WILDLIFE IN NIGHT SAFARI AND SINGAPORE ZOO GREET 8000 RUNNERS IN FIRST RUN IN YEAR OF THE SNAKE

Lions, Rhinoceros, and Giraffes among wild creatures watching on as competitive runners, families with young children, and leisure runners meander through the lush parks.

Mr Liang Eng Hwa, Member of Parliament for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC, flags-off the first race for Safari Zoo Run 2013. An 8,000-strong crowd took part in the run in memory of orang utan Ah Meng. PHOTO CREDITS: WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE

The first weekend in the Year of the Snake saw a spirited 8000-strong crowd participating in the Safari Zoo Run 2013, and running amidst the lush greenery of Singapore Zoo and Night Safari as lions, rhinoceros and giraffes, among other wild creatures, watched on. Amongst them were these enthusiastic adult-child pairs taking part in the 2.8km competitive category. PHOTO CREDITS: WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE

Singapore, 17 February 2013 – The first weekend in the Year of the Snake saw a spirited 8000-strong crowd participating in the Safari Zoo Run 2013, and running amidst the lush greenery of Singapore Zoo and Night Safari as lions, rhinoceros and giraffes, among other wild creatures, watched on.

Guest-of-Honour Mr Liang Eng Hwa (Member of Parliament, Holland-Bukit Timah GRC) flagged off the race along with Mr Lee Meng Tat, CEO, Wildlife Reserves Singapore and Ms Isabel Cheng, Chief Marketing Officer, Wildlife Reserves Singapore.

In the first run held this Year of the Snake, participants had the golden opportunity to partake in snake-tivities after the run, such as visiting a snake-themed educational booth, viewing an auspicious snake showcase at Singapore Zoo’s Rainforest Walk, and engaging in hand painting activities where children can get a snake painted on their hands. To top it off, many participants visited the Reptile Garden and saw over 20 species of snakes.

Now in its fifth year, Safari Zoo Run was conceptualised in memory of our orang utan Ah Meng, one of Singapore’s most adored animal personalities. Both Singapore Zoo and Night Safari were transformed into a race course that took participants through scenic paths and fascinating animal exhibits. The objectives of Safari Zoo Run are to encourage family bonding and promote healthy lifestyle amongst Singaporeans. The run also aids in wildlife conservation; S$100,000 from the run will go towards the care of endangered animals in Night Safari and Singapore Zoo, as well as the adoption of orang utan Ah Meng Junior.

Mr Lee Meng Tat, CEO, Wildlife Reserves Singapore, receives a cheque for $100,000 from representatives of Pink Apple Pte Ltd, co-organiser of Safari Zoo Run. The money will go towards the care of endangered animals in Night Safari and Singapore Zoo, as well as the adoption of orang utan Ah Meng Junior. PHOTO CREDITS: WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE

FURRY AND FEATHERED FRIENDS FROM WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE WISH EVERYONE A YEAR OF HAPPINESS AND PROSPERITY

Jurong Bird Park, Singapore Zoo, River Safari and Night Safari celebrate Chinese New Year with a line-up of festive activities.

Celebrate the Chinese New Year with an abundance of love and affection from animal friends like Sassy the sulphur-crested cockatoo who will be handing out lucky red packets at Jurong Bird Park; a stunning dragon dance at Night Safari; and Kai Kai and Jia Jia who have put their sincere wishes on exclusive panda collectibles at River Safari.

Singapore, 22 January 2013 – The animal kingdom joins the Chinese New Year festivities with a myriad of celebratory activities at Jurong Bird Park, Night Safari, River Safari, and Singapore Zoo.

Getting up close with snakes
To celebrate the Year of the Snake, Jurong Bird Park and Singapore Zoo will set up snake-themed educational booths with show-and-tell sessions by conservation ambassadors, exhibitions about lives of snakes, and hand painting activities where children can get a snake painted on their hands! In addition, get closer views through special CNY exhibits of the dog-toothed cat snake and royal python at Jurong Bird Park, and the blood python and mangrove snake at Singapore Zoo. Guests of Singapore Zoo will also be able to take photographs with a scaly friend as a memento of their visit during the Year of the Snake.

Lion Dance and Night-time Dragon Dance
Soak up the Chinese New Year spirit with the high-octane Southern lion dance performances on high poles at the entrance plazas of both Jurong Bird Park and Singapore Zoo. Over at Night Safari, the dark night will be illuminated with the dance of a mystical dragon, a creature of ancient Chinese tales and a close relation to the snake.

Festive greetings from the animals
At Jurong Bird Park, the recently launched High Flyers Show will feature a special Chinese New Year twist. Guests will receive red packets delivered by air from Sassy the sulphur-crested cockatoo, and well- wishes of ‘Gong Xi Fa Cai’ from Amigo the yellow-naped Amazon.

Over at River Safari, be entertained by the antics of Kai Kai and Jia Jia, icons of peace and good fortune. Guests can also bring them home – in the form of cuddly plush toys. They can be purchased at the House of Kai Kai and Jia Jia at River Safari’s Giant Panda Forest, at $68 a pair, or $38 each if bought separately.

Festive decorations
The sensational and elaborate festive floral decorations around WRS parks – Jurong Bird Park, Night Safari, River Safari, and Singapore Zoo – have over the years almost become an attraction on their own for returning guests. Bursts of colour set the perfect backdrops for photos with loved ones.

There will also be photo opportunities with mascots representing prosperity and good fortune several times daily during the festive period.

Delicacies and special delights
From 4-24 February:
Flamingo Lodge and Lakeview Ballroom at Jurong Bird Park, Ulu Ulu Safari Restaurant at Night Safari, and Forest Lodge at Singapore Zoo will be serving the Family Reunion Menu at $598+ for 10 diners by special reservations. Tuck into a sumptuous 8 course meal amidst the tranquil surroundings of WRS parks and relish dishes like Baby Abalone with “Ling Zhi” Mushrooms in Oyster Sauce, Dual Flavoured Fried Prawns and Prosperity Yu Sheng.

From 10-12 February:
Ah Meng Restaurant at Singapore Zoo, which pays homage to our orang utan, icon, the late Ah Meng, will be having a festive buffet promotion, offering international selections at $30 (Adult) and $22 (Child), from 11.30am to 5.30pm.

At River Safari Teahouse, special Chinese New Year set menus, featuring dishes such as XO sauce fried rice with preserved meat, will be offered from $68+ (2 persons) to $268+ (8 persons).

Yu Sheng:
Tantalise your taste buds with complementary flavours of sweet, sour and spicy with our Prosperity Yu Sheng. This ever popular must-have dish for Chinese New Year is available at Ah Meng Restaurant at Singapore Zoo, Ulu Ulu Safari Restaurant at Night Safari and River Safari Tea House for $8 (2 pax) to
$38 (10 pax), from 4-24 February.

F&B Reservation Details

Reservations can be made through Catering Sales and are subject to availability. For reservations and enquiries please call 6360 8560 or email event.sales@wrs.com.sg at least 3 days in advance.

Activity details (Jurong Bird Park)

Activity details (Night Safari):

Activity details (Singapore Zoo):

For more information on Jurong Bird Park, Night Safari, River Safari and Singapore Zoo and their Chinese New Year activities, please visit http://www.wrs.com.sg/

GET READY TO RUN WILD AT SAFARI ZOO RUN 2013

Singapore, 20 December 2012 – Get set to run wild amidst the lush greenery and majestic wildlife of Night Safari and Singapore Zoo at the upcoming Safari Zoo Run on 17 February 2013, and stand to win attractive prizes!

The run, into its fifth year, was conceptualised in memory of Ah Meng the Sumatran orang utan, one of Singapore’s most adored personalities.

Each participant will receive an exclusive Safari Zoo Run Tee (worth $39.90 for adults and $19.80 for kids) and other attractive goodies including 50% discounted admission into Night Safari and Jurong Bird Park. In addition, all runners walk away with an exclusive animal-motif finisher medal and one-day entry to Singapore Zoo on the day of the run.

Adventurous little ones and adults can participate in the 2.8km and 12km Safari Zoo Challenge competitive runs respectively. There’s also a 2.8km competitive category for adult-child pairs. Families looking for healthy walk amid nature can enjoy a more leisurely pace with the 6km Safari Zoo Fun Run.

The top three winners in each of the competitive categories will stand to win attractive prizes worth up to $2,000.

Early bird registration is now open until 31 December 2012. For more information, log on to www.safarizoorun.com.sg. Part of the proceeds from the Safari Zoo Run will go towards the care of endangered animals at Night Safari and Singapore Zoo.

NIGHT SAFARI’S MYSTICA CHARMS WITH LIGHTS, MYSTERY AND DRAMA

Mystica’s Tribal Queen (second from left) in her festive finery added an air of mystic and charm with her entourage as they strolled along Orchard Road.

Singapore, 3 December 2012 – Ahead of the official opening of Night Safari’s Mystica on 7 December, spirited dreamforest folks turned Orchard Road into their playground last Saturday and added an air of mystery and charm to the bustling shopping belt.

Sporting lit-up costumes, the Bubbleman, Tribal Queen, Love Bird, Budding Flower and a pair of cheeky Wallaby Men mingled with delighted passers-by with their dramatic demeanour. Wherever they went, the entourage left a trail of bobbing blue lighted balloons, which were a popular takeaway with the young-at-heart. Some members of the public who joined in the fun and merriment even won Night Safari tickets and merchandise.

The fiery fire-eater from Night Safari’s Mystica, flanked by Love Bird and Budding Flower, shows off
his flame-boyant skills.

Members of the public are invited to soak in the enchanting forest cheer and be captivated by the playful antics of the spirited dreamforest folks with Mystica at Night Safari this December. Mystica happens on Fridays and Saturdays, and Christmas Eve and Day, between 7-25 December.

Held for the second time running, this year’s installment beckons you into an enchanted wildlife wonderland inspired by Night Safari’s latest attraction – Wallaby Trail, which brings visitors through a fascinating discovery of flora and fauna in the Australasian region of Australia, New Guinea and New Zealand.

In addition to the spirited dreamforest characters, expect close encounters with a range of marsupials, including the parma and Bennett’s wallabies in a walk-through exhibit designed to let visitors get as close as possible to its residents. Other animals include Australia’s native bird, the tawny frogmouth, and the white-lipped python from Papua New Guinea.

Bubbleman from Night Safari’s Mystica and his fancy headwear were a hit with the crowd.

Details
Dates: 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 24 and 25 December 2012 (Fri and Sat, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Venue: Night Safari entrance and Wallaby Trail
Cost: Entrance festivities are free but usual admission of $32 per adult and $21 per child between 3-12 years applies for those entering the park

For more information, visit http://www.nightsafari.com.sg/events-promos/mystica-12.html

MOU PAVES THE WAY FOR DEVELOPMENT OF JOINT PROJECTS IN WILDLIFE CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGY EDUCATION

- WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE JOINS FORCES WITH REPUBLIC POLYTECHNIC
- YOUTHS TO GET HANDS-ON CONSERVATION EXPERIENCE WITH INKING OF AGREEMENT

Singapore, 9 November 2012 — Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) and Republic Polytechnic (RP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding today, paving the way for RP students to hone their technical and service skills at some of Singapore’s finest attractions – Jurong Bird Park, Night Safari, Singapore Zoo and the upcoming River Safari.

The three-year partnership will provide training and work opportunities at WRS’ parks for RP students in applied science for environmental, conservation, veterinary and animal husbandry fields, information and communications technology, hospitality and health and leisure.

RP will also work with WRS on continual learning programmes for WRS employees through knowledge-based training, professional development and qualifications upgrading opportunities at the polytechnic.

Both parties will also explore the possibility of involving the students as ambassadors and facilitators for public learning and enrichment activities such as talks and workshops on environmental and conservation awareness.

The MOU formalises the professional relationship between the two institutions that have been collaborating on a series of projects since 2009. These include the production of educational documentary videos on the year of the bats, common palm civets, and rainforest conservation; as well as developing of interactive flash games and quiz kiosk in Jurong Bird Park to enhance visitors’ experience and knowledge to the exhibits and subject matters.

In the conservation effort of endangered animals, RP students had previously assisted in analysis work relating to mating habits and estruses cycles of the red-shanked Douc langur and sunda pangolin in captivity through internships and final year projects with WRS.

“The signing of the MOU strengthens the close partnership between WRS and RP; and is part of Republic Polytechnic’s continued efforts to enhance students’ overall learning with industry attachments. The two organisations will enhance cooperation in areas such as developing manpower for themed-attraction and hospitality management, joint projects in wildlife conservation, and ecology education. Republic Polytechnic students will have a chance to be deployed as interns for various roles at the four WRS attractions,” said Mr Yeo Li Pheow, Principal/CEO, Republic Polytechnic.

Mr Lee Meng Tat, CEO, Wildlife Reserves Singapore, said, “As one of the leading wildlife institutions in the world, we seek to continually inspire an appreciation of nature through exciting and meaningful wildlife experiences. The collaboration with RP allows us to engage youths in conservation efforts, and through this we hope they will in turn spread the message. In addition, we are confident that the practical, hands-on working experience in our parks will better prepare participating RP students for their future career paths.”

DREAMFOREST FIESTA AT NIGHT SAFARI THIS DECEMBER

Mystica @ Night Safari 2011

Singapore, 23 October 2012 – Transport yourself into a fiesta of dreams and mingle with larger-than-life forest creatures at Night Safari’s Mystica this December. The event happens on Fridays and Saturdays, and Christmas Eve and Day, between 7-25 December.

Be dazzled by whimsical lights that speak of magic, mystery and drama! Track down the quirky, illuminated characters that jump out of your dreams and be spellbound by their playful antics.

Held for the second time running, this year’s instalment beckons you into an enchanted wildlife wonderland inspired by our latest attraction – Wallaby Trail, which brings visitors through a fascinating discovery of flora and fauna in the Australasian region of Australia, New Guinea and New Zealand.

Catch the parma
wallaby at Wallaby Trail

Expect close encounters with a range of marsupials, including the parma and Bennett’s wallabies in a walk-through exhibit designed to let visitors get as close as possible to its residents. Other animals include Australia’s native bird, the tawny frogmouth, and the white-lipped python from Papua New Guinea.

Be enchanted by our tantalising treats such as Forest Mushroom Sandwiches, Fantasy Macaroon Lolly, Magical Cookie Ball and Fairy’s Elixir at the Mystical Yummy Treats Corner.

Details
Dates: 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 24 and 25 December 2012 (Fri and Sat, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Venue: Night Safari entrance and Wallaby Trail
Cost: Entrance festivities are free but usual admission of $32 per adult and $21 per child between 3-12 years applies for those entering the park

Mystica 2012: Dreamforest Fiesta will make your wildest dreams come true!

WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE HOSTS 4TH INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS ON ZOOKEEPING

GLOBAL CONGRESS TO BE HELD FOR THE FIRST TIME IN ASIA

Singapore, 10 September 2012 – This week, more than 240 zookeepers from 32 countries will descend on Wildlife Reserves Singapore’s parks for the 4th International Congress on Zookeeping. This is the first time the global congress, organised in conjunction with the International Congress of Zookeepers (ICZ)*, will be held in Asia.

Themed “Many Voices, One Calling”, the thrice-yearly conference, brings together zoo professionals from around the world to enhance the professionalism of zookeepers and the welfare of the wild animals in their care, and promote awareness and actions that will contribute to the preservation of wildlife everywhere.

Held from 9-13 September this year, most of the conference proceedings will take place in Jurong Bird Park. However, workshops will be held in Night Safari and Singapore Zoo and take delegates behind the scenes for more practical hands on sessions with some of the parks’ residents such as the Malayan tapirs, primates, amphibians and reptiles.

“Organising an international global conference of this scale for zookeepers is a significant milestone for Wildlife Reserves Singapore, and is in line with our vision to be the leading wildlife conservation, education and recreation institution in the world. This congress is an excellent platform for keepers from all over the world to brainstorm, explore and eventually pursue other avenues to bring the art of zookeeping to an even more pronounced level,” said Ms Claire Chiang, Chairman, Wildlife Reserves Singapore.

Ms Liz Romer of the ICZ Steering Committee, said: “The idea of holding the conference in Singapore surfaced at the second instalment on the Gold Coast in 2006. We knew we made the right decision to hold it here as the three Wildlife Reserves Singapore parks offer many opportunities for practical sharing of best practices in a conducive environment. All the participants are eagerly waiting for this conference to start!”

In recent years, Wildlife Reserves Singapore has organised various conferences and workshops such as the first Asian Primate Conservation Workshop, Amphibian Conservation Workshop, regional workshop on turtle conservation and the 1st Southeast Asian Animal Enrichment and Training Workshop.

* ICZ is run by a steering committee that consists 18 members representing the world’s nine professional keeper associations. They have met once a year since 2000 to coordinate the development of an international association that will promote professional animal care throughout the world. More information is available at http://www.iczoo.org

NIGHT SAFARI OPENS NEW WALLABY TRAIL AUGUST 17

13 NEW EXHIBITS FEATURING MAMMALS, BIRDS AND REPTILES FROM AUSTRALASIAN REGION

(From left) Parma wallaby, tawny frogmouth, white-lipped python and the Naracoorte Cave.

SINGAPORE, 14 AUGUST 2012 – Visitors can expect animals hopping, slithering and crawling in their new exhibits at Night Safari’s latest Wallaby Trail. This walking trail officially opens to the public this Friday, August 17, and will bring visitors through a fascinating discovery of wildlife in the Australasian region which includes Australia, New Guinea and New Zealand.

Originally the Forest Giants Trail, the revamped walking trail features 13 new indoor and outdoor animal exhibits. Visitors can expect close encounters with a range of marsupials, including the parma and Bennett’s wallabies in a walk-through exhibit designed to let visitors get as close as possible to its residents. Other animals include Australia’s native bird, the tawny frogmouth, and the white-lipped python from Papua New Guinea.

“We’re excited to highlight these Australasian species in the Wallaby Trail because the Australasian region is home to more than one million species of plants and animals, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. The introduction of this walking trail adds another dimension to Night Safari’s wildlife experience and we hope to inspire visitors to appreciate and protect the earth’s extraordinary biodiversity,” said Mr. Kumar Pillai, General Manager, Night Safari.

The most prominent feature in the walking trail is the Naracoorte Cave. This re-construction of the Naracoorte Caves National Park in South Australia offers visitors a glimpse into the lives of cave dwellers such as free-flying bats, the giant river toad and the beauty snake. Through the use of dim lightings, this cave chamber showcases stalactite and stalagmite structures simulating a limestone cave. The trail also features an educational interpretive centre that showcases the beauty of Australasian flora and fauna through various animal and plant specimens.

The Wallaby Trail covers 4,800 square metres and can be easily accessed from the park’s main tram station.

WALLABY TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS

Entrance of Naracoorte Cave (left) and stalactites on the cave ceiling (right)

Parma and Bennett’s wallabies
Parma and Bennett’s wallabies are members of the macropod family which includes marsupials such as kangaroos and tree-kangaroos.

Like most marsupials, these wallabies carry young in pouches until they are developed.

Unlike kangaroos, wallabies are smaller. The parma wallaby is one of the smallest of the wallaby species, measuring approximately 50cm and weighing 5kg.

Bennett’s wallaby (left) and parma wallaby (right)

Sugar glider
This palm-sized animal gets its name from its fondness for sweet items such as fruits and flowers as well as its ability to glide up to 100 metres through the air.

Like their kangaroo cousins, these squirrel-like creatures also carry their young in a pouch.

A furry membrane that stretches from wrist to ankle allows them to glide through the night air, using the membrane as a parachute.

Sugar glider

Visitors can catch the sugar gliders in action as they glide from one branch to another in this exhibit.

White-lipped python
Found in Papua New Guinea, this beautiful python is easily recognised by the white marking along its lips.

This non-venomous snake feeds mainly on small mammals such as rats, lizards and birds, which are killed by constriction.

White-lipped python

Tawny frogmouth
The tawny frogmouth is native to Australia where it is commonly known as the morepork. Often mistaken for owls, these birds are in fact closely related to nightjars.

These nocturnal insect hunters have whisker-like feathers around their wide, frog-like mouths to trap prey. Unlike other birds that fly at night catching insects, tawny frogmouths remain very still, waiting for prey.

Their mottled greyish-brown plumage serves as effective camouflage during the day while perching on trees. When they stiffen their bodies and hold their heads up, they look like a branch.

Tawny frogmouth

Brush-tailed possum
The brush-tailed possum is a tree-dwelling nocturnal marsupial and the most common possum species in Australia. The largest of all possums, this animal has a naked patch on the underside of the tail to help it grip branches.

Brush-tailed possum

PHOTO CREDITS: WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE

POCKETS FULL OF JOEYS AT NIGHT SAFARI’S NEWEST TRAIL

WALLABY BIRTHS A FIRST FOR BENNETT’S AND PARMA SPECIES

First baby wallaby peeking out at Night Safari

SINGAPORE, 31 JULY 2012 – Just a few weeks before their newly-built home at Night Safari opens, zoo keepers saw tiny little heads peeking out of the pouches of their newest residents – the Bennett’s and parma wallabies. Both species arrived in January and were brought in for the park’s upcoming walking trail, the Wallaby Trail, scheduled to open on 17 August this year.

The birth of Bennett’s and parma joeys – 2 for each species – is a first for Night Safari since their arrival. Prior to this, both Night Safari and Singapore Zoo never had these two wallaby species in their animal collection. Bennett’s and parma wallabies are members of the macropod family which include marsupials such as kangaroos and tree-kangaroos. The parma wallaby is one of the smallest wallabies, with a length between 45-55cm (excluding its tail) and a body weight of up to 6 kg.

Visitors can expect close encounters with these wallabies in a walk-through exhibit at the Wallaby Trail, Night Safari’s newest trail that will bring visitors through a fascinating discovery of wildlife in the Australasian region. Other animals include Australia’s native bird, the tawny frogmouth, and the white-lipped python from Papua New Guinea.

Keepers noticed movement from the pouch of this female parma wallaby in mid-June. By the end of June, they saw a joey sticking its head out of the pouch.
Like most marsupials, females give birth to tiny, underdeveloped young carried in a special pouch. Inside the pouch, the joey attaches to a nipple and nurses for several months before venturing out into the world.

The Bennett’s wallaby is about 80 cm tall and can be identified through its thick and tawny grey fur, black paws and the red nape and shoulders.

A Bennett’s wallaby and its joey.
Even though the joey has grown big enough to leave the pouch, it will occasionally hop in and out of the pouch for the next few months to nurse.

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