The state of Singapore hospitably welcomes tourists with 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 to create natural living conditions 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 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 Singapore public utility company had the idea to build a parkland on the territory of the botanical garden, inhabiting it with wild animals. The main initiator and inspiration behind this event was Dr. Ong Swee Low, who at the time was Executive Chairman of the Singapore Water Efficiency Business Council. He was seriously worried that the country lacks such a cultural and educational institution as a zoo.
Ong Swee Low made every effort to solve this problem, seeking help from the top officials of the state. In 1971, the Ministry of Environmental Protection authorized the use of a land plot with a reservoir for a nature reserve. The Government of Singapore has allocated $ 9 million for the implementation of the conceived project. The construction of the first enclosures and the improvement of the allocated area began.
The zoo was officially opened in 1973. After that, the park was transferred to the management of the corporation "Wildlife Reserves Singapore". 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 the relationship between flora and fauna, in accordance with the climatic habitat. This included the reconstruction of the rainforest, sandy, stone and water enclosures necessary for the habitation 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 conservation area is surrounded by a wooded landscape and washed by the waters of an artificial lake. Today about 3,000 animals live here. In the park, tourists will not see traditional bulky cages. Artificial barriers between people and animals are ditches, glass fences and viewing platforms. Once on the territory, visitors find themselves in the jungle.
The environment promotes dignified and respectful treatment of animals. All animals have a sleek and well-fed look. The Singapore Zoo is considered not only an entertainment facility, but also a center for the preservation of unique animals that are listed in the Red Book. To date, the reserve is engaged in breeding more than 150 species of animals. There is a veterinary and research center 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. It is home to a polar bear, a raccoon dog and a wolverine. The platform is surrounded by large stones on one side, and a glass partition is installed on the other, behind which an observation deck for visitors is visible.
Wild Africa
The location is represented by a diverse world of herbivorous and carnivorous mammals. Graceful lions, tigers, cheetahs, leopards frolic among stones and tropical bushes near a small pond. Nearby, in a separate aviary, a zebra nibbles the grass and a giraffe rises, and on the sandy shore of the reservoir a white rhino "brags" with its huge horn. A crocodile swims in a small lake, chimpanzees and macaques jump on vines. You can see unique exotic reptiles: iguana, giant turtle, 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 small huts built, mountain goats walk, hamadryas gallop and mongooses flash.
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 imposingly defiles in front of the zoo visitors.
Fragile forest
In a special enclosed building, you can see bats hanging from branches with their heads down and lemurs, whose long tails hang directly over the heads of visitors. Outside, there are butterflies, bright birds, colorful parrots living among trees, ferns and palms.
Australian zone
The "owners" of this area are kangaroos. You can see their muscular legs, long tails, curved sharp claws on their front legs. Their funny jumps are amazing. In a separate room, slow-moving koalas move through the trees. A hippopotamus is splashing selflessly in the pond. In the neighborhood there is a green thicket, where unusual primates with cucumber-shaped noses live. They are called monkeys.
Kingdom of primates
More than 40 species of monkeys are represented at the Singapore Zoo. They are present in almost all locations, but most of them 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 screams, playing with each other, as well as eating foliage.
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 open amphitheater, seals, seals demonstrate acrobatic jumps and ball exercises. Pelicans show guests how to fish with their beak. On a separate large platform, viewers can see elephants who are engaged in carrying large logs, spraying water with their trunk, and also dexterous somersaults. There is an entertainment program where parrots, monkeys, lemurs and even snakes present their success in training.
You can take part in hand-feeding giraffes, rhinos, baboons, lemurs, and then take pictures with them. A bright and unforgettable impression remains with tourists from feeding a white tiger. While on the observation deck, visitors throw pieces of meat to the predator. For the sake of a 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 watching the animals at night, when many of the animals are especially active. Due to 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 screams, growls or the whistle of predators sound. Night safari provides an opportunity to witness the lion's hunt with your own eyes. He sits in ambush among the tall grass, his eyes glittering, his body 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 take a walking tram for $ 5. The zoo is open from 8:30 to 18:00. For a night safari, adults will have to pay $ 45, children - $ 30. The night area walk starts from 7:15 pm to midnight.
How to get to the zoo in Singapore
The zoo is located 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 take the bus. The names of stations and stops are indicated in all guidebooks, so tourists should not have any problems.
