Its Children's Day!

WORLD ANIMAL DAY

Singapore Zoo will be showcasing a day full of animal enrichment programmes. Visitors can learn how simple 'toys' help the Zoo's residents keep active. At the same time, learn how you can adopt similar techniques and improve your pets' quality of life through positive reinforcement. Part of Animal Enrichment Day.

Where: Singapore Zoo When: Sat:10am-4pm Admission: $16.50(adult)$8.50(child) Tel: 6534-5122

For your little loved ones.

Animal attack victims will be compensated

If you were attacked by a wild animal, you can get compensation from the Welfare Department of Malaysia.

Victims or their family members can claim up to RM20,000 if they were confirmed to have been attacked by wild animals, including a tiger, panther, elephant, python, crocodile, bear or gaur.

State Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) director Saharudin Anan said those attacked should lodge a report with the department and fill in a form provided by the Welfare Department.

With the endorsement from Perhilitan and the hospital, he said a victim would be compensated based on the injuries.

"The maximum payment of RM20,000 will only be paid if the victim died or sufferred permanent disability after the attack."


Saharudin said the fund was set up last year, but no one had applied for it in Pahang.

He said a 49-year-old man, who was attacked by a panther in Kampung Panching near here on Sept 7, was eligible for the compensation. Saharudin said Perhilitan was still investigating the case.

Singapore Zoo not doing enough to attract F1 fans

Television sets on its premises and in each of its 28 capsules showing live Formula 1 action. Fringe activities such as fire twirlers, samba dance and live band performances. Deejays hitting the deck and gigs by local celebrities like Kumar and John Molina.

The Singapore Flyer is going all out with these to woo visitors during the Republic’s inaugural night Grand Prix race over the weekend of September 26-28.

“Next to getting an F1 Paddock Pass, you can’t get any closer to the pit building than at the Singapore Flyer,” said its general manager Steven Yeo.

But it appears to be the only tourist attraction in town doing so.

A random check with other popular attractions, such as Sentosa, the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari, revealed that little has been planned to tap the influx of at least 50,000 visitors for the race.

This, when the Flyer is rolling out a slew of ticketing packages to cater to crowds of various levels of affluence: From a regular flight at S$29.50 with an open bar, to a luxurious lounge party at S$688, which includes a three-day trackside pass.

With Singapore hosing the first F1 night race, it seems the perfect opportunity to aggressively market this as the choice tourist destination - and also boost chances of hitting the target of 10.8 million visitors this year, given slowing tourist arrivals in the first half.

So, why are other tourist attractions not doing more?

It could be because they do not think these will increase visitorship significantly, said tourism and hospitality expert Judy Siguaw.

“The other tourist attractions might not think it is necessary to have special promotions or programmes. We have the Singapore Biennale and the Singapore River Festival going on at the same time, for example, and these visitors will have enough on their hands to keep them entertained,” said the dean of the Cornell-Nanyang Institute of Hospitality Management.

But it’s not as if nothing can be done to “sell” Singapore, Dr Siguaw added. Having readily available information at the airport on the sights and activities in Singapore “wouldn’t hurt”.

Meanwhile, the Singapore Mint and Logo House Singapore will be launching commemorative F1 coins and medallions tomorrow.

The S$2 silver proof coin and S$2 cupro-nickel proof-like coin will be sold at S$282 and S$47 each. - TODAY

Zoo to attract F1 fans? Racing with the Cheetahs?

ACRES takes legal action against wildlife centre contractor

CNA - Work has halted at Singapore's first Wildlife Rescue Centre. Managed by the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES), the centre is now embroiled in an environmental pollution lawsuit.

At the heart of the case is the contractor engaged to construct the wildlife centre. It is alleged that A.N.A Contractor Pte Ltd had dumped woodchips onto the site, leading to the discharge of wastewater into the watercourse linked to Kranji Reservoir.

The discharge originates from a site located at Jalan Lekar – in the North-Western part of Singapore – that is meant to house rescued wildlife.

In its writ of summons to A.N.A Contractor and its director, Mr Tan Boon Kwee, who was the clerk of works for the rescue centre project, ACRES alleged that the toxic discharge is the result of A.N.A burying woodchips on the site.

Subsequent tests by environmental consultants, using boreholes dug up to 13 metres underground, showed that contaminants in the ground water included petroleum hydrocarbons and volatile organic compounds.

ACRES will be claiming damages and losses as a result of the actions of A.N.A Contractor and its director.

In a statement to Channel NewsAsia, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said its officers found that the discharge contained high organic content. Its investigation also revealed that ACRES' contractor had used woodchips for the earth works at the site.

NEA has initiated prosecution against A.N.A Contractor, under the Environmental Protection and Management Act, for causing discharge of water with high organic content.

Under the Act, the penalties for discharging toxic substances or hazardous substances into inland waters are a fine of up to S$100,000 and a jail term of up to 12 months. NEA said the prosecution action is still pending the court's judgement.

It added that although woodchips do not contain any toxic chemical or hydrocarbon, it can discharge water with high organic content when it decays. But like any decayed or dried wood, when the decay is complete, the woodchips will no longer give rise to any discharge of high organic content waste water.

As for the hydrocarbons found present in the ground water by environmental consultant ENVIRONcorp, NEA said it is not unusual for hydrocarbons to be present in trace levels in the soil.

The agency added that it is monitoring the site and there has been no such further discharge into the watercourse.

Louis Ng, executive director, ACRES, said: "It's been a long and tiring journey for us and we look forward to ACRES Wildlife Rescue Centre becoming a landmark facility for the protection of animals. But at the same time, we will work tirelessly to rectify all these problems that have arisen.

"These setbacks have not dampened our spirit, our passion and determination to make a difference, and we will learn from this setback. We'll move forward, we'll stay positive and we'll definitely become stronger."

ACRES is now appealing to other construction companies to help in the excavation and rebuilding works. Notwithstanding the delay, it said it would open the front portion of the centre, which includes the Volunteer House, Education Centre and Administrative Building, on Friday.

The Recovery and Rehabilitation Centre will open soon, following further talks with the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority. The opening of the Animal Sanctuary, which needs to be torn down, is delayed for at least another six months.

To date, the work of ACRES has led to the rescue of more than 200 wild animals. ACRES has also conducted more than 280 roadshows and talks in Singapore to create awareness on animal protection issues.

The Singapore Zoo and Night Safari get 3 star Awards

The Singapore Zoo


The Night Safari

Four tourist attractions from Singapore have received a 3—star rating from Michelin, the renowned French lifestyle surveyors.

Raffles Hotel, Botanic Gardens, Night Safari and the Singapore Zoological Gardens now join the ranks of famous international attractions like the Paris Eiffel Tower and New York Empire State Building, in having a 3—star Michelin rating.

Michelin, which has been publishing travel guides since 1900, only picked 25 countries in the world to feature.

And it is the first time that Michelin is publishing a travel guide on Singapore. The other Asian countries with this honour are China, Japan and Thailand.

Christian Delhaye, president, Worldwide Strategic Business Unit, Michelin Maps and Guides, said: "The Europeans are very interested in Singapore as a destination, it’s an entry door to the Asian world."

To rank the sites, writers anonymously visited the attractions and assessed them according to criteria such as authenticity, aesthetics, service quality and convenience.

One out of every five visitors to Singapore consults a guidebook before they arrive.

Michelin sold 1.5 million guidebooks worldwide last year and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) hopes that the Singapore edition will boost tourism arrival numbers.

Close to 1.3 million Europeans visited Singapore last year. Double—digit growth rates were seen in tourist arrivals from Spain, Russia, Denmark and France.

The STB believes that the Michelin guide will not only help market Singapore to a Western audience, but to other Asian travellers as well.

Margaret Teo, assistant chief executive (leisure), Singapore Tourism Board, added: "Michelin intends to produce a pocket—sized version of the guide in Chinese, and that will be available for sale in China; and there is also a must—see guide, made available, targeting the India market.

"So with these two markets as one of our key source markets, I think that will value add to the experience of tourists from India and China."

Singapore aims to attract 17 million visitor arrivals and generate S$30 billion in tourism receipts by 2015. — CNA

Another Green Polar Bear

A polar bear, its fur stained with algae, stands in its cage at Higashiyama Zoo in Nagoya, central Japan, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008. Three polar bears at the zoo changed their colors in July after swimming in a pond with an overgrowth of algae, prompting many questions from visitors concerned about whether the animals are sick or carrying mold, a zoo official said. (AP Photo/Kyodo News, Shuzo Shikano)

Green polar bears are drawing questions from puzzled visitors at a Japanese zoo.

Three normally white polar bears at Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens in central Japan changed their color in July after swimming in a pond with an overgrowth of algae.

The sight of green polar bears has prompted many questions from visitors concerned about whether the animals are sick or carrying mold, zoo official Masami Kurobe said Sunday.

"Visitors seem to be shocked by the color, and we are asked every day why they are so green," he said.

High temperatures in July and August and less-frequent water changes because of the zoo's conservation efforts caused an algae growth in the bear pond and safety moat, Kurobe said.

Algae that enters hollow spaces in the bears' fur is hard to rinse off, he said.

The bears are expected to return to their natural color when the algae growth subsides in November, Kurobe said.

The question is will these Polar bears be shipped OUT?!

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.”

Happy Birthday Singapore

Singapore's 43th Birthday.

China, Bejing Olympics 2008 Opening

Wow! Its so colourful and huge.

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.

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.

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

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.

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?

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

Visit the Singapore Zoo