Night Safari

The Night Safari is a globally recognized zoological park located in Mandai, Singapore, celebrated as the world's first nocturnal zoo. Established on May 26, 1994, it was conceived to offer a unique viewing experience of animals active during the night. The park is situated within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, a collection of wildlife parks that also includes Singapore Zoo, Bird Paradise, River Wonders, and Rainforest Wild ASIA. The concept was first proposed in the 1980s by Ong Swee Law, the former executive chairman of the Singapore Zoo.

History and Design

Constructed at a cost of S$63 million, the Night Safari occupies 35 hectares (86 acres) of secondary rainforest. Unlike conventional nocturnal houses that reverse animal activity cycles, the Night Safari is an expansive open-air environment designed to simulate a tropical forest at night. It operates exclusively between 7 pm and 12 am. The park is divided into six distinct geographical zones, accessible by four walking trails and a tram system. Animals are displayed in naturalistic enclosures that mimic their native habitats, with visitors separated by natural barriers, similar to the Singapore Zoo's philosophy.

Lighting, designed by London-based Simon Corder, uses a moonlight-like illumination that is dim enough not to disrupt animal behavior but bright enough for visitors to observe them. To manage animal movement and separation, the park employs natural barriers such as moats designed to resemble streams and rivers, and cattle grids integrated into the ground, alongside hot wires disguised as twigs.

Exhibits and Wildlife

The Night Safari is home to over 900 animals representing more than 100 species, with a significant portion, 41%, being threatened species. Visitors can explore various themed trails, including the Tram Trail for viewing larger animals, the Pangolin Trail for nocturnal species from Asia and South America, the Leopard Trail featuring Asian rainforest inhabitants, the Tiger Trail, and the Tasmanian Devil Trail. The latter, opened in 2012, showcases Australian nocturnal animals and includes the Naracoorte Cave, a replica of the Australian cave system featuring indigenous paintings and housing invertebrates and reptiles. The park also houses notable animals such as Chawang, an iconic Indian Elephant, Tripod, an Indochinese Clouded Leopard, and Sipho, a White African Lion.

A popular highlight is the "Creatures of the Night" presentation, which educates visitors about animal conservation and sustainability efforts through animal performances. The park has received numerous accolades, including awards for Best New Attraction in ASEAN and multiple Singapore Tourism Awards for Best Leisure Attraction Experience and Leisure Attraction of the Year.

The Night Safari is managed by the Mandai Wildlife Group and attracts approximately 1.3 million visitors annually, solidifying its status as a major tourist destination and a significant contributor to wildlife awareness and conservation efforts.