NTUC Member has its Privileges

Offer Date: Now till 31 Dec 2013

Up to 30% OFF admission*

Come explore the best rainforest zoo in the world, where over 2,800 animals and an exciting ecological adventure awaits you! Stroll along the shaded boardwalks and observe our animals as they frolic amidst lush surroundings that mimic their habitat in the wild!

*30% OFF admission is applicable on weekdays only, 10% OFF admission on weekends and Public Holidays

Kidzranger Tour

If you have children aged between 5 and 12 years old who love animals, this hands-on programme is an excellent experience.  Our Kidzranger Tour turns children into zookeepers for a stint. They’ll get their own Kidzranger vest, and a pin-on button that gives them special access to areas in the Rainforest Kidzworld that are otherwise only open to our zookeepers. It’s a fun-filled and educational experience that is sure to bring out the sparkle in every child’s eyes.

Tour highlights:

•     Mingle with the horses, ponies and falabellas and learn how to tell them apart.
•     Find out about the animals’ quirky habits that may surprise you.
•     Try your hand at grooming a falabella and rabbit.
•     Feed our hungry goats.
•     Experience what it’s like to be a zookeeper.
•     Learn what it takes to be a responsible pet owner.

Venue            Timing                            Duration               Price
Rainforest      10.30am & 3.00pm        45 minutes            $15.00(Child 5 - 12 years old)
Kidzworld    
       
To register for the Kidzranger Tour,
Call (65) 6269 3411 or
Email wilddiscoverer@wrs.com.sg

Paw-sitive for INUKA at the Singapore Zoo

First polar bear born in the tropics undergoes annual health-check.
 
As Inuka, Singapore Zoo’s 22 year old polar bear entered his senior years, Singapore Zoo’s vet team performed a health check on him under general anesthesia on 9 October 2013. The first polar bear to be born in the tropics was found to be in general good health for his age. He currently measures 2.5m from nose to tail, and weighs 532kg.

The hour-long medical examination included dental, aural and paw checks. Blood results show no abnormality in his kidneys and liver. There are some warty growths on the underside of his tongue, and a biopsy has been done to confirm if they are benign and can be left alone. Inuka’s teeth also needed some attention, which was to be expected at his age. X-rays of his lower limbs confirmed what his vets have suspected for some time; that he has mild arthritis on his ankle and right wrist joints. The vets will prescribe medications as required, to manage his arthritis.

After the examination, Inuka was revived with a reverse sedative and allowed to recuperate in his den. Within two days, he was back to basking in his ice cave and in no time was paddling in his pool, at Singapore Zoo’s Frozen Tundra.

 

ZOO HOO WILD WOW BIRTHDAY

Make sure to mark your calendars as Singapore Zoo is ending off its 40th anniversary celebrations with a big bang!

The highlights of this wild party include the token feeding birthday surprises, where guests will be invited to share the joy of Zoo’s animal friends. Watch in awe as the chimpanzees open their gifts during selected token feeding sessions.

Kids will be entertained by the exciting magic performances and interactive games. Drop by the Rainforest Courtyard and give it a try at the special 40th anniversary props at Zoo Hoo’s Wild Wow Birthday Photowall.

Event Timings

On Saturday, Sunday every week, from Sat, Nov 30 - Sun, Dec 22, from 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM.

Highlights

Token Feeding Birthday Surprise
What’s a birthday without yummy treats? Share in the pure delight of our animal friends as they unwrap birthday presents and treats! Catch our curious chimpanzees among other animals as they open their gifts during selected token feeding sessions.

Dates: 30 Nov, 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22 December
Times & Venues:
1. Orang utan 11.00am
2. Pygmy hippo 2.30pm
3. Chimpanzee 4.35pm
4. Primate Kingdom 11.00am (Colobus monkey, Celebes macaque, lion-tailed macaque)

Wild Wow Photo Wall
Get creative with our ‘fun-ky’ 40th anniversary props at Zoo Hoo’s Wild Wow Birthday photowall and bring home a keepsake in a limited edition Zoo Hoo photo jacket for just $5.

Dates: 30 Nov, 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22 December
Time: 10am – 4pm
Venue: Rainforest Courtyard (outside retail shop)

Camping at the Singapore Zoo

Sleep With the Beast camp 23rd - 24th November 2013.

Day 1 (Saturday)    

2.45pm
Registration

2.55pm
Briefing

3.10pm
Proceed to Wild Africa

3.20pm
Wild Africa Guided Tour + Giraffe Feeding(3.45pm)
Let our guides take you on a journey around Wild Africa, understand why Africa has some of the largest and tallest land mammals. Get a chance to see eye to eye with giraffes that use their long tongues to grasp food from your hand!

4.00pm
Water Break and Toilet Break

4.15pm
Behind-The-Scenes - All About Creepy Crawlies
This tour takes you to the breeding complex of Fragile Forest. Discover how we breed and maintain butterflies, scorpions, stick insects and other invertebrates. Get to know the Creepy Crawlies, pet a stick insect and hold a hissing cockroach, if you dare!

5.15pm
Boat Ride from Boat Dock 2

5.45pm
Have Fun Pitching Your Own Tent!
A six-man tent will be provided for each family.

6.30pm
Buffet Dinner at Ulu Ulu Safari Restaurant
Feast on a sumptuous international buffet spread while the chorus of cicadas, crickets and frogs serenade you under the starry sky.

7.45pm
Board Tram around Night Safari
Tour the world’s first Night Safari on a tram. You will realize that the night does have a thousand eyes. Soak in the ambience of rainforest at night and admire the nocturnal animals at their most active.

8.30pm
Explore the unknown at the new Naracoote Caves exhibit with our guide.

9.30pm
Creatures Of The Night Show
An entertaining show that not only exhibit nocturnal animal’ natural behaviours, but also enlightens the guests on conservation issues.

10.00pm
Back to the Zoo

10.15pm
Campfire, games, songs & supper

11.15pm
Sleep with the Beasts ‘Zzzzz’


Day 2 (Sunday)    

7.00am
Rise & Shine

8.00am
Get an exclusive early morning stroll around the park with our guides

9.00am
Jungle Breakfast With Wildlife
Our orangutan and other residents join you for a hearty international buffet spread. Do bring along your cameras to capture a photo with them!

10.00am
Animal Hospital Tour
Darts and guns, vitamins and calcium supplements. Discover how our 4,000 animals are kept in the pink by our zookeepers and vets.

11.00am
Free & Easy at Rainforest KidzWorld*

You are encouraged to bring your own sleeping bags, pillows, a mini portable fan, toiletries etc.
*Wet play is available at the New! Rainforest KidzWorld. Recommended for children above 110cm only. Please pack along a change of clothes for the family in the morning of Day 2 before proceeding to the Animal Hospital Tour.

Target Age Group:
Families with children aged 3 and above

Dates:
Watch this space for the next camp dates!

Duration:
2 Days 1 Night

Cost:
$145^ per child (excludes 7% GST)
$170^ per adult (excludes 7% GST)
^10% off for Friends of the Zoo, Feather Friends, Friends of River Safari, and Friends of Night Safari (Applicable only to family members whose names are registered under the membership)
Number of Participants:
Maximum: 40 pax (Registration closes once we have 40 participants)

Learn about fascinating animals, soak in the atmosphere of the wild and camp out beneath a blanket of stars. Indulge in the company of your family and lush wildlife at the Zoo.

Baby Boomz for Singapore Wildlife

One thing I am sure of... the baby bonus is effective for animals in the Singapore!

More than 400 animal babies were born in Wildlife Reserves Singapore's (WRS) four parks between January and August, including Asia's first giant river otter baby.

The yet unnamed male pup was born on Aug 10 at the River Safari, said WRS, which today celebrates World Animal Day. It weighs 1.6kg and measures 60cm now, but can grow to a length of 1.8m and weigh up to 34kg.

Found in South American rivers, giant otters are among the rarest otters in the world, often hunted extensively for their fur and threatened by the loss of their natural habitat. Other animals born in Jurong Bird Park, Night Safari, River Safari and Singapore Zoo this year include threatened species such as the orang utan, manatee and malayan tapir.

Through the years, WRS parks have exchanged many of these animals with other reputable zoos for breeding purposes. "With increasing threats such as habitat destruction and poaching, captive breeding programmes play a pivotal role in conserving threatened species for our future generations," said WRS' chief life sciences officer, Dr Cheng Wen-Haur.

This one month old squirrel monkey clings on to it's mother's back at River Safari's Squirrel Monkey Forest.

Asia's 1st Giant River Otter Baby: This 'otter-ly' cute baby was born on 10 August, just after Singapore's National Day.

Male manatee Sundae, born on 19 May, swims with his 22-year-old mother, Eva, at River Safari's Amazon Flooded Forest exhibit.

Malayan tapir Putri, born on 3 June, have stripes (resembling a watermelon) to act as camouflage the forest. It is one of the most endangered animals in SE-Asia.

Joko, a male Bornean orang utan born on 21 January, clings on to his mom, Miri, at the Singapore Zoo.

Born on 17 August, this baby Linne’s two-toed sloth wraps itself around its mother, Alba.

Big Bundle of Joy: Born on 27 April, Zina, a white rhino, walks next to her mother Donsa at Singapore Zoo’s Wild Africa zone.

This baby squirrel monkey is 1 month old.

Baby porcupines, or porcupettes, have soft quills at birth which harden within a few days. This porcupette was born on 1 Sept at Night Safari.

Pandas Kai Kai and Jia Jia celebrated 1st year anniversary in Singapore

Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) and CapitaLand Limited (CapitaLand) threw a big panda party for Kai Kai and Jia Jia today, with a specially-made cake and toy for the birthday duo.

The birthday bash marks the start of week-long festivities at River Safari from Sept 7 to 15 to commemorate the pandas' one-year anniversary in Singapore. It also celebrates Jia Jia turning five on Sept 3 and Kai Kai turning 6 on Sept 14.

Male panda Kai Kai received a three-tiered birthday cake made of ice, bamboo and his favourite treats, while Jia Jia received a chime toy made of bamboo stems.

The birthday presents were specially created and presented by 10 Panda Party Planners - lucky members of the public, including five readers of the CapitaLand Inside Different Geographies e-publication, who went behind-the-scenes with panda keepers to prepare these treats for the pandas to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.

Ms Claire Chiang, Chairman, Wildlife Reserves Singapore, said: "The past year has been an exciting one as we discover more about the personalities of our pandas. Kai Kai and Jia Jia are ambassadors for their own kind, and we hope that visitors who meet them will learn more about these endangered bears and be inspired to protect these magnificent creatures."

Almost 600,000 panda lovers have visited Kai Kai and Jia Jia since the Giant Panda Forest opened to the public last year. Kai Kai, who is usually laid-back, has recently been spotted climbing up a tree at 5pm every day to look out for his keepers, and preparing to retreat to his den for evening treats.

He is curious when keepers implement enrichment activities such as introducing new scents, or wrapping treats with leaves for him to find.

Jia Jia, on the other hand, is the shyer of the two. A closed-circuit television was installed in February so that visitors can see Jia Jia during moments when she chooses to stay in her den.

Dead polar bear Sheba lives on in Singapore Zoo as body preserved as exhibit

Mummy lives!

In death, as in life, Singapore Zoo's beloved polar bear Sheba will continue to enchant thousands of children each year.

The bear made its first appearance at the zoo yesterday, since its body was preserved by a taxidermist after it died of old age last November.

This Friday and Saturday, visitors can get up close to it as part of the zoo's Children's Day activities. Show-and-tell sessions will be held thrice each day. They are free to the public with admission to the zoo.

I seriously hope they wouldn't do that for MM Lee too.

CELEBRATE CHILDREN’S DAY WITH INUKA THE POLAR BEAR

Chill out in Singapore Zoo’s Frozen Tundra with the little ones this Children’s Day and enjoy a frosty fun time with a lineup of educational activities about polar bears. Pique your child’s curiosity about polar bears – the largest land predator in the world – in our ‘Snow’ & Tell session, and see the children go wild on a great seal hunt. To end off on a warm and fuzzy note, work on a beautiful ‘Happy Children’s Day’ card together for Inuka the polar bear!

Children’s Day activities at Singapore Zoo
Date: 4– 5 October 2013
Venue: Singapore Zoo, 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826
Fee: Free of charge
Notes: Singapore Zoo admission rates still apply

1. Snow & Tell session
Venue: Auditorium
Duration: 20min
Time: 9.30am, 10.30am, and 11.30am

Discover how polar bears adapt, survive, and live comfortably in their cold environment in a Snow and Tell session. Participants will learn interesting facts such as the polar bears’ habitat, diet, and threats they face in the wild. Also find out how zookeepers at Singapore Zoo look after and engage our very own polar bear, Inuka. This talk is free of charge* and requires no registration. Simply follow the signs to the auditorium at the specified time slots.

2. The Great Seal Hunt
Venue: Frozen Tundra
Time: 10.00am to 2.00pm

Children get to hone their predatory instincts in the Frozen Tundra Great Seal Hunt. Participants play the role of little polar bears hunting for prey — hidden seal stickers around the Frozen Tundra exhibit. Follow the instructions on the stickers and mark out the specially designed Frozen Tundra map provided by Singapore Zoo staff. The first 100 participants to complete their map will win attractive prizes!

 3. Draw for Inuka!
Venue: Frozen Tundra
Time: Zoo operating hours – 8.30am to 6.00pm

Have your child express their creativity by penning their own drawings of Inuka wishing him a Happy Children’s Day! Participants can bring their drawings when visiting the Zoo and their work will possibly be displayed at the Frozen Tundra exhibit. A drawing corner and drawing materials will be available for children who wish to draw at the Zoo itself.

Kid's play at the Zoo this School Holiday

Rainforest Kidzworld offers a multitude of activities that encourage kids to satisfy their curiosity, learn through self discovery, and simply play like they don’t have a care in the world.

Whether they want to have a splashing good time in a watery playground, spend time with farmyard animals, take a rainforest challenge, visit the interesting residents of the kampung house or ride a wild animal carousel, there’s always plenty to see, do and experience.

Don’t miss our Animal Friends Show where the whole family can also enjoy a barrel of laughs watching some very special everyday pets performing amazing feats.

This thoughtfully planned attraction is an essential stop especially if you’re visiting with young children. Rainforest Kidzworld operating hours:
Opening Time:     9.00am
Closing Time:     6.00pm

(Wet Play Area closes at 5.30pm)

Please note that the Wild Animal Carousel Ride and Wet Play Area at the Rainforest Kidzworld are scheduled for maintenance closures on the following dates:

Wet Play Area Closure Dates:     Wild Animal Carousel Closure Dates:
17 Sep 2013                                2 Sep 2013
8 Oct 2013                                  1 Oct 2013
12 Nov 2013                               5 Nov 2013
3 Dec 2013                                 10 Dec 2013

WRS not acquiring new polar bears

The Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) has released a statement on Thursday saying that it does not intend to acquire new polar bears, despite a press release issued to local media on Aug 21, 2013 claiming that the Singapore Zoo will receive a polar bear cub as part of a "corporate gifting scheme".

WRS told AsiaOne that it is "not aware of this (corporate gifting) arrangement, and has not been approached by any of the parties mentioned".

Following the open of the Frozen Tundra, WRS said that there have been several enquiries from various stakeholders on whether more polar bears will be added to the park's collection as companions to Inuka.

Inuka, the first polar bear born in the tropics, moved into the new 2,700 sq m Frozen Tundra exhibit at the Singapore Zoo on May 29, 2013.

WRS said that it is currently "not actively seeking to acquire new polar bear".

"Polar bears are solitary animals by nature. Inuka's new habitat features a spacious outdoor area with multiple substrate types for him to dig and play in, a large pool, and in addition our keepers engage the bear with enrichment activities to keep him suitably stimulated," WRS added.

Here is the earlier press release issued by Gazprom on Aug 21:

The City of Singapore will soon be getting a new polar bear cub for the Zoo, courtesy of Gazprom and Royal Dutch Shell.

"The polar bear is a symbol of strength and purity," said Timur Grigolyuk, Director of Strategic Partnerships for Gazprom, Russia's largest gas company. "Like Russian oil and gas, she is a precious resource that we can share with all the world."

Gazprom and Shell are relocating polar bears to ten cities around the world. They are doing this as part of a new business partnership which will see them drill for oil in the Russian Arctic, which is losing sea ice. The companies distributed a video news release on their website explaining the process after the first polar bear was gifted to the Artis Zoo in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Moving polar bears also makes sense because polar bears have become a problem in the Arctic. Although "Arctic" means "near bear" in Greek, polar bears are today in conflict with the oil extraction industry.

"Singapore must be Arctic, not Antarctic," said Grigolyuk. "Children are very happy with bears, and we want Singapore to have maximum happiness."

Find a mate for remaining polar bear
Nov 19, 2012

I AM saddened by the death of 35-year-old Sheba, our much-beloved polar bear ("Zookeeper recalls Sheba's last days"; last Saturday).

The polar bear exhibit has been my favourite whenever I visit the zoo, and I usually spend a longer time there than at the other enclosures.

Viewing the polar bears at close range brought me much joy.

Where once there were three, there is now only one.

Sheba's son, Inuka, may be going to its new home at the River Safari, but a lone polar bear can present a forlorn sight.

I hope there are plans to find Inuka a mate to once again start the family cycle.

Bennie Cheok

Singapore's Wildlife Celebrate National Day

Animals from Singapore Zoo and Jurong Bird Park are showing off their patriotic side this 9 August, to commemorate Singapore’s 48th birthday. Join them as they celebrate national day.

This is my country, this is my flag, this is my future... These animals are so bless to be in Singapore.

Sums up Singapore tourism scene

http://delithing.blogspot.sg/2013/07/singapore-zoo-visit.html

For those of you contemplating whether to visit the Singapore Zoo when you are on a holiday trip to Singapore, the answer is a resounding YES! Singapore is pretty small with not many things to fill up your itinerary. The usual top 5 places in Singapore that tourist would visit are as follow:

1) Esplanade (Dubbed the Singapore durian) + One Fullerton
2) Clarke Quay
3) Sentosa + Resort World (Universal Studio)
4) Orchard Road
5) Marina Bay Sands

If one were to strictly follow the usual itinerary by filling up on the 5 places mentioned above, Singapore has nothing much to offer and you would be done with the city state in a 3D2N stay here. Hence I strongly recommends the Singapore Zoo which is well known as the best Zoo in ASEAN and perhaps would even win a place (If not already) in the best zoo in the world. With the recent River Safari being opened to the public with 2 giant pandas loaned to Singapore by China as the main attraction and the much beloved Inuka (Read Ee-noo-ka) who was born in Singapore being relocated to a new climatized facility, the Singapore Zoo has became a MUST SEE if you are visiting the country.

*** Please do come visit the Singapore Zoo, because when the visit stops so does the funds to run an expensive Zoo!

Zoo replied to TRE

http://www.tremeritus.com/2013/07/13/singapore-zoo-replies-to-open-letter-from-tre-reader/

Singapore Zoo replies to open letter from TRE reader
July 13th, 2013 | Author: Contributions

[The Singapore Zoo has replied to a TRE reader's open letter - 'Open letter to the Singapore Zoo']

Thank you for writing in again to share your thoughts and experiences. We note from past emails that you had previously enjoyed the Animal Friends Show, and were quite concerned with your feedback following your last visit.

We investigated the points you raised to make sure we can improve visitor experience; and do allow us to address some of your concerns.

Animal Friends Show

We are in the midst of re-choreographing the opening segment, and are targeting to re-introduce the dance this August.

Jayjay the cockatoo is currently being rested. Our animals’ welfare is of prime importance to us, so we do rotate their appearance schedules to accommodate breaks in their normal routine. For all our birds, we do this during their moulting season. Once Jayjay has completed moulting, he will be back in the show.

Sometimes, when the birds are moulting, we also take the opportunity to retrain certain behaviours, which is what we’re doing with the parrot slam dunk.

The bubble machine will be back to excite our guests later this month, after undergoing maintenance work.

We understand how much guests enjoy the dog interaction session at the end of each show. However, safety of our guests and animals is our top priority and we identified a need to improve the stage area to better manage these close encounters. The interaction sessions will resume in August 2013.

Membership fees

Thank you for your long-term support. Over the years, we adjust membership fees in accordance to admission rates. Singapore Zoo is managed by Wildlife Reserves Singapore, which is a self-funded organisation. As such we do have to ensure our financial sustainability. The revenue we receive through admissions and membership fees is ploughed back into the care of the animals and their exhibits, as well as conservation efforts and manpower costs.

Singapore Zoo 40th anniversary

The 40% promotion in July is part of our year-long celebration of Singapore Zoo’s 40th birthday, and is offered as a gesture of thanks to the local community.

There is also an on-going promotion, until 31 Dec 2013, for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents who turn 40 this year to enjoy 40% off admission ticket prices for themselves and four other friends when they visit during their birthday month.

In past months, we have also offered additional activities and offers to celebrate this milestone birthday, and will continue to do so until the end of the year.

We hope the above offers some clarity, and look forward to your continued support.

Regards

Wildlife Reserves Singapore
80 Mandai Lake Road
Singapore 729826

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

A bigger, more interactive zoo for the younger generation

On its 40th birthday, Wildlife Reserves Singapore chairman Claire Chiang has big dreams for the Singapore Zoological Gardens — not only to make it more immersive, but also to expand it geographically.

Having for years been a must-visit for families with young children — this group forms the bulk of the zoo's visitors — Chiang says she hopes to revitalise the WRS's oldest wildlife park (the others being the Night Safari, the River Safari and Jurong Bird Park) to more closely cater to an increasingly tech-savvy younger generation.

[The Singapore Zoo's 40th Birthday, and your favourite zoo animals]

"We have to work harder, I feel, at the teenagers, and that's where your social media (comes in), your interactive way of bringing the zoo to that level… so youth will feel that this is also a learning laboratory," said Chiang, who spoke on the sidelines of a celebration of the Zoo's 40th birthday on Thursday.

"The future zoo for Singapore… has to be interactive, because the X, Y generation that grew up with all these gadgets would like immediately to have access to information," she said. For instance, she said that a journey through the zoo has to be an immersive one, making visitors feel like they are experiencing the rainforest, instead of simply walking through the park as a passive observer.

"We have a lot of game(s), 'press-button and then information coming out', and when you're looking at an exhibit there will be a lot of questions and answers, and there will be a lot of classroom sessions where next to your exhibit you have someone to tell the story of the animal," she explained.

"(It's) interactive in a sense not that it is gadgety, but in the process of me understanding the animals… it enhances my understanding of the role of man (in nature)," she continued. "It is actually using all your senses in an exhibit to touch and feel the exhibits; that's what it means by immersive."

Chiang also said the new Zoo will have to have "a high level of educational entertainment", as well as a high level of social media impact and effect.

"So it's going to be leveraging on technology, and using the resources that we have to recreate an experience of nature that hits the mind, the heart and the soul, and it is fun," she said.

Need to ensure zoo's future

In view of this push to attract more young people to the zoo, Chiang also shared her concern of leadership renewal for the future.

She explained that the zoo is currently a treasure trove of information that needs to be collected and archived. For example, there is a lot of knowledge that resides in a number of zookeepers who have worked with the zoo since its beginnings.

"They (the veteran zookeepers) have… all the best practices. I really wish more young Singaporeans will see this, the veterinary sciences, as well as zoo management and animal care, become their career path," she said.

"Our universities should beef up more on environmental science, as well as animal care and husbandry and veterinary sciences," she added. "So the leadership issue for the future is a challenging one, and I appeal to young Singaporeans to come and join us because this is a vocation of its own — unique and interesting."

Happy 40th Birthday Singapore Zoo

2 female visitors at Singapore zoo hit by falling branch falling strong winds, slightly injured with abrasions, hurt ankle

Several roads were blocked by uprooted trees, causing massive traffic jams during and after the heavy downpour. The exit to Jurong Town Hall road on the PIE, Bukit Batok Road, Toh Guan Road and Old Jurong Road were some roads that were affected.

Items such as bamboo poles and plastic chairs were sent flying by strong winds. And at least three cars were damaged by falling trees and branches.

Two of the cars - a Toyota Vios and a Toyota Camry - had been parked at a building's open-air carpark on Toh Guan East Road, just beside the Pan Island Expressway.

Ms Crystal Wong, the owner of the Vios, was shocked by the sight of a tree on top of her car as she walked towards it after work at about 5pm. Her car had to be towed away.

"I don't usually park here," said the 31-year-old project manager, who works in a neighbouring building, bemoaning her bad luck. "The lots at my office building were all occupied because I was slightly late today."

The Camry, which served as Lay Auto's company car, had its roof damaged by the uprooted tree. Staff had earlier moved five other cars from the carpark to the showroom when branches were swaying wildly in the rain.

The third car was damaged while parked at Bukit Batok West Avenue 2.

The weather also caused part of the ceiling in the Church of St Mary of the Angels on Bukit Batok East Ave 2 to come crashing down.

Retiree Ang Lam Toh, who was at a coffee shop in Bukit Batok West Avenue 4 at 3pm yesterday, said he saw ice pellets - as large as 50-cent coins - falling from the sky, accompanied by heavy rain and gusts of wind so strong that plastic chairs which had been stacked atop one another at the coffee shop fell over.

"The wind was strong and the rain was also very heavy, there were ice pieces everywhere - some even landed in the coffee shop," said the 53-year-old.

Although the Singapore Civil Defence Force said there were no reports of people who had been injured by trees, two visitors to the Singapore Zoo suffered pain in the ankle and abrasions when a falling tree branch hit them, a spokesman for Wildlife Reserves Singapore said.

Great Facebook offer for Singapore Zoo

Since I'm no longer a Friend of the Zoo, I decided to take up the Facebook offers: Your Wildlife Reserves Singapore Zoo.

To use the offer, visit Wildlife Reserves Singapore and show this email. Zoo birthday one day 40% Priced tickets Special! Only $8.80 for Adults and $5.60 for Kids!

Expires Thursday, June 27 2013 (offers for that day only). Must show IC as prove of Singapore citizen or Permanent Resident.

Singapore Zoo or River Safari? Just visit Both!

I was asked, what attraction should I visit? The Singapore Zoo or the River Safari...

Let's look at the price of their ticket first:

Singapore Zoo Admission Fee

Per Adult $22.00

Per Child*  $14.00
(3 - 12 years old)

Per Senior Citizen** $11.00
(Tickets available at ticketing counter)

River Safari Admission Fee

The River Safari boat ride and animal exhibits along this ride will not be available until later this year. In view of that, River Safari admission tickets will be sold at a discounted price.

Per Adult     $25.00
(Usual Price $35.00)

Per Child*     $16.00
(Usual Price $23.00)
(3 - 12 years old)    

Per Senior Citizen**    $12.50
(Usual Price $17.50)

• Entry to Giant Panda Forest requires booking of viewing time slots

(Both offers a 10% Discount for Online purchase or Passion card members)

   
Singapore Zoo have more exhibits than River Safari, plus the newly open Polar Bear enclosure will surely impress all visitors. As for River Safari, unless you are there to see the Giant Panda, Kai Kai & Jia Jia, if not visiting this Tourist attraction can wait...

The whole River Safari tour (one round) really just takes my family 2 hours, at most 3! The feel in there, seeing all the huge tanks reminds me of Marine Life Park in Sentosa RWS.

The Singapore Zoo is bigger, more animals to see and more fun for the children (water play). However River Safari is NEW and because several exhibits are not ready yet, the admission fee is cheaper for now!

Singapore Zoo newest and latest: Frozen Tundra, Inuka is back! Wolverines and raccon dogs.