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.
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