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/
Thursday, May 15, 2008
NTU Alumni Family Day 2008 @ Zoo
Event Date 31 May 2008 (Sat), 08:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Venue Pavilion-by-the-Lake, Singapore Zoological Gardens (Location Map)
Organiser NTU Alumni Affairs Office (Email : AlumniFamilyDay@ntu.edu.sg Tel/Fax : 67904875/4434)
Event Info
We are going to the Zoo!
Open to all alumni and their family members, the NTU Alumni Family Day 2008 will offer a variety of fun activities, including but certainly not limited to: a morning walk, exciting performances, carnival games stalls and a lucky draw! Experience the wonders of Mother Nature and make new friends – men and animals alike! Bring your family and fellow alumni. The more the merrier!
Date: 31 May 2008 (Saturday)
Time: 8am - 1pm
Venue: Pavilion-by-the-Lake, Singapore Zoological Gardens
Each alumnus/alumna is only allowed to purchase a maximum of 4 tickets at the subsidised price of $7/adult, $4/child between 3 to 12 years old and $4/senior citizen above 60 years old.
Any additional tickets will have to be purchased at the FULL price of $13.20/adult, $6.80/child and $8.50/senior citizen.
Payment for the tickets have to be made using any of the 3 methods stated below before the admission package is mailed to your designated address as stated during registration.
(1) Cash at the Alumni Affairs Office
(2) Cheque payable to "Nanyang Technological University" and mailed to the Alumni Affairs Office at 60 Nanyang View, #02-08 Nanyang Executive Centre, Singapore 639673.
(3) WorldPay using Master/VISA (AAO staff will contact you for the credit/debit card details for processing of transaction)
Kindly note that full details of your particulars are required for pre-event information and mailing of admission packages.
For enquiries, please email us at AlumniFamilyDay@ntu.edu.sg or call 67904875/4434. Alternatively, you may wish to visit our site at www.ntu.edu.sg/alumnievents
Deadline for registration is Friday, 16 May 2008.
Venue Pavilion-by-the-Lake, Singapore Zoological Gardens (Location Map)
Organiser NTU Alumni Affairs Office (Email : AlumniFamilyDay@ntu.edu.sg Tel/Fax : 67904875/4434)
Event Info
We are going to the Zoo!
Open to all alumni and their family members, the NTU Alumni Family Day 2008 will offer a variety of fun activities, including but certainly not limited to: a morning walk, exciting performances, carnival games stalls and a lucky draw! Experience the wonders of Mother Nature and make new friends – men and animals alike! Bring your family and fellow alumni. The more the merrier!
Date: 31 May 2008 (Saturday)
Time: 8am - 1pm
Venue: Pavilion-by-the-Lake, Singapore Zoological Gardens
Each alumnus/alumna is only allowed to purchase a maximum of 4 tickets at the subsidised price of $7/adult, $4/child between 3 to 12 years old and $4/senior citizen above 60 years old.
Any additional tickets will have to be purchased at the FULL price of $13.20/adult, $6.80/child and $8.50/senior citizen.
Payment for the tickets have to be made using any of the 3 methods stated below before the admission package is mailed to your designated address as stated during registration.
(1) Cash at the Alumni Affairs Office
(2) Cheque payable to "Nanyang Technological University" and mailed to the Alumni Affairs Office at 60 Nanyang View, #02-08 Nanyang Executive Centre, Singapore 639673.
(3) WorldPay using Master/VISA (AAO staff will contact you for the credit/debit card details for processing of transaction)
Kindly note that full details of your particulars are required for pre-event information and mailing of admission packages.
For enquiries, please email us at AlumniFamilyDay@ntu.edu.sg or call 67904875/4434. Alternatively, you may wish to visit our site at www.ntu.edu.sg/alumnievents
Deadline for registration is Friday, 16 May 2008.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
SEAZA
General Information of SEAZA, South East Asian Zoos Association
Vision
The vision of the South East Asian Zoos Association is that its member zoos utilize their animal collections for the primary purposes of educating our public by imparting messages on the urgent need for environmental conservation in a manner that upholds the respect and dignity of the wild animal.
Mission
To educate guests on the preservation of the natural environment
To share the goals of conservation, education, recreation and research with our public
To commit to team work and share our expertise and experience with SEAZA members, other regional and national zoo associations Maintaining the highest standards of quality and professional ethics
Values
Conserve the environment and its wildlife SEAZA actively supports the ex-situ and in-situ conservation of populations of endangered species and their habitat, especially from the South East Asian region.
Educate the public We are committed to increasing public knowledge of and participation in the environmental conservation needs of South East Asia and the world and respect for the welfare of animals through awareness programmes in zoos.
Serve members SEAZA offers members conservation awareness and technical training programmes.
Maintain high standards of quality and ethical conduct SEAZA expects its members to maintain high standards of quality in the presentation and maintenance of their zoos and conduct affairs according to the SEAZA Code of Ethics.
Co-operate with each other We value the co-operation and professional teamwork within zoos and aquariums as the basic building blocks of regional co-operation.
Singapore Zoo included?
Vision
The vision of the South East Asian Zoos Association is that its member zoos utilize their animal collections for the primary purposes of educating our public by imparting messages on the urgent need for environmental conservation in a manner that upholds the respect and dignity of the wild animal.
Mission
To educate guests on the preservation of the natural environment
To share the goals of conservation, education, recreation and research with our public
To commit to team work and share our expertise and experience with SEAZA members, other regional and national zoo associations Maintaining the highest standards of quality and professional ethics
Values
Conserve the environment and its wildlife SEAZA actively supports the ex-situ and in-situ conservation of populations of endangered species and their habitat, especially from the South East Asian region.
Educate the public We are committed to increasing public knowledge of and participation in the environmental conservation needs of South East Asia and the world and respect for the welfare of animals through awareness programmes in zoos.
Serve members SEAZA offers members conservation awareness and technical training programmes.
Maintain high standards of quality and ethical conduct SEAZA expects its members to maintain high standards of quality in the presentation and maintenance of their zoos and conduct affairs according to the SEAZA Code of Ethics.
Co-operate with each other We value the co-operation and professional teamwork within zoos and aquariums as the basic building blocks of regional co-operation.
Singapore Zoo included?
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Friend of the Singapore Zoo
Get unlimited access to SINGAPORE ZOO all year.
Help endangered species survive for years to come.
Friends of the Zoo Membership
BENEFITS:
Free and unlimited entry to Singapore Zoo for whole year
Free Zoo tram rides (Not valid on Sat, Sun & P. Holidays)
Free quarterly “Wildlife Wonders” Magazine
Free Parking
10% discount at participating retail outlets
10% discount at participating F&B outlets
Special invitation to events and previews
Email updates on latest happenings & promotions Exclusive membership car decal-->
http://www.zoo.com.sg/getinvolved/membership_foz.htm
Help endangered species survive for years to come.
Friends of the Zoo Membership
BENEFITS:
Free and unlimited entry to Singapore Zoo for whole year
Free Zoo tram rides (Not valid on Sat, Sun & P. Holidays)
Free quarterly “Wildlife Wonders” Magazine
Free Parking
10% discount at participating retail outlets
10% discount at participating F&B outlets
Special invitation to events and previews
Email updates on latest happenings & promotions Exclusive membership car decal-->
http://www.zoo.com.sg/getinvolved/membership_foz.htm
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Frog - Green Kermit
The frog and other amphibians are croaking! Over 100 species have already become extinct in the past 30 years while about a third or more of all frogs and amphibian species are on the brink due to habitat loss, lower population growth and lethal infection outbreaks.
That’s why 2008 (a leap year no less) has been declared Year of the Frog by the global conservation community. We’re jumping in to help raise awareness on how you can help save the frogs.
That’s why 2008 (a leap year no less) has been declared Year of the Frog by the global conservation community. We’re jumping in to help raise awareness on how you can help save the frogs.
So, what can you do, really? Here are a few ideas to start you off:
1.
Educate yourself and others What with over 6,000 known species in the world, there’s always something new to be discovered about amphibians. You can easily find out information or interesting facts from books, magazines and the internet. Educate yourself and then educate your family and friends about amphibians and their plight.
2.
Dispose of rubbish the right way. Because of their permeable skin, frogs are usually the first to be affected by pollution in the environment. Always throw your rubbish into designated bins so that it can be disposed of properly. What you discard carelessly could pollute and turn the natural habitats of frogs uninhabitable.
3.
Never release non-native animals into the wild. The introduction of exotic species into our natural environment has meant that native species are finding it harder to earn a living. The aliens such as the aggressive American bull frogs oust our local animals from their place in the ecosystem and directly reduce the biodiversity of the area. Our forests are the last refuge of many local species in urban Singapore. Do not release any non-native animals into our natural reserves – you may be causing more harm than you imagine.
4.
Rein in your pets Dogs and cats have a good nose for sniffing out frogs and can sometimes cause them grievous injury. If you come across a frog while you are out with your pet, study it, listen to it, and then leave it be. Teach your pet never to harass or pester wildlife.
5.
Reduce the size of your carbon footprint Amphibian populations are affected by climate change worldwide. If you reduce your energy consumption, or switch to using renewable energy, you too can help slow the rate of climate change. If you need to drive, drive fuel-efficient cars. If you don’t need to, take the bus or MRT. Think twice about switching on the air-con (could you use the fan instead?) and use energy-saving light bulbs!
6.
Hold back on the pesticidesAs amphibians can absorb chemicals from their surroundings right through their skin, herbicides and insecticides can prove to be lethal for them. Don't use pesticides. Instead, let the spiders, geckos and the frogs themselves get rid of those pests for free. If you have a garden, you can also teach your family members how to identify weeds and pull them out. Employ them as your natural “weed-killers” instead of resorting to chemical warfare.
7.
Make your garden a habitat for frogs to thrive inAll frogs need water and shelter. To make your garden a place that frogs would love to come home to, provide favourite frog furniture like leaf litter, rocks, logs. Plant up the area and if possible, add in a pond. Soon you might find frogs and other wildlife taking up residence.
Saturday, April 05, 2008
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