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.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
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.
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