The Singapore Zoological Gardens is set in a rainforest environment with an open concept where animals are kept in beautifully landscaped and spacious enclosures stimulating that of their natural habitats. The animals are separated from 1.4 million visitors that visit the Zoo annually by dry or wet moats concealed with vegetation or dropped below the line of vision.
Home to more than 300 species of animals, of which 16% are threatened species including the white tiger, orang utan, golden lion tamarin, king cobra and Malayan tapir, there are now more than 2500 specimens in the Singapore Zoo.
Where do all these animals come from?
Other than animals that were sent to the Singapore Zoo through confiscation and rescue operations by the relevant authorities as well as donations, the Zoo tries its best to ensure that the animals it acquires were those born in captivity, which is best achieved by via direct zoo to zoo contact.
However, the Singapore Zoo also recognizes a legitimate need to obtain animals from the wild for various programs, namely, conservation breeding, education or basic biological studies, therefore it has to be confident that such acquisitions from the wild will not cause a decline in the wild population.
When to Visit?
Although the Singapore Zoo is set in a rainforest environment, meaning lots of trees and shade, the best time to visit it is early in the morning, when the weather is cool.
The Zoo opens its doors daily at 8.30 am and there is a suggested itinerary for visitors who wish to spend the morning there.
As the day warms, you may wish to take refuge in the Fragile Forest and enjoy the beautiful butterflies flying around you. If you stand very still, one may just land on you.
What to See?
There are many exhibits in the Singapore Zoo and the layout of the Zoo allows you to walk from one exhibit to another.
Our favorite exhibits include the Reptile Garden and the Fragile Forest. As the name suggests, the exhibits in the Reptile Garden includes, what else, reptiles! It boosts of some 400 reptiles representing 41 species, including crocodiles, Komodo Dragons, giant Aldabraand Galapagos tortoises, king cobra and Indian rock pythons.
Another favorite is the Children's World, which is divided into the Animal Land and Play Land. At the Animal Land, children can get close up to cows, sheep, goats, rabbits, ducks, geese and other domesticated animals. Children are also allowed to hold baby animals, under the supervision of adults, in the Pets' Corner.
There is also the Primate Kingdom where more than 100 primates from 11 species are displayed.
You will be surprised to know that animals are not the only things you will see at the Singapore Zoo.
There are also plant exhibits, which include the Heliconia Valley, where yellow, red, orange and pink heliconias can be enjoyed amidst the beautiful landscaping. The Tropical Crops Plantation, which is a highly educational place, has more than 50 species of cash crops, vegetables, spices and aquatic plants on displayed.
The Garden with a View, where the well-known orang utan Ah Meng was laid to rest, was designed in the French Renaissance style. It is a horticultural display designed to complement and contrast with the rest of the Singapore Zoo gardens.
Moving Around the Zoo
The best way to see the Zoo is to take a slow walk to enjoy what the Zoo has to offer, just be sure that you have comfortable footwear on so that you can explore the Zoo without the sore and tired feet.
A tram also takes you around the Zoo for a small fee. Various strategic stops allow you to hop on and off to enjoy the many exhibits.
And if you want something different, you can even take a horse-drawn carriage!
The Singapore Zoo is a great place to visit, as attest by these visitors to Singapore. Come and enjoy yourselves!
