Zoo's standard drop?

http://www.tremeritus.com/2013/07/08/standards-drop-at-the-zoo/

Open letter to the Singapore Zoo
July 8th, 2013 | Author: Contributions

Dear Sir,

I feel embarrassed to write in again. I have been writing regarding changes happening to the Animal Friends Show (AFS). I am almost speechless. This may be the last email from me.

The AFS started as the best show we enjoyed at the zoo. It was interactive, engaging, filled with cheery dance moves, light hearted music, and loved by my daughter. Even a parrot can slam dung! And Jayjay (cockatoo) can wave!

Today, we feel dismay. How did such a great show reduce to such a pitiful state, with little cheers from the audience? The show looks disjointed and ends with an empty stage.

Please allow me to recap the winning moves that are now missing:
-       Introductory dance and moves by the trainers
-       Kids given the chance to join in
-       Jayjay who waves
-       Parrot slam dung
-       Hula hoop segment that once was removed but glad that it has been

Re-introduced:
-       Bubbles that light up the atmosphere at the end
-       Kids given the chance to get close to the dogs

As a patron since 2008, I just cannot understand what’s going on. What happened to the show?

Why kids are now denied the opportunity to get close to the animals?
Is the zoo going to allow kids to touch the lions and tigers instead?

Thinking back, the closing segment does look a bit messy with kids and parents swamping the dogs. Toes get stepped on. But I think everyone enjoy the mingling. It gets crowded but it shows AFS wins hearts and smiles.

Perhaps taking a leaf from the Rainforest Fights Back, where people line up properly to take photos with the snakes, something similar can be arranged. You can maintain orderliness without creating barriers.

We are also disappointed that the annual membership fees have increased again. Did the increase go to better welfare for the staff and animals? I saw trainers at the AFS with torn and dirty looking clothes. It does not look well for the zoo. Do you know that 1/3 Singapore household average income below $3000? Do you know a toilet cleaner earns $600 a month?

Yes we welcome the 40% discount, but you should really consider running the promotion from Jan – Dec instead. As the discount is applicable to Singaporeans and PRs only, which is a fixed number, why would there be a need to squeeze everyone into July?

The sudden spike in visitorship is artificial and becomes uncomfortable for us and tourists. Did you know that you have also chosen to close the Treetop Walk for upgrading? Now everyone is squeezing through a narrow passage.

Imagine tourists who come to Singapore just after the haze. The skies are clear again, but rubbing shoulders in the noon sun is not something to wish for. Long queues for food are also annoying.

Are you certain the zoo needs expansion or do you need better planning?

Regards
Chin Wei