Visit them at the Singapore Zoo.
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.'
Monday, June 09, 2008
Attractions too pricey for families
Sad But True... Its all about $$$ and Cents.
Many say they are skipping outings to top attractions this June holiday
By Daryl Tan (The Straits Times)
They are the crown jewels of Singapore attractions, drawing thousands of visitors each day.
Yet parents say that high admission fees and miscellaneous charges at spots like the Night Safari or Singapore Flyer are pricing them beyond a regular family's reach.
Mr Lim Chow Siong, a father of two boys aged 16 and nine, said none of Singapore's star attractions will be on the family's to-do list during the school holidays this month.
'You've got to be kidding,' said the SMRT station manager, when asked if he planned to take his family to any of them.
'It is just too expensive to spend a day at any one of these places.'
Eighteen out of 20 parents contacted echoed this view.
A COSTLY AFFAIR
The high cost of attractions was also a sore point with writers to The Straits Times' Forum page recently.
A check of 10 main attractions here found that a day out would set a family of four back by $125 on average.
For example, an outing to the Underwater World or the Singapore Flyer, or taking a Duck Tour will cost a typical family between $127 and $164 (See facing page).
Topping the list is the Singapore Night Safari.
Taking into account a meal and souvenirs, a trip there could burn a $230-hole in the pocket.
Spokesmen for the attractions said that the quality of the experience and cost of upkeep justify the pricing.
Ms Isabel Cheng, a spokesman for the Singapore Zoo, Jurong BirdPark and Night Safari, said that admission rates are 'relatively low' compared to similar attractions in Australia and the United States, and that the experience one gets is worth the money.
To encourage more families to visit during the June holidays, some attractions are offering school-break discounts.
Singapore Underwater World, for example, said it will be offering tickets to its Underwater World and Dolphin Lagoon at a 30 per cent discount until June 22.
The Singapore Discovery Centre and Escape Theme Park are also offering discounted packages for families.
Most families interviewed, however, say the discounts do not do enough to offset the high prices.
They have developed some creative ways of having fun for close to nothing instead.
Popular haunts include shopping malls and the airport for some cool comfort, or beaches and nature walks for the more adventurous.
Madam Judy Lim, 47, a mother of three, said a popular outing is a picnic at Changi Beach with her 13-year-old son, and daughters, aged 16 and 10.
'My son and husband take the opportunity to indulge in a spot of fishing, while my daughters love picking sea shells,' said the proprietor.
Many say they are skipping outings to top attractions this June holiday
By Daryl Tan (The Straits Times)
They are the crown jewels of Singapore attractions, drawing thousands of visitors each day.
Yet parents say that high admission fees and miscellaneous charges at spots like the Night Safari or Singapore Flyer are pricing them beyond a regular family's reach.
Mr Lim Chow Siong, a father of two boys aged 16 and nine, said none of Singapore's star attractions will be on the family's to-do list during the school holidays this month.
'You've got to be kidding,' said the SMRT station manager, when asked if he planned to take his family to any of them.
'It is just too expensive to spend a day at any one of these places.'
Eighteen out of 20 parents contacted echoed this view.
A COSTLY AFFAIR
The high cost of attractions was also a sore point with writers to The Straits Times' Forum page recently.
A check of 10 main attractions here found that a day out would set a family of four back by $125 on average.
For example, an outing to the Underwater World or the Singapore Flyer, or taking a Duck Tour will cost a typical family between $127 and $164 (See facing page).
Topping the list is the Singapore Night Safari.
Taking into account a meal and souvenirs, a trip there could burn a $230-hole in the pocket.
Spokesmen for the attractions said that the quality of the experience and cost of upkeep justify the pricing.
Ms Isabel Cheng, a spokesman for the Singapore Zoo, Jurong BirdPark and Night Safari, said that admission rates are 'relatively low' compared to similar attractions in Australia and the United States, and that the experience one gets is worth the money.
To encourage more families to visit during the June holidays, some attractions are offering school-break discounts.
Singapore Underwater World, for example, said it will be offering tickets to its Underwater World and Dolphin Lagoon at a 30 per cent discount until June 22.
The Singapore Discovery Centre and Escape Theme Park are also offering discounted packages for families.
Most families interviewed, however, say the discounts do not do enough to offset the high prices.
They have developed some creative ways of having fun for close to nothing instead.
Popular haunts include shopping malls and the airport for some cool comfort, or beaches and nature walks for the more adventurous.
Madam Judy Lim, 47, a mother of three, said a popular outing is a picnic at Changi Beach with her 13-year-old son, and daughters, aged 16 and 10.
'My son and husband take the opportunity to indulge in a spot of fishing, while my daughters love picking sea shells,' said the proprietor.
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Elephant gets a new girlfriend
Birds do it, bees do it, so why not elephants - especially when it comes to Singapore's most famous jumbo?
Yes, Chawang has a new girlfriend, and zookeepers are wasting no time in getting the pair amorous.
This is not about a quick 'Thank you, ma'am' here.
Each morning for the past two weeks, 31-year-old Chawang waits patiently in his den at Night Safari.
Gambir, the Singapore Zoo's 19-year-old female elephant, then lumbers over for their date, albeit with at least one or two other older females for company.
In the first week, a wire mesh separated the would-be lovers as they sniffed each other, trunk to trunk.
Then, when the carers were sure love was in the air, they were allowed to be together, even if privacy was not an option for the pair.
The couple's matchmakers - the zoo and Night Safari's team of veterinarians, curators and keepers - are naturally anxious that their baby-making plans bear fruit.
After all, the last time the parks welcomed a new addition to their pachyderm family was in 2001 - when Chawang and Sri Nandong had a boy, Sang Wira.
Yes, Chawang has a new girlfriend, and zookeepers are wasting no time in getting the pair amorous.
This is not about a quick 'Thank you, ma'am' here.
Each morning for the past two weeks, 31-year-old Chawang waits patiently in his den at Night Safari.
Gambir, the Singapore Zoo's 19-year-old female elephant, then lumbers over for their date, albeit with at least one or two other older females for company.
In the first week, a wire mesh separated the would-be lovers as they sniffed each other, trunk to trunk.
Then, when the carers were sure love was in the air, they were allowed to be together, even if privacy was not an option for the pair.
The couple's matchmakers - the zoo and Night Safari's team of veterinarians, curators and keepers - are naturally anxious that their baby-making plans bear fruit.
After all, the last time the parks welcomed a new addition to their pachyderm family was in 2001 - when Chawang and Sri Nandong had a boy, Sang Wira.
Acres gets Law Minister's thumbs up
When Mr Louis Ng set up a welfare group here to improve the lot of wild animals, he was labelled a fanatic.
Some thought he had a screw loose.
Seven years later, he is no longer a voice in the wilderness.
Acres, short for Animal Concerns Research & Education Society, has 12,000 volunteers and donors, Government funding and - this is crucial - status as an institution of public character, which allows donations to it to be tax-exempt.
Mr Ng, 29, said: 'I was always told, 'You're a small fry' and 'You can't change big organisations'.'
He has not only made the authorities sit up and take notice, he now works with them to nab those in the illegal wildlife trade.
Acres is also building a shelter in Sungei Tengah big enough to house and give medical treatment to at least 400 animals; it even works with other animal welfare groups to give out grants to students for their own animal-protection projects.
His secret: Perseverance.
A baby chimpanzee named Rhamba started it all for him in 2000.
Then a 21-year-old volunteer photographer for the zoo, he said he saw a keeper punch Rhamba in the face to discipline it.
He said: 'She ran to me and hugged me. I knew then that I had to speak on her behalf.'
He tipped off The Straits Times, which reported the incident and started a groundswell of support from animal lovers who successfully campaigned for Rhamba to be returned to her family.
The zoo denied this was a problem, but following the media publicity, it stopped isolating baby chimps from their families.
Adding that zookeepers have come a long way since then, Mr Ng still considers the episode 'the best thing that happened in my life'.
Inspired to do more for animals, he and eight friends started what would become Singapore's first wildlife protection agency, scraping together less than $1,000 in combined savings.
The National University of Singapore-trained biologist was then doing his masters in primate conservation part time with the Oxford Brookes University in Britain, but through sheer will and support from friends, he got Acres up and running on a shoestring in 2001.
He and his team began by fanning out to give talks in schools.
Public education is on-going.
In the past seven years, Mr Ng estimated, Acres has reached out to over 200,000 people about animal abuse and how animals can be better protected.
The group's efforts here have so impressed Law Minister K. Shanmugam that he agreed - on short notice - to speak at Acres' seventh anniversary celebrations last month.
Some thought he had a screw loose.
Seven years later, he is no longer a voice in the wilderness.
Acres, short for Animal Concerns Research & Education Society, has 12,000 volunteers and donors, Government funding and - this is crucial - status as an institution of public character, which allows donations to it to be tax-exempt.
Mr Ng, 29, said: 'I was always told, 'You're a small fry' and 'You can't change big organisations'.'
He has not only made the authorities sit up and take notice, he now works with them to nab those in the illegal wildlife trade.
Acres is also building a shelter in Sungei Tengah big enough to house and give medical treatment to at least 400 animals; it even works with other animal welfare groups to give out grants to students for their own animal-protection projects.
His secret: Perseverance.
A baby chimpanzee named Rhamba started it all for him in 2000.
Then a 21-year-old volunteer photographer for the zoo, he said he saw a keeper punch Rhamba in the face to discipline it.
He said: 'She ran to me and hugged me. I knew then that I had to speak on her behalf.'
He tipped off The Straits Times, which reported the incident and started a groundswell of support from animal lovers who successfully campaigned for Rhamba to be returned to her family.
The zoo denied this was a problem, but following the media publicity, it stopped isolating baby chimps from their families.
Adding that zookeepers have come a long way since then, Mr Ng still considers the episode 'the best thing that happened in my life'.
Inspired to do more for animals, he and eight friends started what would become Singapore's first wildlife protection agency, scraping together less than $1,000 in combined savings.
The National University of Singapore-trained biologist was then doing his masters in primate conservation part time with the Oxford Brookes University in Britain, but through sheer will and support from friends, he got Acres up and running on a shoestring in 2001.
He and his team began by fanning out to give talks in schools.
Public education is on-going.
In the past seven years, Mr Ng estimated, Acres has reached out to over 200,000 people about animal abuse and how animals can be better protected.
The group's efforts here have so impressed Law Minister K. Shanmugam that he agreed - on short notice - to speak at Acres' seventh anniversary celebrations last month.
Monday, June 02, 2008
Attacker - Elephant
Name: Chawang
Species: Malayan elephant (Elephas maximus hirsutus)
Where it's found: Forests of Peninsular Malaysia
Life expectancy: 65 - 70 years
Date of birth: ~1976
Diet: Hay, pellets, grass, nangka leaves, palm leaves
Star appeal: Donated by the Wildlife Department of Malaysia in Dec 1983. Shot to fame for being a handsome and majestic male elephant with long tusks of about 1.5m meeting at the tips. He was featured in newspapers in July 2001 for an attack on his handler.
Subsequently, he was featured in news reports as the Night Safari tried to relocate him to another zoo overseas as part of a breeding programme, but the plan fell through because of costs and logistics.
Despite that incident, Chawang has endeared himself to staff and the public over the past few years, becoming a poster boy of how proper conditioning and training can assist in managing animals that were deemed to be difficult. Through the use of hand-held target cues, Chawang has responded well to training to present his body parts and his temperament and disposition has improved tremendously.
At the Night Safari he cuts and imposing figure in his exhibit as he surveys the trams passing by, and the response from visitors are usually gasps of awe.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Great Discount for 3 Parks FUN!
Dino fun across all 3 parks @ 1 great price with Park Hopper (23 May to 22 June 2008)
Get hopping this school holidays and explore a trio of attractions at a bargain!
Jurong BirdPark, Night Safari and Singapore Zoo are launching a 3-in-1 Park Hopper that will allow visitors to visit all three parks at a special price of $40 (adult) and $20 (child).
Together with this comes a chance for visitors to participate in a string of exciting and engaging activities that will take them back to prehistoric times! Children would also be able to pick up a kids adventure book at the parks’ entrances. This keepsake of a booklet will have them absorbed in simple games and puzzles while exploring each park.
Visitors can also take part in the Dino Trail contest, which will run across the three parks and involve participants answering questions relating to exhibits. Entry forms to this Dino contest will be incorporated into the kids adventure book. Winners stand a chance to Wildlife Unlimited Plus memberships valued at $430, which will allow free entry to all three attractions for a year!
A new thematic exhibit at Jurong BirdPark called ‘Dinosaur Descendants,’ will showcase the Park’s flightless birds collection and spectacular views of some of the dinosaurs’ closest relatives – the ostrich, emu, cassowary and rhea.
That’s not all, there will be performances and meet and greet sessions with some colourful characters at all three parks to brighten your day too!
Fun with the Flintstones Meet, greet and be entertained by the entire Flintstone family. Join Fred, Wilma Pebbles and Dino their pet dinosaur, for a rocking good time.
Flintstones Performance (followed by Meet & Greet Session)
Date: May 24 to June 22, 2008 (Saturdays and Sundays only)
Time: 11.00am; 2.30pm; 4.00pm
“Close Encounters with Dinosaurs’ Living Relatives Tour” Come up close with some of the dinosaurs’ cousins and learn fascinating facts about these relic relatives.
Date: May 25, June and June 22 (Sundays only)
Time: 1.30pm
Venue : Singapore Zoo (Sungei Buaya – Komodo Dragon)
80 Mandai Lake Road Singapore 729826
Dino-themed Art & Craft Sessions Try your hand at making a dino clock or hook rack. Guides will be onsite to teach you how
Date: May 24 to June 22, 2008 (Saturdays and Sundays only)
Time: 10am
Venue : Restaurants in the Wild, Singapore Zoo
Park Hopper Ticket Adult S$40.00 Child (3-12 years old) S$20.00
Ticket is for one visit per park (Jurong BirdPark, Night Safari and Singapore Zoo) and valid for one month from date of purchase.
For more information, please call 62650022 for Jurong BirdPark and 62693411 for Night Safari and Singapore Zoo
Get hopping this school holidays and explore a trio of attractions at a bargain!
Jurong BirdPark, Night Safari and Singapore Zoo are launching a 3-in-1 Park Hopper that will allow visitors to visit all three parks at a special price of $40 (adult) and $20 (child).
Together with this comes a chance for visitors to participate in a string of exciting and engaging activities that will take them back to prehistoric times! Children would also be able to pick up a kids adventure book at the parks’ entrances. This keepsake of a booklet will have them absorbed in simple games and puzzles while exploring each park.
Visitors can also take part in the Dino Trail contest, which will run across the three parks and involve participants answering questions relating to exhibits. Entry forms to this Dino contest will be incorporated into the kids adventure book. Winners stand a chance to Wildlife Unlimited Plus memberships valued at $430, which will allow free entry to all three attractions for a year!
A new thematic exhibit at Jurong BirdPark called ‘Dinosaur Descendants,’ will showcase the Park’s flightless birds collection and spectacular views of some of the dinosaurs’ closest relatives – the ostrich, emu, cassowary and rhea.
That’s not all, there will be performances and meet and greet sessions with some colourful characters at all three parks to brighten your day too!
Fun with the Flintstones Meet, greet and be entertained by the entire Flintstone family. Join Fred, Wilma Pebbles and Dino their pet dinosaur, for a rocking good time.
Flintstones Performance (followed by Meet & Greet Session)
Date: May 24 to June 22, 2008 (Saturdays and Sundays only)
Time: 11.00am; 2.30pm; 4.00pm
“Close Encounters with Dinosaurs’ Living Relatives Tour” Come up close with some of the dinosaurs’ cousins and learn fascinating facts about these relic relatives.
Date: May 25, June and June 22 (Sundays only)
Time: 1.30pm
Venue : Singapore Zoo (Sungei Buaya – Komodo Dragon)
80 Mandai Lake Road Singapore 729826
Dino-themed Art & Craft Sessions Try your hand at making a dino clock or hook rack. Guides will be onsite to teach you how
Date: May 24 to June 22, 2008 (Saturdays and Sundays only)
Time: 10am
Venue : Restaurants in the Wild, Singapore Zoo
Park Hopper Ticket Adult S$40.00 Child (3-12 years old) S$20.00
Ticket is for one visit per park (Jurong BirdPark, Night Safari and Singapore Zoo) and valid for one month from date of purchase.
For more information, please call 62650022 for Jurong BirdPark and 62693411 for Night Safari and Singapore Zoo
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Buy Family Value Package to save $$$
Buy value packages to save money at zoo, Night Safari
Tue, May 27, 2008 The Straits Times
I refer to Friday's letter, 'Zoo, Night Safari, lower your charges', by Mr Kamar Lim regarding the main animal show and admission charges.
Singapore Zoo and Night Safari thank Mr Lim for his feedback.
The Wonders Of The Wild Show at the Singapore Zoo is temporarily closed for renovation. However, we have other shows available for guests. These include the Elephants At Work And Play and our latest Splash Safari, two favourites with visitors.
In addition, token feeding sessions with live commentary are held at various animal habitats throughout the day. Some of these sessions allow visitors to interact with the animals, such as the manatees and kangaroos.
The official opening time of the Night Safari is 7.30pm. Our restaurants and retail outlets are open from 6pm, 11/2 hours earlier, for guests to relax and chat with family and friends at the park's restaurants and bar.
The Creatures Of The Night Show has been a big draw with visitors, which may explain why the queue is long. This show is on at 7.30pm, 8.30pm and 9.30pm daily, and on Saturdays and public holidays, we have added another time slot at 10.30pm.
As for the laksa served in Ulu Ulu, it is a large serving with fresh large prawns and other quality ingredients for those with a hefty appetite.
We regret that Mr Lim did not purchase the two-in-one Park Hopper package for two parks, valued at $30 without tram rides. The two-in-one Park Hopper package and tram rides to the two parks would have saved Mr Lim and his friends $9 per person.
To make trips to the parks more affordable, we have also recently introduced our three-in-one Park Hopper package for visitors, where they will enjoy savings of $16.50. The three-in-one Park Hopper, valued at $40, allows one-time admission for visitors to each park - Jurong BirdPark, Night Safari and Singapore Zoo, and is valid for one month from the date of purchase.
Mr Lim should feel free to contact us should he have further queries. He may also visit our websites, http://www.zoo.com.sg/ , http://www.nightsafari.com.sg/ or http://www.birdpark.com.sg/
Isabel Cheng (Ms)DirectorSales,
Marketing & CommunicationsWildlife Reserves Singapore
Tue, May 27, 2008 The Straits Times
I refer to Friday's letter, 'Zoo, Night Safari, lower your charges', by Mr Kamar Lim regarding the main animal show and admission charges.
Singapore Zoo and Night Safari thank Mr Lim for his feedback.
The Wonders Of The Wild Show at the Singapore Zoo is temporarily closed for renovation. However, we have other shows available for guests. These include the Elephants At Work And Play and our latest Splash Safari, two favourites with visitors.
In addition, token feeding sessions with live commentary are held at various animal habitats throughout the day. Some of these sessions allow visitors to interact with the animals, such as the manatees and kangaroos.
The official opening time of the Night Safari is 7.30pm. Our restaurants and retail outlets are open from 6pm, 11/2 hours earlier, for guests to relax and chat with family and friends at the park's restaurants and bar.
The Creatures Of The Night Show has been a big draw with visitors, which may explain why the queue is long. This show is on at 7.30pm, 8.30pm and 9.30pm daily, and on Saturdays and public holidays, we have added another time slot at 10.30pm.
As for the laksa served in Ulu Ulu, it is a large serving with fresh large prawns and other quality ingredients for those with a hefty appetite.
We regret that Mr Lim did not purchase the two-in-one Park Hopper package for two parks, valued at $30 without tram rides. The two-in-one Park Hopper package and tram rides to the two parks would have saved Mr Lim and his friends $9 per person.
To make trips to the parks more affordable, we have also recently introduced our three-in-one Park Hopper package for visitors, where they will enjoy savings of $16.50. The three-in-one Park Hopper, valued at $40, allows one-time admission for visitors to each park - Jurong BirdPark, Night Safari and Singapore Zoo, and is valid for one month from the date of purchase.
Mr Lim should feel free to contact us should he have further queries. He may also visit our websites, http://www.zoo.com.sg/ , http://www.nightsafari.com.sg/ or http://www.birdpark.com.sg/
Isabel Cheng (Ms)DirectorSales,
Marketing & CommunicationsWildlife Reserves Singapore
Singapore Zoo is too Expensive?
Zoo didn't address high prices, long queues
I AM appalled by the reply on Sunday by Wildlife Reserves Singapore ('Buy value packages to save money at zoo, Night Safari') to Mr Kamar Lim's letter on Friday regarding his experience in the zoo and Night Safari ('Zoo, Night Safari, lower your charges').
First, the zoo and Night Safari authority should have addressed the issue of high prices and long waiting times suffered by Mr Lim and his tourist friends and not skirt the issue by promoting activities and packages offered by Wildlife Reserves.
Second, such a self-promotional reply does not help improve the image of the zoo or Night Safari among Singaporeans and permanent residents.
As a Singaporean, I am proud of our wildlife reserves, and the constant rejuvenation of the zoo to draw tourist crowds is commendable.
However, the pricing of food and drinks in the zoo is exorbitant and Ulu Ulu is no cheaper. A one-day outing to the zoo and Night Safari on the Hopper package by a family of four could easily cost more than $100.
The school holidays began on Saturday. It may be cheaper to visit Sentosa instead as Palawan beach is fantastic and, most importantly, there is a foodcourt near the beach with affordable food and beverage.
Admission to Sentosa by monorail is an affordable $3 per person.
I AM appalled by the reply on Sunday by Wildlife Reserves Singapore ('Buy value packages to save money at zoo, Night Safari') to Mr Kamar Lim's letter on Friday regarding his experience in the zoo and Night Safari ('Zoo, Night Safari, lower your charges').
First, the zoo and Night Safari authority should have addressed the issue of high prices and long waiting times suffered by Mr Lim and his tourist friends and not skirt the issue by promoting activities and packages offered by Wildlife Reserves.
Second, such a self-promotional reply does not help improve the image of the zoo or Night Safari among Singaporeans and permanent residents.
As a Singaporean, I am proud of our wildlife reserves, and the constant rejuvenation of the zoo to draw tourist crowds is commendable.
However, the pricing of food and drinks in the zoo is exorbitant and Ulu Ulu is no cheaper. A one-day outing to the zoo and Night Safari on the Hopper package by a family of four could easily cost more than $100.
The school holidays began on Saturday. It may be cheaper to visit Sentosa instead as Palawan beach is fantastic and, most importantly, there is a foodcourt near the beach with affordable food and beverage.
Admission to Sentosa by monorail is an affordable $3 per person.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Animal Attack again
The injury of an animal keeper at the Calgary Zoo on Sunday, gave known animal activists PETA, a chance to attack their elephant management techniques.
A letter addressed incorrectly to the zoo's former President and CEO says, the old free contact style relies on routine beatings, and they want to see the use of the protected contact method instead.
A PETA spokeswoman tells 660News that anytime zoos manage elephants without keeping a barrier between the animals and people, they have to use what they call "circus-style" management.
But Graham Newton, the Director of Corporate Services at the zoo tells 660News, PETA's accusations are unfounded.
He says their information is filled with inaccuracies and shoddy research, because they already do use protected contact method with one of their elephants, and for others the free contact method is what they're used to, and is a safe option.
PETA also goes on to say that the handler was "seriously injured" in the incident, but in fact, Newton says he recently spoke with the trainer who is sore, but anxious to get back to work.
He adds the elephant is also fine, and is back on display at the zoo.
A letter addressed incorrectly to the zoo's former President and CEO says, the old free contact style relies on routine beatings, and they want to see the use of the protected contact method instead.
A PETA spokeswoman tells 660News that anytime zoos manage elephants without keeping a barrier between the animals and people, they have to use what they call "circus-style" management.
But Graham Newton, the Director of Corporate Services at the zoo tells 660News, PETA's accusations are unfounded.
He says their information is filled with inaccuracies and shoddy research, because they already do use protected contact method with one of their elephants, and for others the free contact method is what they're used to, and is a safe option.
PETA also goes on to say that the handler was "seriously injured" in the incident, but in fact, Newton says he recently spoke with the trainer who is sore, but anxious to get back to work.
He adds the elephant is also fine, and is back on display at the zoo.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
High-tech Wildlife Reserve
Welcome to the Website on the Wireless Learning Trail @ Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
The wireless learning trail at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is the first of its kind in the parks of Singapore, and possibly in the region. It is a public-private partnership initiative involving NParks, IDA, MOE and iCELL Network Pte Ltd.
It was inspired by the desire to enhance the learning experience and create new ways to deliver educational programmes that would:
Appeal to the young and technology-savvy Singaporeans,
Bring learning beyond conventional classrooms and,
Be less dependent on traditional manpower-intensive methods of nature education.
Using webcams installed on the Ultra Mobile PC (UMPC), students are able to assess information on the wetland reserve by scanning the 2-D barcodes that are located strategically along the wireless learning trail. They will be directed to content that are location-specific. For example, students can listen to bird calls or observe behaviour of mudskippers through videos streamed over the wireless network. They are also prompted with stimulating questions on what they can see along the trail and even participate in various educational activities provided on their UMPC.
There are 20 barcodes or stations along the Mangrove Boardwalk. It takes about 2 hours to finish the entire learning trail. After completion, students can include their thoughts and observations to build their own personal learning trail, and share the information with their classmates. This promotes learning in the 'outdoor classroom'. It also means that students are less dependent on the availability of human guides for their learning experience.
Booking Enquiries
Schools that are interested in the Wireless Learning Trail can contact iCELL Network Pte Ltd at Tel: 6309 4520 for general enquiries and bookings.
Rental of Equipment
A nominal fee of $3 is charged for the rental of each portable device, payable to iCELL, which is managing the learning trail. This is to cover administrative charges and maintenance of the wireless network. Schools are advised to take good care of all equipment that is on loan to them. iCELL may impose a charge of S$250 for the loss or deliberate mishandling of its equipment.
(iCELL plans to further enrich the learning trail through periodic enhancements of the trail's content. It may review its fees when new content has been developed.)
Number of Students
As time is required to complete the activities at each station, students are advised to spread themselves out on the trail instead of concentrating at one location. This will also ensure that the UMPCs are operating at its most optimal level.
Getting the most out of the Wireless Learning Trail @ Sungei Buloh
Pre-trip
The pre-trip checklist contains instructions on activities that teachers can ask students to carry out before their field trip. It includes information on the reserve such as mangrove vegetation and its adaptation to harsh conditions. Teachers can also inculcate in students, important values and attitudes through understanding the importance of preserving our unique natural heritage.
On the Trail
Three different field activities have been integrated into the learning trail, namely field-recording observation, annotation and sketching activities. Students will be able to go through these activities at different locations along the trail.
Post-Trip Activities
After completing the trail, students can share what they have experienced or learnt with their peers in school. Through these activities, a more holistic approach is adopted towards developing an appreciation of the natural environment among students.
Wireless Field Investigations
Schools who want to embark on a more comprehensive scope of discovery of the wetland reserve can apply for a research permit from NParks. A fieldwork workhop to familiarise teachers with the field techniques and equipment is also available at the Training Administration System on the Intranet (TRAISI). Schools can contact the Ministry of Education's Humanities and Aesthetics Branch (Geography Unit) at tel 6879 6768 for more information.
Information for Teachers:
For students who require more guidance, it will be advisable for teachers to go through the pre-trip activities with their students and break down the tasks among the groups. The tasks, which include planning for the budget and working out the programme schedules for the field trip, help to build valuable real-life skills, which will be useful even when students are working on other projects.
To keep students make the most out of their learning experience, teachers may want to go through how to use the recording templates before embarking on the trail.
Teachers can also consider stretching the number of learning activities over a few site visits to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, so that students can focus on one specific skill during each visit.
Instructions on how to access the information via the 2-D barcodes on the trail
Please ensure that the webcam is plugged securely onto the UMPC.
Activate the barcode scanner programme on the UMPC. This will trigger a viewer of the webcam.
Along the trail, look for 2-D barcodes which are placed in strategic locations. To access the information embedded in the barcodes, adjust the distance of the webcam to allow the barcode to fit into the viewer onscreen.
The programme in the UMPC will automatically detect the 2-D barcode. An URL will appear along with a pop-up and you will hear an audio cue.
Select the URL listed in the pop-up and the information will be displayed in your UMPC.
Repeat steps 3 - 5 when you see another 2-D barcode along the learning trail.
In very sunny weather, the detection of the barcodes could be hampered by reflection. It would be useful to shield the 2-D barcodes while using the viewer to scan the codes.
Please take good care of all equipment on loan, including the UMPCs and webcams. Parts of the equipment may be detachable or become loosened with use.
For assistance, please call the iCELL Customer Helpdesk at Tel: 6309-4525.
The wireless learning trail at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is the first of its kind in the parks of Singapore, and possibly in the region. It is a public-private partnership initiative involving NParks, IDA, MOE and iCELL Network Pte Ltd.
It was inspired by the desire to enhance the learning experience and create new ways to deliver educational programmes that would:
Appeal to the young and technology-savvy Singaporeans,
Bring learning beyond conventional classrooms and,
Be less dependent on traditional manpower-intensive methods of nature education.
Using webcams installed on the Ultra Mobile PC (UMPC), students are able to assess information on the wetland reserve by scanning the 2-D barcodes that are located strategically along the wireless learning trail. They will be directed to content that are location-specific. For example, students can listen to bird calls or observe behaviour of mudskippers through videos streamed over the wireless network. They are also prompted with stimulating questions on what they can see along the trail and even participate in various educational activities provided on their UMPC.
There are 20 barcodes or stations along the Mangrove Boardwalk. It takes about 2 hours to finish the entire learning trail. After completion, students can include their thoughts and observations to build their own personal learning trail, and share the information with their classmates. This promotes learning in the 'outdoor classroom'. It also means that students are less dependent on the availability of human guides for their learning experience.
Booking Enquiries
Schools that are interested in the Wireless Learning Trail can contact iCELL Network Pte Ltd at Tel: 6309 4520 for general enquiries and bookings.
Rental of Equipment
A nominal fee of $3 is charged for the rental of each portable device, payable to iCELL, which is managing the learning trail. This is to cover administrative charges and maintenance of the wireless network. Schools are advised to take good care of all equipment that is on loan to them. iCELL may impose a charge of S$250 for the loss or deliberate mishandling of its equipment.
(iCELL plans to further enrich the learning trail through periodic enhancements of the trail's content. It may review its fees when new content has been developed.)
Number of Students
As time is required to complete the activities at each station, students are advised to spread themselves out on the trail instead of concentrating at one location. This will also ensure that the UMPCs are operating at its most optimal level.
Getting the most out of the Wireless Learning Trail @ Sungei Buloh
Pre-trip
The pre-trip checklist contains instructions on activities that teachers can ask students to carry out before their field trip. It includes information on the reserve such as mangrove vegetation and its adaptation to harsh conditions. Teachers can also inculcate in students, important values and attitudes through understanding the importance of preserving our unique natural heritage.
On the Trail
Three different field activities have been integrated into the learning trail, namely field-recording observation, annotation and sketching activities. Students will be able to go through these activities at different locations along the trail.
Post-Trip Activities
After completing the trail, students can share what they have experienced or learnt with their peers in school. Through these activities, a more holistic approach is adopted towards developing an appreciation of the natural environment among students.
Wireless Field Investigations
Schools who want to embark on a more comprehensive scope of discovery of the wetland reserve can apply for a research permit from NParks. A fieldwork workhop to familiarise teachers with the field techniques and equipment is also available at the Training Administration System on the Intranet (TRAISI). Schools can contact the Ministry of Education's Humanities and Aesthetics Branch (Geography Unit) at tel 6879 6768 for more information.
Information for Teachers:
For students who require more guidance, it will be advisable for teachers to go through the pre-trip activities with their students and break down the tasks among the groups. The tasks, which include planning for the budget and working out the programme schedules for the field trip, help to build valuable real-life skills, which will be useful even when students are working on other projects.
To keep students make the most out of their learning experience, teachers may want to go through how to use the recording templates before embarking on the trail.
Teachers can also consider stretching the number of learning activities over a few site visits to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, so that students can focus on one specific skill during each visit.
Instructions on how to access the information via the 2-D barcodes on the trail
Please ensure that the webcam is plugged securely onto the UMPC.
Activate the barcode scanner programme on the UMPC. This will trigger a viewer of the webcam.
Along the trail, look for 2-D barcodes which are placed in strategic locations. To access the information embedded in the barcodes, adjust the distance of the webcam to allow the barcode to fit into the viewer onscreen.
The programme in the UMPC will automatically detect the 2-D barcode. An URL will appear along with a pop-up and you will hear an audio cue.
Select the URL listed in the pop-up and the information will be displayed in your UMPC.
Repeat steps 3 - 5 when you see another 2-D barcode along the learning trail.
In very sunny weather, the detection of the barcodes could be hampered by reflection. It would be useful to shield the 2-D barcodes while using the viewer to scan the codes.
Please take good care of all equipment on loan, including the UMPCs and webcams. Parts of the equipment may be detachable or become loosened with use.
For assistance, please call the iCELL Customer Helpdesk at Tel: 6309-4525.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
In 1986, a group of avid birdwatchers from the then Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch) stumbled upon this ecological jewel, and subsequently wrote a proposal to the government for its conservation. The 87 ha wetland site was consequently designated as a nature park in 1989. The then Parks & Recreation Department, a precursor to the National Parks Board, undertook the development of Sungei Buloh, in consultation with experts in the field, notably, the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust from the United Kingdom and Worldwide Fund for Nature. On 6 Dec 1993, Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong officially opened the Nature Park.
Over the years, the unique place that is Sungei Buloh charmed people from all strata of society to support its cause. It welcomed its 100,000th visitor in 1994. In 1997, the Park found its corporate sponsor in HSBC, which set up the Sungei Buloh Education Fund in support of its nature outreach programmes. In 1999, Woodlands Secondary School became the first school to adopt the park. It was followed by Commonwealth Secondary School in 2001 and Hillgrove Secondary in 2002.
On 10 November, 2001, National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan announced that Sungei Buloh would be one of two parks to be gazetted as Nature Reserves. On 1 Jan 2002, 130-ha of Sungei Buloh was officially gazetted as a nature reserve and renamed as Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve to better reflect its status.
In the same year, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve was recognized as a site of international importance for migratory birds with Wetlands International presenting the reserve a certificate to mark its formal entry into the East Asian Australasian Shorebird Site Network, which include Australia's Kakadu National Park, China's Mai Po and Japan's Yatsu Tidal Flats.
Sungei Buloh became Singapore’s first ASEAN Heritage Park in 2003.
To find out more about Sungei Buloh, go to http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
Over the years, the unique place that is Sungei Buloh charmed people from all strata of society to support its cause. It welcomed its 100,000th visitor in 1994. In 1997, the Park found its corporate sponsor in HSBC, which set up the Sungei Buloh Education Fund in support of its nature outreach programmes. In 1999, Woodlands Secondary School became the first school to adopt the park. It was followed by Commonwealth Secondary School in 2001 and Hillgrove Secondary in 2002.
On 10 November, 2001, National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan announced that Sungei Buloh would be one of two parks to be gazetted as Nature Reserves. On 1 Jan 2002, 130-ha of Sungei Buloh was officially gazetted as a nature reserve and renamed as Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve to better reflect its status.
In the same year, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve was recognized as a site of international importance for migratory birds with Wetlands International presenting the reserve a certificate to mark its formal entry into the East Asian Australasian Shorebird Site Network, which include Australia's Kakadu National Park, China's Mai Po and Japan's Yatsu Tidal Flats.
Sungei Buloh became Singapore’s first ASEAN Heritage Park in 2003.
To find out more about Sungei Buloh, go to http://www.sbwr.org.sg/
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