Singapore Zoo – history, photo, description, how to get there, prices 2021, map
The state of Singapore hospitably welcomes tourists with its picturesque architecture and unique sights that have brought the country world fame. Among them, the Singapore Zoo deserves special attention. The main concept of the institution is the creation of natural habitats for animals. In the open space, the atmosphere is recreated as close as possible to the conditions of the wild. In the zoo you can see representatives of the fauna from all continents of the planet. These are monkeys, crocodiles, elephants, giraffes, lions, zebras, hippos and many others.
History and description
In 1969, a public utility company in Singapore came up with the idea to build a park area on the territory of the botanical garden, populating it with wild animals. Dr. Ong Swee Low, who at the time was Executive Chairman of the Singapore Water Efficiency Enterprise Council, was the main initiator and inspiration behind this event. He was seriously worried that the country did not have such a cultural and educational institution as a zoo.
Ong Swee Low made every effort to solve this problem, turning to the first persons of the state for help. In 1971, the Ministry of Environmental Protection allowed the use of a land plot with a reservoir for a nature reserve. The Government of Singapore has allocated 9 million dollars for the implementation of the planned project. The construction of the first enclosures and the beautification of the allocated territory began.
The official opening of the zoo took place in 1973. After that, the park was transferred to the management of Wildlife Reserves Singapore Corporation. Initially, the reserve was inhabited by animals from Southeast Asia. In total there were about 300 individuals. At the end of the 20th century, the territory of the zoo was divided into areas, where separate ecological systems were recreated. The task of each sector was to establish relationships between flora and fauna, in accordance with the climatic habitat. This included the reconstruction of the rainforest, sand, stone and water enclosures necessary for the living of animals from the Arctic, Africa, Australia and Eurasia.
The modern territory of the zoo covers an area of more than 250,000 m2. A large protected area is surrounded by a wooded landscape and is washed by the waters of an artificial lake. Today, about 3,000 animals live here. In the park, tourists will not see the traditional bulky cages. Ditches, glass railings and viewing platforms are artificial barriers between people and animals. Once on the territory, visitors find themselves in the jungle.
The environment promotes dignified and respectful treatment of animals. All animals have a well-groomed and well-fed look. The Singapore Zoo is considered not only an entertainment institution, but also a center for the conservation of unique animals that are listed in the Red Book. Today, more than 150 species of animals are bred in the reserve. A veterinary and research center operates on the territory of the zoo, where sick animals are treated and operated on.
What to see
The Singapore Zoo is striking in its scale. The park is divided into the following thematic areas:
Ice tundra
In the center of this sector is a cave with a pool and a waterfall. There are large ice floes in the water. The polar bear, raccoon dog and wolverine live here. On one side, the site is surrounded by large stones, and on the other, a glass partition is installed, behind which an observation deck for visitors is visible.
Wild Africa
The location is represented by a diverse world of herbivores and predatory mammals. Graceful lions, tigers, cheetahs, leopards frolic among stones and tropical bushes near a small pond. Nearby, in a separate enclosure, a zebra nibbles grass and a giraffe rises, and on the sandy shore of the reservoir, a white rhinoceros “boasts” of its huge horn. A crocodile swims in a small lake, chimpanzees and macaques jump along the lianas. You can see unique exotic reptiles: iguana, giant tortoise, chameleon, as well as a large number of snakes.
Valley of Ethiopia
This sector recreates part of an Ethiopian village located in the Great Rift Valley. Among the built small huts, mountain goats stroll, hamadryas jump and mongooses flash by.
Rainforests
Dense thickets of trees, small waterfalls, a pond with an island and boulders are a haven for colorful birds – rhinos, imperial monkeys and brown lemurs. The island is inhabited by gibbons and pink flamingos. The main inhabitant of the zone is the white tiger. A predatory and muscular cat impressively defiles in front of zoo visitors.
fragile forest
In a special indoor facility, you can see bats hanging upside down on branches and lemurs, whose long tails hang right over the heads of visitors. Outside, butterflies flicker, colorful birds, colorful parrots live among trees, ferns and palms.
Australian zone
The “masters” of this area are kangaroos. You can see their muscular legs, long tails, curved sharp claws on their front paws. Their funny jumps are amazing. In a separate room, slow koalas move through the trees. A hippo is splashing in the pond. In the neighborhood is a green thicket, where unusual primates with noses in the shape of a cucumber live. They are called proboscis monkeys.
primate kingdom
The Singapore Zoo has over 40 species of monkeys. They are present in almost all locations, but most of all they live on a special island with wild herbs, ginger, bamboo and palm trees. It is very exciting to observe the behavior of primates: dexterous jumps, funny calls, games with each other, and also eating leaves.
Entertainment programs at the zoo
Visitors are not limited to walking around the zoo. Interesting programs are arranged for guests. A popular service is breakfast with an orangutan. It is based on tea drinking with a monkey at the same table surrounded by a tropical forest. In the outdoor amphitheater, seals, fur seals demonstrate acrobatic jumps and ball exercises. Pelicans show guests how to fish with their beaks. On a separate large platform, viewers can see elephants carrying large logs, spraying water with their trunks, and dexterous somersaults. There is an entertainment program where parrots, monkeys, lemurs and even snakes present their successes in training.
You can participate in hand-feeding giraffes, rhinos, baboons, lemurs, and then take pictures with them. A bright and unforgettable impression remains with tourists from feeding the white tiger. While on the observation deck, visitors throw pieces of meat to the predator. For the sake of delicacy, he will arrange a whole performance – he will jump, growl loudly, sharpen his claws and even swim in a pond.
Night safari
Adventure lovers will love to watch the animals at night, when many animals are especially active. Because of the twilight, there is a feeling that there are no fences in the form of a moat or a glass partition. It becomes scary when wild cries, growls or whistles of predators sound. A night safari provides an opportunity to see the lion hunt firsthand. He sits in ambush among the tall grass, his eyes are shining, his body is tense. At any second, the beast can jump on its prey. Herbivorous animals (zebra, deer, antelope) walk along the paths at arm's length. They calmly and peacefully graze on the lawn, chew leaves, eat fruits.
Opening hours and ticket prices
The price of a ticket to the zoo for an adult is $33, a child ticket is $22. You can use the walking tram for $5. Zoo opening hours are from 8:30 to 18:00. For a night safari you will have to pay $45 for adults, $30 for children. A walk through the night territory starts from 19:15 to midnight.
How to get to the zoo in Singapore
The zoo is outside the city. The easiest way to get to the reserve is by taxi. This will take about 20 minutes. You can also use public transport. First you need to take the metro, and then transfer to the bus. The names of stations and stops are indicated in all guidebooks, so tourists should not have any problems.