Bird Paradise

Bird Paradise is a major aviary located in Mandai, Singapore, which opened its doors to the public on May 8, 2023. It serves as the successor to the renowned Jurong Bird Park, inheriting its extensive collection of avian species. Bird Paradise is an integral part of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, a comprehensive nature and wildlife district that integrates several zoological institutions.

History and Development

The relocation of the Jurong Bird Park's collection to a new, larger facility at Mandai was announced in 2016, with the intention of creating a consolidated wildlife reserve. This new park was officially named Bird Paradise in 2021. Construction faced some delays due to site conditions and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Jurong Bird Park closed on January 3, 2023, to facilitate the transfer of animals to the new Bird Paradise, which subsequently opened to visitors in May 2023.

Exhibits and Species

Bird Paradise spans approximately 17 hectares (42 acres) and features a variety of immersive, themed aviaries designed to replicate diverse global habitats. Notable exhibits include:

• Ocean Network Express Penguin Cove: One of the world's largest simulated Antarctic exhibits, housing king, gentoo, humboldt, and northern rockhopper penguins, with advanced lighting systems to mimic polar daylight and darkness.
• Winged Sanctuary: Home to over 20 species of hornbills and endangered tropical birds, including the Philippine eagle.
• Shaw Foundation Australian Outback: Recreates the Australian outback environment, featuring eucalyptus trees, termite mounds, and species like wallabies and various parrots.
• Mysterious Papua: Inspired by the coastal and tropical forests of Papua New Guinea, with architecture reflecting local dwellings.
• Lory Loft: Continues a popular exhibit from Jurong Bird Park, showcasing numerous species of lorikeets and cockatoos, including a significant breeding population of Blue-eyed cockatoos.
• Amazonian Jewels: A lush aviary replicating the rainforests of Central and South America, populated with species like cock-of-the-rock and macaws.
• Songs of the Forest: Focuses on vulnerable and endangered songbirds of Southeast Asia, raising awareness about the illegal bird trade.
• Hong Leong Foundation Crimson Wetlands: Simulates South American and Caribbean wetlands, featuring flamingos, roseate spoonbills, and scarlet ibis.
• Kuok Group Wings of Asia: Designed to evoke a Balinese or Indonesian landscape with dense vegetation and simulated rice terraces.
• Rwanda Nyungwe Forest Heart of Africa: The largest aviary, inspired by the Nyungwe Forest in Rwanda, with elevated walkways allowing visitors to experience the environment at different heights.

Presentations and Accessibility

Bird Paradise hosts live presentations, 'Predators on Wings' and 'Wings of the World,' at its Sky Amphitheatre, featuring ambassador animals. The park is accessible via public transportation, with bus services connecting to nearby MRT stations, and a dedicated shuttle service operates daily between Khatib MRT station and Bird Paradise.