Singapore Zoo
The Singapore Zoo, formerly known as the Singapore Zoological Gardens, is a 28-hectare zoological park located in Singapore. It is renowned for its naturalistic "open" exhibits with hidden barriers, moats, and glass, and it houses the world's largest captive colony of orangutans. The zoo is a significant attraction, drawing approximately 2 million visitors annually and contributing to wildlife conservation efforts.
Key Facts
- ›Covers an area of 28 hectares (69 acres).
- ›Opened on June 27, 1973.
- ›Houses approximately 315 species of animals.
- ›Home to the world's largest captive colony of orangutans.
- ›Attracts around 2 million visitors each year.
- ›Exhibits animals in naturalistic, open enclosures.
Orangutan Island, Wild Africa, Reptile Kingdom, Reptopia, Elephants of Asia, Tiger Trek, Fragile Forest, the Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia, Australasia
Ah Meng, Inuka, Omar
- Wildlife Healthcare & Research Centre Initiatives
- Breeding Programs For Threatened Species
About Singapore Zoo
The Singapore Zoo, formerly known as the Singapore Zoological Gardens, is a premier zoological park situated on the margins of Upper Seletar Reservoir within Singapore's central catchment area. Spanning 28 hectares (69 acres), it is operated by the Mandai Wildlife Group. The zoo is celebrated for its innovative, naturalistic "open" exhibit design, which employs hidden barriers, moats, and glass to seamlessly integrate animals with their environment and provide visitors with an immersive viewing experience.
History and Development
The conception of the Singapore Zoo began in 1969 when the Public Utilities Board (PUB) decided to utilize some of its land holdings around reservoirs for parks and recreational facilities. Dr. Ong Swee Law, the executive chairman of the PUB, allocated 88 hectares for the development of a zoological garden. Construction commenced in 1971, and the zoo officially opened its gates on June 27, 1973, with an initial collection of 270 animals from over 72 species. Over the years, the zoo has evolved significantly, with a notable period of restructuring in the early 2000s under Wildlife Reserves Singapore, which led to a simplification of its branding to "Singapore Zoo" by 2005.
Animals and Exhibits
The Singapore Zoo is home to approximately 315 species of animals, with a particular emphasis on naturalistic habitats. It houses the world's largest captive colony of orangutans, with figures like Ah Meng, a Sumatran orangutan, becoming an iconic representation of the zoo and Singaporean tourism. Other significant exhibits include "Wild Africa," showcasing savannah animals, "Reptile Kingdom" and "RepTopia" featuring a diverse array of reptiles and amphibians, and "Elephants of Asia," home to a herd of Asian elephants. The zoo also boasts a Treetops Trail, Tiger Trek, Gibbon Island, and the biodome Fragile Forest, among others, each designed to replicate natural environments.
Conservation and Education
Conservation is a core mission of the Singapore Zoo, underscored by the establishment of the Wildlife Healthcare & Research Centre in March 2006. This facility supports conservation research for the wildlife parks and their international partners. The zoo has also achieved notable breeding successes, including being the first zoo globally to breed a polar bear in the tropics with the birth of Inuka.
Visitor Experience
Attracting around 2 million visitors annually, the Singapore Zoo offers various interactive programs and presentations. These include the "Breakfast in the Wild" experience, where guests can interact with animals, and educational presentations like "Into The Wild," which highlights animal adaptations and conservation challenges. The zoo also provides opportunities for close encounters with domesticated animals in its KidzWorld section, promoting animal responsibility among young visitors. Its commitment to excellence has been recognized through numerous awards, including TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice awards and Singapore Tourism Awards.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Singapore Zoo first open its doors?
The Singapore Zoo opened its gates for the first time on June 27, 1973. At its opening, it featured a collection of 270 animals from over 72 species and employed a staff of 130 individuals.
What is the Singapore Zoo most famous for?
The Singapore Zoo is particularly famous for its naturalistic, 'open' exhibit design, which uses hidden barriers, moats, and glass to create a more immersive experience for visitors. It also houses the largest captive colony of orangutans in the world, with the orangutan Ah Meng having been a significant icon for tourism.
How many animals and species are at the Singapore Zoo?
The Singapore Zoo houses approximately 315 species of animals, with about 16 percent of these considered threatened species. The broader Mandai Wildlife Reserve, which includes the zoo, cares for over 15,000 animals from 1,000 species.
What are some of the notable exhibits at the Singapore Zoo?
Notable exhibits include the 'Orangutan Island,' which is a major attraction and home to Bornean and Sumatran orangutans. Other significant areas are 'Wild Africa' featuring savannah animals, 'Reptile Kingdom' and 'RepTopia' for reptiles and amphibians, and 'Elephants of Asia' with its herd of Asian elephants.
Does the Singapore Zoo have a focus on conservation?
Yes, the Singapore Zoo has a significant focus on conservation. The opening of the Wildlife Healthcare & Research Centre in 2006 underscored its commitment to wildlife conservation and research. Additionally, approximately 16 percent of the animals housed at the zoo are considered threatened species.
What are some of the zoo's most iconic animals?
Iconic animals associated with the Singapore Zoo include Ah Meng, a Sumatran orangutan who was a major tourism icon and hosted the 'Breakfast with Orangutans' program. Another notable animal was Inuka, the world's only polar bear to live in the tropics, who resided at the zoo from 1990 to 2018.
Related Zoos
Night Safari
Night Safari is the world's first nocturnal zoo, located in Mandai, Singapore. It is one of the country's most popular tourist attractions and a key part of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve. The park offers visitors a unique experience to observe animals in their naturalistic nighttime habitats.
Bird Paradise
Bird Paradise is a major aviary located in Mandai, Singapore, which opened on May 8, 2023, as the successor to the Jurong Bird Park. It is a key component of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, a comprehensive nature and wildlife district that aims to consolidate various zoological attractions.
River Wonders
River Wonders, formerly known as River Safari, is a river-themed zoo and aquarium situated in Mandai, Singapore, as part of the larger Mandai Wildlife Reserve. It is Asia's first river-themed attraction, featuring a diverse array of freshwater exhibits and a popular river boat ride, making it a significant wildlife attraction in the region.