Most times, visiting a zoo means seeing those animals which are endangered and you can’t find them in the wild. But the Wildlife Reserves Singapore is not just about a zoo. It is much more in the field of conservation, says SHAlINI SAKSENA
How would you like to eat breakfast with seven-eight orangutansIJ Or have lunch with MacawsIJ If this is not interesting enough how about going on a night safari and feeding an elephant or walking the wallaby trailIJ
Vacationing in Singapore is not everybody’s cup of tea considering it is one of the most expensive places in the world. Yet in 2015, over 1.5 crore tourists visited the lion City or the little Red Dot as it is often called.
The reasons are many. There is lots to do once you land here. From Merlion to shopping at even 2 am to trying out local food — there’s no idle time here. You have Sentosa (island resort), Universal Studios Singapore, Singapore Flyer, Gardens by the Bay, Botanic Gardens and, of course, the Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) that manages the Singapore Zoo, the Night Safari, the River Safari and the Jurong Bird Park.
A visit to the zoo or a bird park may not be high on your vacation list but what makes this animal park so interesting is that besides seeing rarest of rare animals from around the world under one roof, it is the experience that wows you.
Singapore Zoo has been known to have one the most beautiful settings in the world, where animals can roam free. Of course, the one thing that one has to do in places like these is walk! Imagine covering 26 hectares that is home to 2,800 animals representing over 300 species, on foot! And yet, you don’t mind.
But it is advisable to pick and choose zones and exhibits that you want to see. Frozen Tundra houses Inuka, the polar bear. While you watch Inuka basking in the sun, you may want to say hello to the wolverines and the raccoon dogs housed in the same zone.
Start your tour with a sumptuous breakfast, well, with the orangutans. Yes, that is correct — have breakfast with ‘person of the forest’. Not only this, get a photograph clicked with the playful orange primate.
What makes the Wild Africa zone great is the presence of white rhino, zebra, cheetah, the African lion and meerkat. These animals are only a few feet away from you but the the guide and animal trainers tell you that there is in fact a deep moat and an electric fence between you and the wild ones and and hence no chance of a surprise jump.
Animal trainers encourage you to feed the rhinos and the giraffes, but for a fee. Putting your hand inside the big mouth of the rhino may not make everyone comfortable but it is an experience worth it. It is not as if you will offer a fruit and the rhino will take it; You will have to actually push the fruit into his mouth — scary but exhilarating.
However, feeding giraffes is fun. Their long tongues will reach out for the leafy branch you hold out. But feeding comes with an advisory: Follow the trainer’s instructions It is not just for the safety of animals but for visitors too.
The next stop in the zone is the Fragile Forest where visitors are taken on a journey through a rainforest.
If one has children, a visit to Zoo-rassic Park is must. The placard in front of each dino tells you his name and if one downloads an app, he can get a 3D image of the dino and related information. Rex-citing isn’t itIJ
But it was the opening of the Wildlife Healthcare and Research Centre in March 2006 that made the visit more interesting. One is taken through the animal surgery area and other interactive displays like the kitchen where the food for the animals is cooked. The downside is that there have to be at least 25 people before the park will take you on this trail.
Try to conserve as much energy as possible and take breaks in between because the zoo has a River Safari and a Night Safari that should not be missed at any cost — the River Safari for its Giant Panda Kai Kai (male) and Jia Jia (female) and the Amazon river quest for its wilderness and the animals — like the jaguar. But it is the ride itself that gives one a truly unique perspective.
The final leg of the zoo ends with the Night Safari. Considering that one would be tired by this time, the best way to begin the exploration is to take on the guided tram tour costing Singapore dollar 10 per person. There are several benefits to it. First, the guide will give you snippets of information about the animal that you will get to see. Second, you will get to experience a multi-sensory wildlife adventure. The entire 40-minute expedition is a delightful way to travel deep into the domain of the world’s most fascinating animals. More so, if you are from India as you will get to see the Asiatic lion, the barasingha and the sloth bear.
The WRS has offers for people who want to visit all the four parks at discounted rates. The Parkhopper Plus gives admission to all the four parks plus one gets all tram, boat and carousel rides for S$79 for an adult and S$59 for a child. Though it may appear steep, it is value for money.