Learn more about native frogs such as the banded bullfrog (Kaloula pulchra) (left) and spotted tree frog (Nyctixalus pictus) (right) at Singapore Zoo’s Leap Here! event this 25-26 Feb 2012. PHOTO CREDITS: LEONG TZI MING

Singapore, 20 February 2012– Celebrate the leap year with our amphibious friends who love leaping too! During the 25-26 February weekend, Singapore Zoo will be bringing you a fun-filled weekend where you can learn about and interact with these creatures.

They may not be the best animals to cuddle up with, but frogs do have a part to play in helping man, as pest control through their diet of insects, such as mosquitoes. Frogs can also tell us if an environment is healthy. Their permeable skin easily absorbs toxic chemicals, which means they are sensitive to very slight changes in the environment. Therefore, if anything drastic happens to frog populations around us, it is an indication that something is wrong in our biosphere as a whole.

Find out more about these fascinating creatures and participate in the myriad of activities we have lined up for the whole family this 25-26 February.

Details:
Collect a passport and have fun learning while playing games at five stations. Make sure you get a stamp at each stop. Upon completion, each participant will be given a goody bag and a chance to enter a lucky dip.

Those not keen to run around the Zoo can also be a part of the fun in other ways! Write your wish for our local frogs on a message board near the entrance ticketing area. Face painting by our Conservation Ambassadors is also available for those who wish to get creative and look like their newfound frog friends

Date: 25-26 February 2012 (Sat-Sun)
Time: 9am – 5pm
Who can participate: Children 7-12 years
Registration: Next to entrance retail shop, Singapore Zoo, 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826
Station Locations: Various (indicated below)
Note: Registration on a first come first served basis for 500 children each day so come early to avoid disappointment!

Metamorphosise!
Find out how frogs grow and see how these unique creatures differ from other animals through metamorphosis. Then try your hand at putting their stages of growth in the right order.

Location: Fragile Forest Entrance

Ecological pest busters!
Ever wondered what frogs eat to get their stunning colour? Get some tips from their diet for ideas on getting that healthy glow. Be warned though, for these jumpers are known to be great for pest control, so think twice before adopting their eating habits!

Location: Opposite Fragile Forest Entrance

“Count the Clutch?” and “Long Leap the King!”
Test your estimation skills by guessing the number of frog eggs in a clutch. The person with the closest guess gets to have their name on the scoreboard at the station. Kids can then see how they measure up against their newfound frog friends in a leaping challenge by taking part in a standing broad jump contest.

Location: Sheltered area at Orchid Garden

Tadfrog Match
Ever had anyone tell you that you have dad’s nose or mum’s eyes? Frogs however, look quite different from their young. Come see how good you are at piecing their family portrait together, and learn more about where and how they live. You might even get to see a real-life family of frogs!

Location: Opposite Fragile Forest

Frog, three, two, one… Can you save the frogs from extinction?
Kids will be challenged to finish our challenging frog puzzles as fast as they can and stretch their brainpower by identifying the species. The person who completes the jigsaw puzzle in the shortest time will have their name on our scoreboard.

Location: Sheltered area at Tropical Crops

Singapore, 16 February 2012 — For the first time, Singapore Zoo will send one of its captive red-shanked Douc langurs away. A comprehensive health check was carried out on the selected female, named Wani, prior to her journey to Japan’s Yokohama Zoo later this month.

Although a species of monkey and not an ape, Douc langurs are commonly known as “costumed apes” because of their interestingly patterned body coat. Native to the rainforests of Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, they are listed as endangered on the IUCN* Red List of Threatened Species. Locals hunt this monkey for food and its body parts, which are used in the preparation of traditional medicines. It is also sometimes hunted to sustain the international pet trade. During the Vietnam War, its forest habitat was also destroyed by defoliating agents and bombs.

This delicate and striking monkey made its Singapore Zoo debut in 1988. Since then, 27 Douc langurs have been successfully bred.

Wani underwent a thorough health check on 16 January 2012 prior to a 30-day quarantine in anticipation of her journey to Japan. Her departure will conclude a breeding loan agreement with Yokohama Zoo, which had sent us a clouded leopard in 2001.

To ensure Wani does not suffer too much from homesickness in her new environment, Singapore Zoo plans to send another Douc langur to Yokohama Zoo later this year as part of another breeding loan arrangement.

Wildlife Reserves Singapore, through the parks it manages – Jurong Bird Park, Night Safari and Singapore Zoo – engages in a worldwide breeding exchange programme with many reputable zoological institutions so that that the global gene pool can be kept as diverse as possible.

Wani, a second-generation captive born Douc langur at Singapore Zoo, will be making a one-way trip to Yokohama Zoo later this month as part of a breeding loan. Her father, Hanoi, still resides with us.

Douc langurs are one of the most beautiful Asian monkeys, with almond-shaped eyes and delicate facial features.

Dr Serena Oh, Assistant Director, Veterinary, Wildlife Reserves Singapore (extreme right), and her team draw blood samples from Wani to be sent for tests. They are looking out for human diseases such as Hepatitis A and B, as well as dengue fever. This is in line with the Japanese authorities’ requirements for animals being imported into the country. *IUCN: International Union for Conservation of Nature Photo credits: Wildlife Reserves Singapore -

Singapore, 3 February 2012 – There are similarities between the avian and human world. Amongst both parties, there are instances of monogamy. Cranes, penguins, hornbills and ducks are some of the avian species which practice monogamy.

Mandarin ducks, famed for being a symbol of fidelity and marriage in Chinese culture, are thought to be monogamous. At Jurong Bird Park, it is now breeding season for these 27 Mandarin ducks, and what is interesting when breeding season comes round is that the male ducks (drakes) don their Sunday best for courtship. From a drab-looking, brown-white plumage, the drake morphs into an iridescent colour palette of orange, brown, purple, green and blue to attract the female duck. Once a pair is established, mating takes place in the water, and a clutch of 8-12 eggs is laid, with an incubation period of 30 days.

Carolina wood ducks are also known to be a monogamous species. Likewise with the Mandarin ducks, all wood ducks sport similar earthy colour tones until breeding season starts. The drake then sports a glossy plumage of several shades of green, white and black, with a sleek crest to attract a mate. Eggs are laid in clutches of 7-15 with an incubation period of 30 days.

The adventurous Carolina wood ducks take courtship a step further, taking nightly strolls on their own from their exhibit at the Bird Park’s entrance into the Park under the cloak of darkness. They visit the Mandarin duck exhibit, some 300m away from the entrance. They have also made tracks for the Pools Amphitheatre, where twice daily shows are held, but unfortunately, as their journey takes place after park hours, Bird Park staff have told them firmly that they are too late for show auditions and auditions have closed. The wood ducks then quack in dismay at being herded away from the Pools Amphitheatre. No chance at fame tonight!

Whilst the ducks engage in mating rituals, couples to Jurong Bird Park on 14 February can also indulge in a premium package specially put together for Valentine’s, where Cupid’s Candlelight Dinner takes centrestage. The recently launched Penguin Coast plays host to lovers as they wine and dine on delectable dishes like the oven-baked Chilean Codfish, Wagyu Beef, and Blueberry Chocolate Chateau, right in front of an amazing penguin viewing gallery. A dining treat to be savoured, couples will get an up close experience and photo opportunities with a bird of prey appearance, and penguin feeding and commentary as they dine the night away in tuxedoed company.

Jurong Bird Park’s Cupid Candlelight Dinner
Date: 14 Feb 2012 (Tuesday)
Venue: Penguin Coast
Time: 7pm
Pricing: $208 + per couple

Charges include admission and dinner at Jurong Bird Park for two, and an exclusive couples gift.

Seats are limited, so do make those reservations early! For reservations, please call 6360 8560 during office hours or email event.sales@wrs.com.sg.

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

Soup: “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)

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

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

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

Also included in the dinner menu package:
** Free flow of soft drinks, orange, pineapple and lime juice.
** Special gift for the couple.
** Bottle of sparkling wine.

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION SOCIETY, CAMBODIAN FISHERIES ADMINISTRATION, AND WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE WILL MONITOR TURTLE

LESS THAN 200 ADULT INDIVIDUALS REMAIN IN THE WILD

NEW YORK (January 18, 2012) – The Wildlife Conservation Society, in conjunction with the Cambodian Fisheries Administration and Wildlife Reserves Singapore, announced today the successful release of a Southern River terrapin (Batagur affinis) – one of the most endangered turtles on earth – into the Sre Ambel River in Cambodia.

The turtle was released on Monday, January 16th at a ceremony attended by officials, conservationists, and local people.

The female turtle, which weighs approximately 75 pounds (34 kilograms), is fixed with a satellite transmitter that will allow conservationists to track its whereabouts – the first-ever satellite monitoring study for this species.

Captured in the Sre Ambel River by local fishermen in April, 2011, the turtle is one of an estimated 200 adults remaining in the wilds of Cambodia, Malaysia, and Indonesia. It was voluntarily turned it over to the WCS Cambodia turtle team instead of being sold into the black market trade where it would have been sent to food markets in China.

The population in the Sre Ambel River is estimated at less than ten nesting females. Thus, this individual is extremely important for maintaining genetic diversity of this species that has already suffered drastic population declines.

WCS believes the population has an excellent chance of recovery as the coastal mangrove forests of Southeastern Cambodia are some of the largest and most pristine in Southeast Asia, spanning some 175 square miles (more than 45,000 hectares). These habitats are crucial to numerous aquatic and terrestrial animals and are vital nursery areas for marine fisheries.

Conservationists will monitor the turtle’s movements to see how it utilizes this region. Of particular interest is how the turtle navigates through commercial fishing grounds, as well as areas where it could be threatened by other factors such as habitat destruction by sand mining or conversion of mangrove forests into shrimp farming facilities.

WCS notes that numerous studies on similar long-lived species have shown that as little as a five percent increase in annual adult mortality can cause populations to go extinct.

“By reducing the adult mortality of the Southern River terrapin, even by fractions – as little as ten animals a year per population in this circumstance – we can have immediate and long-term positive impacts on the remaining wild populations of this critically endangered species” said Brian D. Horne of the Wildlife Conservation Society.

Heng Sovannara, Deputy Director of Cambodia’s Fisheries Administration’s Conservation Department, is extremely hopeful that the release will enhance efforts to conserve the species. “By identifying areas that are most utilized by the turtles, we can pinpoint our efforts to reduce the turtles being caught as fishery by-catch as well as targeted hunting,” he said.

Dr. Sonja Luz, Deputy Director of Conservation & Research for Wildlife Reserves Singapore, said: “This project will contribute greatly to a much brighter future for this critically endangered terrapin. Hopefully, more public awareness and education opportunities will arise from this and allow us to create better protection tools and a safer environment for these amazing reptiles.”

In 2000, a small population of Southern River Terrapins, Batagur affinis, was found in the Sre Ambel after many years of being considered locally extinct.

The turtle was once considered solely the property of the King of Cambodia, but has been decimated by overhunting over the past two decades.

Following the Khmer Rouge and Pol Pot regime, the Cambodian people were left in severe poverty, and with the growing international demand for turtles in China for human consumption, literally thousands of turtles were captured and sent to China for much needed income by the country’s impoverished people.

A turtle’s send off: A Southern river terrapin–one of the most endangered turtles on Earth–makes its way into Cambodia’s Sre Ambel River, in the midst of an admiring crowd. PHOTO CREDIT: Eleanor Briggs/Wildlife Conservation Society

Dr Brian D Horne, Turtle Coordinator for Wildlife Conservation Society, holds up the satellite transmitter against a juvenile Southern river terrapin that was bred at Singapore Zoo PHOTO CREDIT: Wildlife Reserves Singapore

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

Singapore, 11 January 2012 – Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) and Chulalongkorn University, Thailand are working together on a pioneering project to tag and track giant freshwater stingrays in the wild. The two organisations sealed the partnership with a Programme Agreement signing ceremony at Singapore Zoo this afternoon.

This project, the first of its kind in the world, will involve tagging six wild specimens from the Mae Klong River in Amphawa, Thailand using “Pop-up Archival Transmitting Tags”*.

Chulalongkorn University will provide the expertise for the field research, while WRS will handle all financial aspects, including purchasing the tagging devices.

Giant freshwater stingrays have attracted global interest due to their enormous size. However, little is known of their physiology, behaviour and migration processes. This species has not been bred in captivity and is threatened by fisheries and habitat loss.

The results from this monitoring programme will provide valuable data of field survey and tracking in a natural environment. These data could be used to recreate an environment conducive for breeding the animals, reducing the need for wild-caught specimens. Additionally, this study may shed light on how they affect the riverine ecosystems and more importantly, if their decline is an indication of the deteriorating health of the whole ecosystem.

Both organisations will also use the opportunity to raise conservation awareness for this species through educational outreach programmes among the local population in Amphawa district, Thailand, where the study will be conducted and through WRS parks’ educational programmes. This will be the first official learning and cooperation platform between Thailand and Singapore.

Ms Isabella Loh, WRS Group CEO said, “This is a significant partnership with Chulalongkorn University to help conserve the giant freshwater stingrays of Southeast Asia, and the aquatic ecosystem they thrive in. Little is known of these enormous creatures and the vital role they play in the riverine ecosystem. This is one of the major interests in our conservation education drive for the upcoming River Safari.”

Dr Sonja Luz, Deputy Director, Conservation and Research and Learning Centre, continued, “Giant freshwater stingrays are still being harvested for food by some local fishermen but we do not know their growth rates, how often they reproduce, their impact on the aquatic ecosystem and if the fishermen’s practice is sustainable. This project will elucidate the need for further scientific studies and species census; helping us to understand and manage them better. This study may also shed light on the possibility of a viable managed breeding programme for this species at our aquatic facility in River Safari.”

Prof Dr Mongkol Techakumphu, Dean of faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University added, “This is an excellent opportunity for us to be a part of a momentous study. We hope that the data acquired may even form the backbone for provincial and governmental regulatory controls, encouraging the conservation of the giant freshwater stingray.”

Visitors to River Safari, WRS’ freshwater-themed attraction, will be able to discover these mystifying creatures for themselves when the park opens later this year.

* NOTE: Pop-up Archival Transmitting Tag is a combination of archival and satellite technology designed to track the large-scale movements and behaviour of fish and other animals which do not spend enough time at the surface to allow the use of real-time satellite tags.

Each giant freshwater stingray caught is also carefully measured from tip to tip. This species can reach an impressive 3m in disc diameter and over 6m in total length, and weigh up to 600kg.

Wildlife Reserves Singapore has three of these specimens in its collection. They will be displayed in River Safari, the upcoming freshwater-themed attraction, later this year.

Dr Nantarika Chansue of the Veterinary Medical Aquatic Animal Research Centre of Chulalongkorn University draws blood from the tail of a wild giant freshwater stingray in the Mae Klong River, Thailand.

Rainbow lories found at the Lory Loft exhibit will be the focus this Chinese New Year – colourful and gregarious, they are often seen in flocks, which represents abundance, an auspicious representation for the New Year. To add to the festivities, the Park will be teeming with festive vibrant flowers, showcasing the landscaping flair of in-park Horticulturists.

Adding to the excitement, a Southern Lion Dance troupe will perform on high poles, showcasing the lion’s agility, grace and majesty as it confidently traverses height with precision. On the ground, three God of Fortunes will be giving away lucky red packets and
mingling with guests at Jurong Bird Park for photo opportunities. Even birds from the show want in on the festivities, with Sassy the sulphur crested cockatoo flying red packets to selected guests, and Amigo the yellow-naped Amazon parrot will wow guests with his linguistic ability and wish audiences ‘Gong Xi Fa Cai.’

After the Southern Lion Dance in the morning, a brisk walk into the Park towards Lory Loft at noon will bring guests to an up close encounter with vibrantly chattering lories. Visitors will have the opportunity to see a whole flock of lories swarming around as the keepers feed them, while a running commentary explains more about Lory Loft and the lories there. Throughout the day, two iPad Stations have been set up at Penguin Coast for visitors to create and design a Chinese New Year greeting card to be sent to friends and family.

A tradition only found in this part of the region, Yu Sheng has become a staple during Chinese New Year. Guests to the Bird Park can also indulge in this delicacy, known for its assailing flavours of sweetness, sourness, bitterness and spiciness. From 3 – 13 February, Hawk Café, located before the entrance to Bird Park, will dish this out from lunchtime, at attractive prices of $8 for 2 pax, $16 for 4 pax, $24 for 6 pax and $32 for 10 pax. Chinese New Year is also a time for a reunion with friends and family, and the Flamingo Lodge at Bird Park is the place to be to host reunion lunches and dinners. From 13 January – 6 February, diners can enjoy the Sweet Success Menu at $188+, the Good Fortune Menu at $338+, the Wealth, Fortune and Prosperity Menu at $438+ and the Family Reunion Meal at $538+.

View the rainbow lories in their splendour.

Gape at the amazing acrobatics of the Lion Dance troupe at Jurong Bird Park this Chinese New Year

A must-see is the Festive Dragon Walk, which will showcase dragon-associated plants and animals such as the bearded dragon and dragon fruit.

Visitors can interact with auspicious Fu Lu Shou characters, which will bless them with wealth and fortune to kickstart the year, and be entertained by an exciting dragon dance. Marvel too at the 3D majestic flower dragon – definitely a shutterbug moment amidst the backdrop of the scenic Upper Seletar Reservoir.

Activities:
Festive Dragon Walk
Learn more about the dragon-associated plants and animals in the Singapore Zoo collection, such as the bearded dragon, arowana (also know as dragon fish), juvenile komodo dragon and dragon fruit (did you know we actually have this in our Tropical Crops Plantation?).

Exciting Dragon Dance
Catch the fluid and graceful movements of the dragon as it bestows good luck and fortune in this majestic dance. Dragons in this Chinese dance are usually made up of sections of bamboo frames draped in silk. This Chinese dance had its beginnings in China and was popularized by the Tang dynasty. The dragon is regarded as a symbol of power and royalty by the Chinese and the dragon dance evolved from this association.

Auspicious Fu Lu Shou Appearance
Whip out your cameras for photo opportunities with the Fu Lu Shou characters as they mingle with guests and bless them with wealth and fortune to usher in the Year of the Dragon.

A Feast Fit for a Dragon!
Finally, families can take a break at the end of a fun-filled visit by digging into a delicious Chinese New Year Lunch.

Date/Time: 13 Jan – 6 Feb 2011, 12.00 – 2.00pm
Venue: Pavilion/Terrace, Ah Meng Restaurant
Cost: Sweet Success Menu (for 4 pax) – $188+, Good Fortune Menu (for 5-6 pax) – $338+, Wealth, Fortune and Prosperity Menu (7-8 pax) – $438+, Family Reunion Menu (9-10pax) – $538+
[Excludes admission of $20 (adult), $13 (child 3-12 years)]
Note: Reservations need to be made 3 working days in advance. Please call 6360 8560 for reservations
Also available for dinner at Night Safari’s Ulu Ulu Safari Restaurant (between 6.00-8.30pm)

Walk-in diners to Ah Meng Restaurant can also opt for the prosperous ‘Yu Sheng’ dish:
Date/Time: 13 Jan – 6 Feb 2011, 10.00am – 4.00pm daily, while stocks last
Cost: $8+ for 2 pax, $16+ for 4 pax, $24+ for 6 pax, $32+ for 10 pax
Note: Also available at Night Safari’s Ulu Ulu Safari Restaurant

The bearded dragon will be showcased in the Festive Dragon Walk at Singapore Zoo this coming Chinese New Year

The Komodo dragon will be showcased in the Festive Dragon Walk at Singapore Zoo this coming Chinese New Year

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

Singapore, 21 December 2011 – Launched last Sunday, visually impaired guests can now look forward to ‘seeing’ more of Jurong Bird Park and learning about the winged animals which inhabit the skies with newly-installed Braille interpretives.

Ten of the Bird Park’s most popular exhibits have been chosen to be the sites of these interpretives; Birds of Prey, Flamingo Pool, Hornbill & Toucans, Lory Loft, Macaw Island, Mandarin Ducks, Dinosaur Descendents, Pelican Cove, Penguin Coast and World of Darkness. These exhibits were also selected with the beneficiaries’ needs in mind, making sure that the latter get to experience as much of the world’s largest Bird Park as possible.

The Braille interpretives’ text and information took the Bird Park’s Education team slightly more than a year to conceptualize and research, while the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH) helped to produce the Braille as well as the ‘pictures’ of the birds so that the visually impaired can ‘feel’ what the particular bird is like. This collaboration ensured that the interpretives would be useful to the beneficiaries. “We are very excited to launch this project, and we are now able to conduct educational group tours catering to these special guests. This strengthens one of our three key pillars, namely, Education, and we hope that the Braille interpretives provide the visually challenged with another means by which to explore the very vibrant and interesting avian world,” said Ms May Lok, Director, Education, Wildlife Reserves Singapore.

As part of the launch, NTU’s Welfare Services Club brought a group of 50 beneficiaries and their families from SAVH to Jurong Bird Park. It was also an annual Christmas and Family Day event for the visually impaired with the theme ‘JIA.’ Interpreted as ‘family’ in Mandarin, JIA also symbolises Joy In Abundance, which means that having a family is a blessing to be joyful for.

Beneficiaries spent a whole day at the Bird Park going through 10 different stations learning more about the birds at each pit stop. At selected stations, they also experienced feeding the birds. One key stop was made at the Bird Discovery Centre, a living classroom where they touched and felt bird specimens, their feet, feathers and eggs, and obtained an even greater understanding of the bird world. To better equip the NTU student volunteers with avian knowledge, Bird Park’s Education team trained the students based on the 10 exhibits fitted with Braille, so that they could in turn impart the information to the beneficiaries.

Commented Mr Tan Guan Heng, President, Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped, “This initiative by Jurong Bird Park to provide signages in Braille is a demonstration of how the Bird Park is bringing more awareness about the needs of the visually handicapped. We hope that others will emulate the Bird Park. Thank you, Jurong Bird Park!”

For more information on Jurong Bird Park and the educational opportunities available, please visit http://www.birdpark.com.sg and http://education.birdpark.com.sg

Eugene Ng, 13, having a feel of the fairy penguin specimen at the Bird Discovery Center.

Eugene Ng, 13, having a feel of the Mandarin duck specimen at the Bird Discovery Center.

Eugene Ng, 13, having a feel of the African fish eagle’s claws specimen at the Bird Discovery Center.

Eugene Ng, 13, having a feel of an Ostrich egg at the Bird Discovery Center.

Eugene Ng, 13, running his hands through an ostrich feather, marveling at its softness.

Eugene Ng, 13, reading the ostrich Braille interpretative at Dino Descendants.

Eugene’s fingers moving nimbly over the Braille, learning about ostriches at Dino Descendants.

Lionel Tan, 15, picturing how a pelican looks like by touching the picture of a pelican in Braille, at Pelican Cove.

Mohammed Ratu, 19, in delight as she experiences having bee-eaters and starlings fly down and grab meal worms out of her hand at African Waterfall Aviary.

Mohammed Ratu, 19, reading about lories at Lory Loft, as a lory looks on.

Lionel Tan, 15, experiencing feeding a lory at Lory Loft.