he was standing on the pavement while Vodka, who was on a leash, was already on the road.
On seeing the van, Mr Teo tried to pull the dog back, but Vodka slipped out of his collar and dashed across the road.
It was hit by the van and blood oozed from its right ear and nostrils.
Mr Teo saw the van had stopped a few metres away and two men came out. Mr Teo said that when they saw him, they quickly got back into the van and allegedly drove off.
But he managed to take down its licence plate number.
Three passers-by, two of whom are Mr Teo's neighbours, helped him move Vodka onto the pavement.
He said: 'By that time, I knew Vodka was dead. His body was intact, but you could feel that his skull had been crushed.'
Mr Teo took the dog to its vet to get a death certificate and then went to a police station to make a report.
A police spokesman confirmed Mr Teo's report and said they are investigating the accident, which happened between Block 662 and Block 691A at Choa Chu Kang Crescent.
The road has no pedestrian crossings or traffic lights, but Mr Teo and other residents said that it has low traffic even during the day.
The vet's medical report declared Vodka dead on arrival. It suffered severe trauma to the head and chest.
Mr Teo is upset that the van occupants did not stop to help and feels they must take responsibility and be punished accordingly.
AWARENESS NEEDED
Motorist William Neo, 28, was unaware that the penalty for hit-and-run cases is the same for both humans and animals.
The project coordinator feels that motorists need to be better educated on road rules.
He said: 'Most people would probably think hitting an animal is much less serious than hitting a person.
'Informing motorists of the consequences would make them think twice about driving off after hitting an animal.'
The SPCA said that when pets are injured in road accidents, the owners should alert the SPCA and try to move the animals to the side of the road.
But those with little experience in handling animals should not try to pick them up. They should wait for SPCA staff members to arrive, while alerting motorists to slow down and drive cautiously - the traffic police will generally assist in this area.
IF you hit someone on the road and flee from the scene of the accident, you will get into trouble with the law.
But what if you knock down an animal?
Well, don't think you can just drive off.
Be it a person or an animal, the same law applies.
Under the Road Traffic Act, if you are involved in an accident where a person or an animal is injured, you have to stop your vehicle and help the victims.
If not, you can face a fine up to $3,000 or be jailed up to a year.
For a subsequent conviction, you can be fined up to $5,000 or jailed up to two years.
Lawyer Luke Lee told The New Paper: 'Animals are protected under the same law as humans.'
And those who injure an animal in a hit-and-run case face the same penalties if the law is violated, he added.
Ms Deirdre Moss, executive officer of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), said: 'Most people, unfortunately, do not think that such cases are important just because (the victim) is an animal.'
Student Andrew Teo's dog was one such victim.
On 4 Jun, the 23-year-old took his 2-year-old miniature schnauzer, Vodka, for their usual evening walk.
At 9.45pm, they were about to cross Choa Chu Kang Crescent when a white van sped towards them.
Mr Teo said he was standing on the pavement while Vodka, who was on a leash, was already on the road.
On seeing the van, Mr Teo tried to pull the dog back, but Vodka slipped out of his collar and dashed across the road.
It was hit by the van and blood oozed from its right ear and nostrils.
Mr Teo saw the van had stopped a few metres away and two men came out. Mr Teo said that when they saw him, they quickly got back into the van and allegedly drove off.
But he managed to take down its licence plate number.
Three passers-by, two of whom are Mr Teo's neighbours, helped him move Vodka onto the pavement.
He said: 'By that time, I knew Vodka was dead. His body was intact, but you could feel that his skull had been crushed.'
Mr Teo took the dog to its vet to get a death certificate and then went to a police station to make a report.
A police spokesman confirmed Mr Teo's report and said they are investigating the accident, which happened between Block 662 and Block 691A at Choa Chu Kang Crescent.
The road has no pedestrian crossings or traffic lights, but Mr Teo and other residents said that it has low traffic even during the day.
The vet's medical report declared Vodka dead on arrival. It suffered severe trauma to the head and chest.
Mr Teo is upset that the van occupants did not stop to help and feels they must take responsibility and be punished accordingly.
AWARENESS NEEDED
Motorist William Neo, 28, was unaware that the penalty for hit-and-run cases is the same for both humans and animals.
The project coordinator feels that motorists need to be better educated on road rules.
He said: 'Most people would probably think hitting an animal is much less serious than hitting a person.
'Informing motorists of the consequences would make them think twice about driving off after hitting an animal.'
The SPCA said that when pets are injured in road accidents, the owners should alert the SPCA and try to move the animals to the side of the road.
But those with little experience in handling animals should not try to pick them up. They should wait for SPCA staff members to arrive, while alerting motorists to slow down and drive cautiously - the traffic police will generally assist in this area.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Caring for orphaned creatures is part of job
From my paper
by Rachel Chan
FOR the first six years on the job, she endured the 24.6km, or two-hour-long commute, via public transport from her Tampines home to her workplace in Mandai.
Ms Chua Poh Shan, 30, who started driving to work four years ago, also gets grubby and muddy almost every day and sometimes, her charges can keep her awake into the wee hours.
But for the love of her job, she perseveres.
Ms Chua is the assistant manager for animal presentations, and part of a 550-strong workforce at Wildlife Reserve Singapore (WRS). The WRS runs Jurong Bird Park, Singapore Zoo and Night Safari.
Its staff are spread across 12 departments, from specialisations such as animal presentation and zoology, corporate services, food and beverage and retail.
With an average of more than three million visitors per year, WRS is a major player in the local attractions industry. Ms Chua first started as a junior presenter - a position which currently pays a starting salary of $1,200.
While she earns more now, Ms Chua does not think of her rewards in monetary terms. Besides conceptualising and hosting animal shows, she also trains her junior colleagues.
And she said: 'I feel really blessed to have been given the opportunity to play foster parent to many animals.'
To date, she has fostered civet cats, pumas, otters and a spotted hyena, among others.
These baby animals were rejected by their mothers for various reasons.
Feeding a baby animal every two hours and burping them, she added, is all part and parcel of the 24-hour foster care programme.
Generally, animal presenters are expected to hone a vast set of skills, such as show presentation, show conceptualisation, acting, stage lighting and animal husbandry. They also double up as dung shovellers and butchers (they cut up meat and fish for the animals).
Animal presenters have to go through on-the-job training, as well as specially developed in-house programmes to learn how to walk, handle and work with animals.
Due toWRS' diversified training needs, it depends on the Tourism Management Institute of Singapore (TMIS) to complement staff training with their Certificate in Attractions modules.
While in-house WRS programmes, like Zoo Biology Basic, give keepers some knowledge of animal anatomy, TMIS courses provide the soft skills needed to take care of human guests.
Mr Andy Gan, 29, assistant manager of learning and development in human resources, pointed out that it takes more than just knowledge from books to be a part of the WRS team.
Mr Gan said: 'We're looking for people with a passion for animals.' Ms Chua, who is also involved in the process of handpicking recruits for her department, added: 'I'm looking for people who speak fluently, are good with both people and animals, and don't mind getting dirty. It's not easy to find someone who has this balance.'
She has a degree in biology, but stressed that not everyone needs to be trained in science to work at the zoo.
WRS is constantly on the lookout for talented individuals to join its team.
'We take pride in training and developing our staff, including our part-timers,' Mr Gan said. 'We also do our best to make this place a fun environment to work in.'
by Rachel Chan
FOR the first six years on the job, she endured the 24.6km, or two-hour-long commute, via public transport from her Tampines home to her workplace in Mandai.
Ms Chua Poh Shan, 30, who started driving to work four years ago, also gets grubby and muddy almost every day and sometimes, her charges can keep her awake into the wee hours.
But for the love of her job, she perseveres.
Ms Chua is the assistant manager for animal presentations, and part of a 550-strong workforce at Wildlife Reserve Singapore (WRS). The WRS runs Jurong Bird Park, Singapore Zoo and Night Safari.
Its staff are spread across 12 departments, from specialisations such as animal presentation and zoology, corporate services, food and beverage and retail.
With an average of more than three million visitors per year, WRS is a major player in the local attractions industry. Ms Chua first started as a junior presenter - a position which currently pays a starting salary of $1,200.
While she earns more now, Ms Chua does not think of her rewards in monetary terms. Besides conceptualising and hosting animal shows, she also trains her junior colleagues.
And she said: 'I feel really blessed to have been given the opportunity to play foster parent to many animals.'
To date, she has fostered civet cats, pumas, otters and a spotted hyena, among others.
These baby animals were rejected by their mothers for various reasons.
Feeding a baby animal every two hours and burping them, she added, is all part and parcel of the 24-hour foster care programme.
Generally, animal presenters are expected to hone a vast set of skills, such as show presentation, show conceptualisation, acting, stage lighting and animal husbandry. They also double up as dung shovellers and butchers (they cut up meat and fish for the animals).
Animal presenters have to go through on-the-job training, as well as specially developed in-house programmes to learn how to walk, handle and work with animals.
Due toWRS' diversified training needs, it depends on the Tourism Management Institute of Singapore (TMIS) to complement staff training with their Certificate in Attractions modules.
While in-house WRS programmes, like Zoo Biology Basic, give keepers some knowledge of animal anatomy, TMIS courses provide the soft skills needed to take care of human guests.
Mr Andy Gan, 29, assistant manager of learning and development in human resources, pointed out that it takes more than just knowledge from books to be a part of the WRS team.
Mr Gan said: 'We're looking for people with a passion for animals.' Ms Chua, who is also involved in the process of handpicking recruits for her department, added: 'I'm looking for people who speak fluently, are good with both people and animals, and don't mind getting dirty. It's not easy to find someone who has this balance.'
She has a degree in biology, but stressed that not everyone needs to be trained in science to work at the zoo.
WRS is constantly on the lookout for talented individuals to join its team.
'We take pride in training and developing our staff, including our part-timers,' Mr Gan said. 'We also do our best to make this place a fun environment to work in.'
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