SPREAD THE WILDLIFE LOVE, BE A DOCENT

WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE IS SEEKING INDIVIDUALS WITH A PASSION FOR NATURE AND WILDLIFE

SINGAPORE, 21 Jun 2012 — Love animals and want to share your knowledge about wildlife and conservation? Put your skills to good use and sign up as a docent at our parks today!

WRS docents at African Adventure, and other docent stations, provide a valuable insight into the world of wildlife for our guests.

Wildlife Reserves Singapore is looking for passionate, committed individuals to spread their love for wildlife at Jurong Bird Park, Night Safari and Singapore Zoo. As a docent, you get to regale guests with fascinating stories of our animals, take them on exciting guided tours, and share beautiful specimens, all in the name of spreading the conservation message!

A WRS docent providing a hands-on learning experience for our young guest at the Reptile Realm station

Our docents, like this one at the Conservation Cove station, are armed with a wealth of knowledge and always willing to share nuggets of information with guests.

Since 1997, docents have been educating our visitors about animals, in particular the need for wildlife and animal conservation. Be part of the legacy when you apply for the Docents Recruitment and Training (RATS) 2012.

Raring to go yet? Simply submit your application by 13 July 2012 and look forward to being part of the docent family!

Details:
Fee: $150
Application deadline: 13 July 2012
Age: 21 years old and above
Interview dates: 21 and 22 July 2012
Training period: Once a week (Saturday or Sunday) from 4 August 2012 to 23 September 2012

For more information, check out our FAQ section at
http://education.zoo.com.sg/docent.html
or contact us at 6360 2217, fax at 6362 0163 or email veu@wrs.com.sg

Photo credits: Wildlife Reserves Singapore

NIGHT SAFARI CELEBRATES BIRTH OF RARE CLOUDED LEOPARDS

- NOTORIOUSLY DIFFICULT TO BREED, THREE NEW CLOUDED LEOPARDS ARE BORN A YEAR AFTER THE PARK’S FIRST SUCCESSFUL CLOUDED LEOPARD BIRTH.

The three clouded leopard cubs are healthy and active.

Cubs are seen climbing on branches.

Singapore, 12 June 2012 – Barely a year since its first successful birth of clouded leopards, Night Safari recently welcomed another litter of clouded leopard cubs, one of the world’s rarest and secretive wild cat species. The three cubs that arrived on 14 April 2012 were born to parents Tawan and Wandee, who had their first litter in May last year.

Named for the cloud-like patterns of their coats which help them disappear into the shadows of the forest, clouded leopards are notoriously difficult to breed in captivity. These cats often exhibit very aggressive courtship behaviours which sometimes results in the death of the female during mating. It is estimated that less than 20% of captive clouded leopards have been successful at reproducing because the males tend to kill their females during mating.

This second birth is a result of a planned breeding program, which saw the introduction of Tawan and Wandee at an early age to promote bonding and minimise aggression. The mating pair arrived from Thailand’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo three years ago.

“We are very pleased that our efforts have paid off once again with the birth of this second litter. For a species of big cat facing many threats, every little kitten counts. We hope that this birth will go towards sustaining and increasing the population of clouded leopards both in captivity and in the wild,” said Mr. Subash Chandran, Assistant Director, Zoology, Night Safari.

Clouded leopards are the smallest of the big cats and their highly elusive nature, coupled with nocturnal lifestyle, mean that little is known about their population size and behaviour in the wild as they are very rarely seen. Listed as a vulnerable species by IUCN*, it is estimated that there are fewer than 10,000 individuals left in the wild. Clouded leopards are found primarily in lowland tropical rainforest habitats throughout Southeast Asia, Nepal and southern China. It is believed to be extinct in Taiwan. Population numbers are continuing to decline throughout their natural range due to habitat loss and poaching.

Well adapted to forest life, the clouded leopard has an exceptionally long tail – as long as its body – for balancing on trees. Their flexible ankles allow them to run down trees headfirst. Clouded leopards also have the longest canines of any feline, in proportion to their body size.

Night Safari displays clouded leopards at the Leopard Trail, one of the four walking trails in the park.

Mother Wandee watches over her cubs as they explore the surroundings.

A young clouded leopard

*International Union for Conservation of Nature

PROWL INTO THE WILD WITH NIGHT SAFARI’S FANTASTIC FELINES

Wild About Cats

16 May 2012 – This June school holidays, prowl into the wild and exciting world of cats as the world’s first Night Safari takes you on an incredible journey to learn about seven fantastic felines. From lounging leopards to the mighty king of beasts, explore the super senses of these magnificent creatures, many of which are endangered or threatened in the wild. Discover why some species are under threat – these feline tales will evoke your curiosity for more.

30% Discount on Admission
Enjoy 30% off admission in June* (Sundays to Thursdays only) when you snap and flash a picture of one of the following at our ticketing counters:

• Night Safari’s discount coupon found on Wildlife Reserves Singapore’s Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/wrs.sg). Discount coupon will be available from 28 May to 30 Jun 2012.
• Night Safari’s June advertisement in The Straits Times, TODAY or I-WEEKLY

*Terms & Conditions:
-  Valid for Singaporeans, Permanent Residents, employment pass & study permit holders only.
-  Valid from 1 to 30 Jun 2012 from Sundays to Thursdays only.
-  Present snapshot of coupon or advertisement and produce original identification cards at Night Safari’s ticketing booths to enjoy offer.
-  Each identification card valid for one ticket purchase only.
-  Discount not valid with any other promotion.
-  Ticket is valid on day of purchase only.

Details:
Period: 1 to 23 June 2012, Activity dates on 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22 and 23 June, (Fridays and Saturdays only)
Venue: Night Safari, 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826
Time: Refer to activity timings below
Fee: Activities are free. Normal admission rates of $32.00 for adults and $21.00 for children between 3-12 years apply.

ACTIVITIES
The world’s first safari park for nocturnal animals is home to seven cat species. Hop onto a tram and take a wild ride into seven different geographical regions to view majestic cats such as the Asian lion and the Malayan tiger. Then, catch the popular Creatures of the Night show to see the fishing cat and serval in action, and explore the walking trails for close encounters with other feline friends.

1. Poacher’s Station
Ever wondered how a tiger’s fur feels or how a tiger penis looks like? Head down to the Poacher’s Station to see real artifacts of these cats as well as a life-size taxidermised tiger and lion, all in the company of Conservation Ambassadors who will share educational and conservation facts with you.

This year, the spotlight is on the tiger, whose population is rapidly declining due to human- animal encroachment. Find out more about the plight of the endangered tigers and what you can do to help prevent them and other wild cats from becoming extinct. At the same time, play an active role in conservation by donating to Wildlife Reserves Singapore Conservation Fund that is dedicated to the conservation of endangered native wildlife.

Venue: Entrance of Night Safari (In front of retail store)
Time: 6.30pm to 9.30pm

2. Big Cat Feeding Session
Renowned for their power and strength, tigers and lions are specially adapted for their hunting and predatory way of life. Marvel at how these big wild cats devour their meat during these token feeding sessions:

Asian Lion
Venue: Asian Lion exhibit along Leopard Trail
Time: 8.00pm & 9.00pm

Malayan Tiger
Venue: Malayan Tiger exhibit along East Lodge Trail
Time: 8.30pm & 9.30pm

3. Kitty Meet and Greet
Meet the park’s latest kitty cats: a pair of fishing cats and bearcats. Born on January 13 this year, the young fishing cats are ready to meet you. The two other bearcat cubs – born on January 26 – are also known as binturongs, which are members of the civet family.

Venue: Entrance of Night Safari
Time: 7pm & 8pm

Fishing Cats

Bearcats

4. Guided Walking Trail Tour
Embark on an exclusive guided tour at the Leopard Trail and learn more about the cats and other nocturnal animals that roam these trails. Highlights include meeting the park’s first successful litter of clouded leopards as well as the leopard and golden cat.

Venue: Leopard Trail
Time: 8.30pm
Fee: Free of charge
No of pax per tour: Maximum 10 pax
Registration: Assemble at Poacher’s Station at park’s entrance on activity night. Tour participation is based on a first-come-first serve basis.
Note: Tour is conducted in English only.

5. Food & Retail Galore
Enjoy dining under the stars at Bongo Burgers restaurant while being entertained by fire- blowing performances by the Thumbuakar tribal dancers.

Promotion*: Fish & Chips + Jumbo Fish Burger Combo with 2 soft drinks @ $28.00 (u.p. $34.70)

Venue: Bongo Burgers restaurant
Period: 1 to 23 Jun 2012 (Fridays and Saturdays only)

Fish & Chips

Jumbo Fish Burger Combo

*Terms and Conditions:
- Not valid with any other discount or promotion.
- Admission fee not required for dining at restaurant.

Complete your jungle experience and take home a piece from the wild side with you. Pop by the newly opened retail store and bring one of these adorable little feline plushes home.

Retail plushies – cats

NIGHT SAFARI CELEBRATES 18 YEARS OF CONSERVATION AND INNOVATION

MONTH-LONG PROMOTIONS IN MAY TO MARK 18-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

27 April 2012 – To mark its 18th anniversary on May 26, the world’s first Night Safari will be rolling out various exciting promotions for visitors to visit the wildlife park. From 1 to 31 May, visitors can enjoy discounts on admission, dining and retail experiences as they get close to over 2,500 animals.

Free Admission and Discounts for 18-year-olds

As part of its 18th year celebrations, the park will be extending a month-long free admission for visitors born in May 1994*. This applies to Singaporeans, Permanent Residents, and those holding employment passes and study permits. To qualify for free admission, visitors will need to present original identification cards at Night Safari’s ticketing booths.

In addition to free admission, those born in May 1994 can also bring their families and loved ones and purchase up to 5 admission tickets at 20% discount.

Admission into Night Safari includes a 40-minute tram ride – one of the park’s highlights – that will bring visitors through seven geographic regions from the Himalayan foothills to the jungles of Southeast Asia. Those keen for more adventure can explore the four interlinked walking trails for closer encounters with threatened and endangered species such as the pangolin, clouded leopard and slow loris. Visitors can also catch the Creatures of the Night Show which showcases the predatory and survival instincts of otters, binturongs and hyenas.

*Terms & Conditions:
1. Valid for Singaporeans, Permanent Residents, employment pass and study permit holders born in May 1994.
2. Produce original identification cards at Night Safari’s ticketing booths to enjoy offer.
3. Valid for park visit from 1 – 31 May 2012.
4. Each identification card entitles one free admission and 20% discount for a maximum of 5 admission tickets.
5. Free admission and 20% discounts are not valid with any other credit card or in-park promotions.

$18 Food Galore

A visitor’s experience at Night Safari is not limited to animals but extends to experiential dining at Ulu Ulu Safari Restaurant, where they can soak in the rustic charm of the old kampong days, and indulge in the restaurant’s signature dish – Chili Crab – served in claypot for $18**.

Those looking for a quick bite before their safari adventure can also savour a variety of local tidbits for $1.80 at the snack kiosk located at Ben & Jerry’s scoop shop.

$18 Mini Chilli Crab Special served in Claypot

**Terms & Conditions:
1. Valid from 1 – 31 May 2012.
2. Valid only for dine-in only at Ulu Ulu Safari Restaurant.
3. Not valid with other credit card or in-park promotions.
4. Admission tickets are not required for entry to Ulu Ulu Safari Restaurant.

$18 Retail Surprises

For a perfect ending to the night, visitors can bring home a piece of the Night Safari experience with limited edition gifts that include t-shirts, mugs, caps and eco-friendly bags. These are available at $18.00 each *** at the park’s latest retail store at the new entrance that features a treasure trove of mementos to complete the Night Safari adventure.

$18 Retail Surprises

***Terms & Conditions:
1. Each item is available at $18.00, except for eco-friendly bags, where 2 bags are priced at $18.00.
2. Valid from 1 – 31 May 2012.
3. Not valid with other credit card or in-park promotions.
4. Admission tickets are not required for entry to retail store.

GIVE MUM A MOTHER’S DAY TO REMEMBER AT NIGHT SAFARI

Treat mum to a sumptuous spread of local delights this Mother’s Day

Singapore, 25 April 2012 – Through rain or shine, she’s always been there to see you through your toughest times. This Mother’s Day, show Mum how much you appreciate her, by taking her to Night Safari for a delectable dinner at our very own Ulu Ulu Safari Restaurant.

Indulge in local dishes such as Chilli Crab with fried mantou while soaking in the old world charm of Ulu Ulu, as you reminisce the bygone era of the kampong days. Other local favourites include deep-fried prawns with crispy oats, as well as sambal squid, which will surely please everyone in the family.

After dinner, take the family on a tour of discovery around Night Safari where you can get up close and personal with our majestic animals. Then, end off the night on an unforgettable note by watching the Creatures of the Night show, where the family can continue to be enthralled by our talented nocturnal animals.

Items on the menu include crowd favourites like our Chilli Crab with fried mantou

A Mother’s Love Set Dinner
Date: 13 May 2012 (Sunday)
Venue: Night Safari – Ulu Court
Time: 7pm
Pricing: $550+ per table (10 persons)
Rates subject to prevailing Government Taxes and exclude admissions to Night Safari Singapore (Admission tickets can be purchased directly from the counters).
Advanced dining reservations of 3 working days is required; subject to availability. Not valid with other credit card or in-park promotions.

For reservations, please call 6360 8560 during office hours or email event.sales@wrs.com.sg.

Menu
Night Safari’s Hot & Cold Platter
Sweet Corn Soup with Crabmeat
Chilli Crab with Fried Mantou (Signature Dish)
Deep-Fried Prawn with Crispy Oats
Sambal Squid
Baby Kai-Lan with Oyster Sauce
Seafood Fried Rice
Tropical Fruits Platter
Free Flow of Chinese Tea

KITTY CATS GALORE AT NIGHT SAFARI

DOUBLE SURPRISE AS WORLD’S FIRST SAFARI PARK FOR NOCTURNAL ANIMALS WELCOMES BIRTH OF FISHING CATS AND BEARCATS

A pair of fishing cat kittens (left) and a pair of bearcat cubs (right) PHOTO CREDITS: WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE

24 April 2012 – The world’s first Night Safari recently celebrated the birth of a pair of fishing cats and bearcats. The fishing cats were born on January 13 while the bearcat litter joined approximately two weeks later, on January 26.

The young fishing cats, one male and one female, are currently being hand-raised to increase the kittens’ chances of survival, as their four-year-old mother is relatively inexperienced. At three-months-old, the kittens weigh approximately 3kg and are growing strong and healthy.

The two other cubs – both currently weighing 2.5kg – are binturongs, also known as bearcats. Over the years, the park has successfully bred 60 bearcats. This secretive animal has a face like a cat’s and a body like a bear’s. Despite its name, the bearcat is neither a bear nor a cat. It is actually a member of the civet family. Found primarily on treetops in the rainforest of south and southeast Asia, bearcats have a mixed diet of fruits, leaves, birds, carrion, fish and eggs.

Due to habitat destruction, the numbers of fishing cats and bearcats are declining in the wild. In addition to habitat loss, over-exploitation of local fish stocks threatens the survival of fishing cats. Bearcats are captured for the pet trade, and their skins and body parts are traded for traditional medicine in some Asian countries. Fishing cats are listed as endangered on the IUCN* Red List of Threatened Species while bearcats are classified as vulnerable.

Night Safari displays the bearcats and fishing cats in the Fishing Cat Trail.

Being one of the few cats that love water, fishing cats eat primarily fish but will also prey on crustaceans, frogs and snakes. The cat attracts fish by lightly tapping the water's surface with its paw, mimicking insect movements. It then dives into the water to catch the fish.

A curious fishing cat kitten explores its area. Fishing cats are commonly found near densely vegetated areas near the marshes, mangrove swamps and rivers of Asia.

In Malay, the bearcat is also known as “musang manis” – the word “manis” means sweet and this relates to the animal’s pleasant scent, which is said to smell like pandan leaves or popcorn. The bearcat is actually a civet, which is characterised by an elongated body and anal scent glands that produce secretions for scent marking.

A bearcat cub demonstrates its ability to hang upside down with its long, prehensile tail to grip on the tree branch. The tail is also equipped with a leathery patch at the end for extra grip.

NIGHT SAFARI’S BABY GIRAFFE MAKES PUBLIC AND BLOGOSPHERE DEBUT

PARK LAUNCHES FIRST-EVER ANIMAL BLOG TO SHOWCASE CALF’S GROWING JOURNEY AND CREATES SINGAPORE’S TALLEST BABY PRAM TO BRING LANKY NEWBORN CLOSER TO PUBLIC

Nalo's Tale

Singapore, 1 March 2012 – For the first time, the Night Safari has launched a blog site to highlight the development of its latest tallest addition – a two-month-old baby giraffe named “Nalo”.

Visitors can now visit http://giraffes.nightsafari.com.sg to watch the progress of the male calf as keepers provide an exclusive look at animal husbandry and care at the world’s first nocturnal zoo. Titled “Nalo’s Tales: Adventures of Night Safari’s Tallest Baby,” the blog will record several of the calf’s first experiences, including his debut in the exhibit, as well as his first solid meal. The blog includes photos, videos and keeper interviews, and is updated weekly.

The baby giraffe will also be making his public ‘appearance’ in a 2.1m-tall baby pram – possibly the tallest in Singapore – at the heart of Orchard Road this Saturday, 3 March 2012, between 12pm to 4.30pm. Shoppers will get to see a replica of the baby giraffe strolling down the shopping district in a pram specially designed for the lanky newborn.

Visitors who wish to meet Nalo in real life can do so by participating in an online contest – “Guess Nalo’s Height” – where winners can win tickets to the Night Safari by guessing Nalo’s latest height on the blog.

Nalo, which means “lovable” in Swahili, is the first giraffe to be born in the Night Safari in three years. Born on December 5 last year, the baby giraffe can now be seen in the exhibit together with his family at Night Safari’s African zone. For more information, visit
http://giraffes.nightsafari.com.sg

MAKE A WILD DATE AT THE NIGHT SAFARI THIS VALENTINE’S DAY

Singapore, 17 January 2012 – This Valentine’s Day, the Night Safari will help lovebirds ignite romance in the wild with its exclusive Valentine’s Day package.

This premium package invites lovers to wine and dine to their hearts’ content with the Cupid’s Candlelight Dinner amidst the rustic setting of Ulu Ulu Safari restaurant, followed by a romantic escapade into the wilderness of the Night Safari.

Couples will also enjoy a Lovers’ Lane priority tram boarding into the scenic wildlife park as well as VIP seating at the Creatures of the Night Show where they will experience a unique Valentine’s Day adventure like no other.

Served with love from Cupid’s kitchen, delectable dishes include Oven Baked Chilean Codfish, Wagyu Beef, and Blueberry Chocolate Chateau.

Night Safari Sweetheart Surprise Package
Date: 14 Feb 2012 (Tuesday)
Venue: Night Safari – Ulu Court
Time: 7pm
Pricing: $208 + per couple

Charges include admission and dinner at Night Safari for two, priority tram boarding, reserved seats for the Creatures of the Night Show and an exclusive couple gift.

For reservations, please call 6360 8560 during office hours or email event.sales@wrs.com.sg. Bookings made before 7th February 2012 will enjoy a 10% discount.

Lovers’ Lobster Salad - Lobster Medallion with Mango, Avocado, Water Chestnut, Sherry Vinegar Enhanced with Aged Balsamic topped with Garden Salad

“My Little Dumpling” Scallop Soup - Light Cream of Scallop Soup with Smoked Turkey Dumpling and US Asparagus served with Assorted Country Style Bread (Multi-grain and Olive Bread Roll)

Cod My Heart - Oven Baked Marinated Chilean Codfish with Champagne Sauce, Pea Puree, Chateau Dauphinoise and Baby Vegetables

Wild About Wagyu - Corn Fed Wagyu Beef with Merlot Jus, Pea Puree, Chateau Dauphinoise and Seasonal Vegetables

Lust for Chocolate - Flavor Blueberry Chocolate Chateau Enhanced with Vanilla Sauce and Strawberry Sauce Finished with Glazed Fresh Fruit

RUN ON THE WILD SIDE AT SAFARI ZOO RUN 2012

Singapore, 27 December 2011 – Award-winning parks Singapore Zoo and Night Safari will be transformed into a race course for Safari Zoo Run 2012, an annual run that takes participants through its scenic paths and interesting animal exhibits.

The run will be held on 5 February 2012 and is organised in its fourth consecutive year. The Safari Zoo Run was conceptualised to commemorate the death anniversary of orang utan Ah Meng, one of Singapore’s most adored animal personalities.

Energetic little ones and adults can participate in the 2.8km and 12km competitive run while families looking for a fun, healthy activity amidst the wilderness can take part in the 6km non-competitive Safari Zoo Fun Run. Unlike previous years, Safari Zoo Run 2012 will flag off participants in the morning instead of late afternoon.

This run not only offers families and individuals the opportunity to enjoy the wonders of the parks in a different way, it also aids in wildlife conservation as part of the proceeds will be donated to the care of endangered animals in the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari.

Each participant will receive an exclusive Safari Zoo Run 2XU dry-fit tee (worth $55 for adults and $29.90 for kids) amongst other attractive goodies and discounts. In addition, all runners will each receive an exclusive animal-motif finisher medal and a one-day entry to the Singapore Zoo on the day of the run.

Attractive prizes worth up to $2,000 will be awarded to the top three winners in each category in the competitive segment.

Early bird registration is now open until 31 December 2011. For more information, please log on to www.safarizoorun.com.sg.

RACE CATEGORIES

NIGHT SAFARI CELEBRATES FESTIVE SEASON WITH BIRTH OF BABY GIRAFFE

Singapore, 20 December 2011 – The world’s first Night Safari welcomed a lanky surprise this festive season – a 1.88m tall baby giraffe born on December 5, 2011.

The male calf got on his feet just moments after a six-foot drop from his mother, Dobeni, which gave birth standing up. The birth is the first after three years. The 75-kg baby, which is still unnamed, is the third South African giraffe born at the Night Safari. His father, Pongola, and mother Dobeni are also proud parents of female giraffe Kayin, that was born at the park in 2008.

“We hope that the birth of this South African giraffe sub-species at Night Safari will continue to increase the gene pool of the species for global zoological institutions through animal exchanges and breeding programmes,” said Mr. Subash Chandran, Assistant Director, Zoology, Night Safari.

Although the giraffe is classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as Least Concern, its range in Africa has been reduced due to habitat degradation. There are nine subspecies of giraffe, which differ in size, coloration, pattern and range. Some subspecies are classified as endangered.

“In the wild, young giraffes often fall prey to lions, leopards and hyenas. It is estimated that only a small percentage of baby giraffes reach adulthood. We are happy to see that our healthy calf is suckling from its mother and galloping in its yard. The first few weeks are very important milestones in a giraffe’s growth,” said Mr. Chandran.

Giraffes are the tallest land animals, growing to a height of between 4.7m and 5.3m. The tallest giraffe in the world recorded a height of 6.1metres. Females are usually shorter than their male counterparts. Being crepuscular, they are active at dawn and dusk and sleep approximately four hours a day. With a flexible upper lip and a long tongue, the giraffe can extend its tongue as far as 53cm to grasp its food of mainly acacia leaves.

Being social animals, wild giraffes exist in loose herds of 10 to 20 individuals. Unknown to many, giraffes, despite their lanky necks, share a similar number of neck bones with humans and mice — seven.

Visitors can visit the baby giraffe at its Night Safari exhibit by February 2012. For more
information on the giraffes at the Night Safari, please visit
http://www.nightsafari.com.sg

21-year-old South African giraffe, Dobeni, gently nuzzles her 1.88m tall baby at the Night Safari.

Night Safari’s latest giraffe calf suckles from his mother, 21-year-old Dobeni.

An affectionate mother, Dobeni gently strokes her newborn at the Night Safari. Dobeni stands at approximately 4m in height.