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

KAI KAI AND JIA JIA MAKE PUBLIC DEBUT AT THE GRAND OPENING OF GIANT PANDA FOREST

Singapore, 28 November 2012 – In another milestone for Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS), giant pandas, Kai Kai and Jia Jia will make their first public appearance on 29 November, as part of a special preview of River Safari, which is scheduled to open next year.

Following today’s opening ceremony of the Giant Panda Forest officiated by Mr S Iswaran, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Home Affairs and Second Minister for Trade and Industry, members of the public will be able to meet the giant pandas in person with a Giant Panda Preview add-on ticket when they visit Singapore Zoo.

Visitors will have the opportunity to get up close to the giant pandas and see many creature comforts around their enclosure, including a man-made waterfall, dipping pools and bamboo gardens that simulate their natural habitat. Once visitors step inside the exhibit, they will be transported into the world of Kai Kai and Jia Jia via the raised boardwalk that takes them through the entire Giant Panda Forest. Visitors will also be immersed in the splendour of the giant panda’s natural habitat with the aid of soundscape, music and artefacts at the viewing gallery.

In addition, over five weekends in December, visitors will learn about the importance of conservation through a special exhibition at Singapore Zoo featuring the life of giant pandas in China. There will also be interactive activities like panda face-painting for children, and panda origami making. The booths will be manned by Wildlife Reserves Singapore’s youth Conservation Ambassadors. Separately, the ‘Rolling with Pandas’ talk is available at a fee for group bookings with a minimum of 20 participants.

Mr S Iswaran, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Home Affairs and Second Minister for Trade and Industry, said, “The River Safari joins Singapore’s stable of award-winning nature attractions that have impressed many visitors, many of whom do not expect such rich and diverse nature-based attractions in a small, highly-urbanised city like Singapore. These new and refreshing nature-based experiences reinforce Singapore’s appeal as a top leisure destination, and add to our reputation as a City in a Garden.”

Also in attendance at the grand opening were representatives from Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Singapore, State Forestry Administration of China, China Wildlife Conservation Association, Presenting Sponsor and Conservation Donor CapitaLand and Airline Sponsor Singapore Airlines.

“The wait is finally over. Visitors can now meet giant pandas Kai Kai and Jia Jia here at the Giant Panda Forest and we hope to spread the message of wildlife conservation through this beautiful and endangered species,” said Ms Claire Chiang, Chairman, Wildlife Reserves Singapore.

Ms Chiang added, “Over the past month, Kai Kai and Jia Jia have settled comfortably in their new home, having a daily intake of 20 kg of locally-grown bamboo and spending much time playing in the Giant Panda Forest. We now look forward to the both of them meeting their fans in Singapore and from around the world.”

On behalf of CapitaLand Limited, Mr Liew Mun Leong, President and CEO of CapitaLand Group, and Director of CapitaLand Hope Foundation, said, “With CapitaLand’s strong presence in China over the past 18 years, we are honoured to be part of this meaningful effort towards giant panda conservation, a milestone that is symbolic of the strong bilateral ties between Singapore and China. CapitaLand’s conservation donation is our gift to Singapore. As the Presenting Sponsor and Conservation Donor of the Giant Panda Collaborative Programme, we hope that our contribution will allow visitors at the Giant Panda Forest and River Safari to learn more about these endangered species and what they can do to protect their ecosystem.”

The Giant Panda Forest is one of the key highlights of River Safari, Asia’s first and only river-themed wildlife park. Visitors can also look forward to seeing other wildlife from China such as the golden pheasant and the red panda at the Giant Panda Forest.

River Safari is expected to open to public in Q1 2013 but visitors can visit the giant pandas from a specially-created access point in Singapore Zoo. Top-up fees of $5.00 per adult or $3.00 per child (3 to 12 years old) are applicable to visitors of Singapore Zoo* for entry into the Giant Panda Forest.

More information on admission to the Giant Panda Forest can be found on http://pandas.riversafari.com.sg

*Current admission prices to Singapore Zoo are at S$20 per adult and S$13 per child (3 to 12 years).

Pic 1: River Safari Giant Panda Forest Grand Opening ribbon-cutting ceremony (from left): Mr Stephen Lee Ching Yen, Chairman, Singapore Airlines; H E Wei Wei,
Ambassador, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of
Singapore; Mr Zhao Shucong, Administrator, State Forestry Administration of the People’s Republic of China; Mr S Iswaran, Minister in Prime Minister’s Office and
Second Minister for Home Affairs and Trade & Industry; Ms Claire Chiang, Chairman, Wildlife Reserves Singapore; Mr S R Nathan, former President of Singapore; and Chairman, CapitaLand Hope Foundation; Mr Liew Mun Leong, President and CEO,
CapitaLand Limited; Mr Lee Meng Tat, CEO, Wildlife Reserves Singapore

Pic 2: Wildlife Reserves Singapore Chairman Ms Claire Chiang and Minister S Iswaran present a cheque of $20,000 to Asian Women’s Welfare Association Welfare
Fund. The contribution came from profits of special corporate events that were held for WRS partners and sponsors at River Safari’s Giant Panda Forest before the public debut of Kai Kia and Jia Jia.

Pic 3: Mr S Iswaran, Minister in Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister for
Home Affairs and Trade & Industry and Mr Zhao Shucong, Administrator, State Forestry Administration of the People’s Republic of China in River Safari’s Giant
Panda Forest where giant panda Jia Jia contentedly munches on Singapore-grown bamboo in the background.

Pic 4: Minister S Iswaran gets in on the action at River Safari’s Giant Panda Forest,
and takes a photo of giant panda Jia Jia with his mobile phone.

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.”

GLITZ AND GLAMOUR TAKE CENTRESTAGE AT JURONG BIRD PARK THIS DECEMBER

Vicky, a great pied hornbill, flies to a Show Presenter in the High Flyers Show

Singapore, 31 October 2012 – Shows have been synonymous with Jurong Bird Park for 30 years. This December holidays, the Birds n Buddies Show will make way for the conservation-driven High Flyers Show. In line with the new show, guests visiting the Bird Park this December will experience
glitz and glamour the moment they arrive at the Park.

From the Palm Plaza to the ticketing entrance, guests will enter a world where colour lives, resplendent with colourful macaws and golden hoops centered around showbiz. Next stop – the Penguin Coast walkway, which transforms into a Walk of Fame! One photo wall will be lined with photographs of Shows dating back 30 years, and the other will showcase bird stars from the High Flyers Show. To satisfy the need for posing with flair, a giant photography backdrop with props awaits at Penguin Coast for guests to feel like stars. During weekends at 1.45pm, head back to Penguin Coast where all-time bird stars will make a special guest appearance at the Walk of Fame. Guests will hear more about their stories of stardom from the presenter, and have a chance to take a photograph with the bird stars.

More photography opportunities abound – A flock of young flamingos are eager to have their minutes of fame! Happening daily after the High Flyers Show, for 15 minutes at 11.45am and 3.45pm, guests can mingle with them and have an exclusive photograph taken with them after the new High Flyers Show at the Pools Amphitheatre.

An exclusive segment with a great photographic opportunity has been added to the weekend Penguin Feeding sessions. As guests learn more about these tuxedoed creatures, one lucky child who can answer a simple question will be invited to try his / her hand at feeding the African penguins in this up-close opportunity.

After seeing and taking pictures with so many feathered stars, it is also time to ponder – what makes a star? Held over the December weekends at 10.30am and 11.45am at the Breeding & Research Centre (BRC), A Star is Born is a programme for children between the ages of 6-12. Here, they will find out why birds are talented and gifted with abilities to sing, dance and draw from our avian experts!

After a day out at Bird Park, hang out at Terrace Kiosk right next to the Pool’s Amphitheatre for some yummy treats! Available all day throughout December, these cool treats and snacks are available at special combo prices starting from $7.90 for a hot dog set with fries and a drink. While at the Bird Park, do grab some specially priced retail merchandise at Wings, Feathers and Lory Loft while stocks last, like the motif mug at $22.90 which comes with a choice of either a free flamingo or penguin plush worth $15.90.

December will be a star-studded one out west at Jurong Bird Park, so make tracks here soon! There is no extra charge for the activities, but normal admission rates of $18 (adult) and $12 (child) apply.

An Avian Keeper feeds the African penguins during the Penguin Feeding session.

Activity details

RIVER SAFARI’S GIANT PANDA FOREST OPENS NOVEMBER 29

Giant pandas Kai Kai (left) and Jia Jia (right) are adapting well to their new home at the Giant Panda Forest. PHOTO CREDITS: WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE

Singapore, 29 October 2012 – Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) today announced that River Safari’s giant panda exhibit – the Giant Panda Forest – will open to the public for a special preview from 29 November, in time for the year-end school holiday season.

The Giant Panda Forest is one of the key highlights and developments of the upcoming River Safari, Asia’s first and only river-themed wildlife park. The new park, located in between Night Safari and Singapore Zoo, is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2013. The panda exhibit will be opened to the public ahead of the park’s official launch for visitors to enjoy a special preview of the pandas.

Visitors will be able to enter the Giant Panda Forest from a specially-created access point in Singapore Zoo. Those planning to meet Kai Kai (凯凯) and Jia Jia (嘉嘉) at the Giant Panda Forest can do so by purchasing a Singapore Zoo admission ticket* and a top-up fee of $5.00 per adult or $3.00 per child (3 to 12 years old).

“We are pleased that the giant pandas have settled into their new home and look forward to welcoming visitors who are excited to see Kai Kai and Jia Jia. By bringing visitors up close to these endangered bears, we aim to educate Singaporeans and tourists alike on the importance of conservation,” said Ms Claire Chiang, Chairman of WRS.

Tickets to the giant panda exhibit will be on sale daily from 8.30am starting 29 November. These tickets can be purchased at Singapore Zoo’s ticketing counters and are valid only on the day of purchase. Tickets are on a first-come-first-served basis to accommodate an optimum number of visitors in the Giant Panda Forest at any one time.

Apart from seeing the giant pandas, visitors to the Giant Panda Forest can look forward to meeting other wildlife from China such as the golden pheasant and the red panda. The 1,500 square-metre exhibit – the largest of its kind in South East Asia – simulates the bears’ natural habitat, with lush live plants, boulders and water features. The temperature is kept between 18-22 degrees Celsius year round and humidity is set at 50-60 per cent to ensure the pandas’ comfort.

The two pandas are here for 10 years as part of a joint collaboration between China Wildlife Conservation Association and WRS to raise public awareness on wildlife conservation and develop a breeding programme for these endangered animals.

More information on admission to the Giant Panda Forest can be found on http://pandas.riversafari.com.sg

*Current admission prices to Singapore Zoo are at S$20 per adult and S$13 per child (3 to 12 years).

Jia Jia

Kai Kai

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!

DELVE INTO A MUSICAL ADVENTURE AT ZOO HOO 2012

Singapore, 22 Oct 2012— Play along with nature’s band at Zoo Hoo, when you visit Singapore Zoo! Held during the weekends of 24 November – 16 December, Zoo Hoo 2012 will take little ones into a musical discovery of the rainforest’s sights and sounds.

Young participants will be encouraged to identify the sounds of nature and understand why animals make certain noises. Then, get hands-on to create musical instruments that complement nature and join in the rainforest’s symphony of tunes.

Details at a glance
Dates: 24, 25 November and 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16 December (Sat and Sun only)
Time: Various
Note: Activities are free but usual admission of $20.00 per adult and $13.00 per child between 3-12 years applies.

Highlights
A Rainforest Dance Experience
Get down and boogie, tribal-style, with our talented roving dancers! These energetic performers will be situated at the Singapore Zoo entrance to welcome those embarking on their musical rainforest adventure. Join in the fun as they show you how to get into the groove of the rainforest in their tribal-themed costumes. Don’t forget to take a photo before heading in for the rest of your adventure.

Dates: 24, 25 November and 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16 December (Sat and Sun only)
Time: 9.30am and 12.30pm (30 min)
Venue: Singapore Zoo entrance

Dora and Diego Meet and Greet

Join your favourite Nickelodeon stars; Dora and Diego as they take you through the rainforest for some adventures. You can even be part of the story by making and playing your own tambourine. So come on down for endless fun and games with the dynamic duo!

Dates: 24, 25 November and 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16 December (Sat and Sun only)
Time: 11.45am and 2.45pm (40 min)
Venue: Rainforest Kidzworld Amphitheatre

Mini Mid-day Musical
While you grab a bite at Ah Meng Restaurant, catch talented young singers belting out catchy jungle-themed tunes with their energetic voices.

Dates: 24, 25 November and 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16 December (Sat and Sun only)
Time: 11.30am and 1.00pm (30 min performance)
Venue: Ah Meng Restaurant (Courtyard Area)

Sounds like a Wild Encounter!

Come join our trainers as they explain the link between sounds and animal behaviour. Watch as they exhibit their strong bond with their animal charges through the use of bells and clickers, and get cosy with animals like dogs, ferrets, hedgehogs and even an African grey parrot!

Dates: 24, 25 November and 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16 December (Sat and Sun only)
Time: 12.15pm and 3.15pm
Venue: Rainforest Kidzworld Birthday Pavilion

Excited to make some music with our wild friends this holiday season? Then come on down to Zoo Hoo 2012: A Musical Rainforest, only at Singapore Zoo!

SCHOOL’S OUT! HEAD DOWN TO JURONG BIRD PARK WHERE LEARNING TAKES FLIGHT

Singapore, 19 October 2012 – With the school holidays right around the corner, it’s time to immerse the children in some experiential learning, which will definitely get them all excited. Three educational programmes have been planned at Jurong Bird Park for the November / December vacation for children to get an up close encounter with the feathered kind.

The Junior Avian Keeper programme is a one day activity on 23 November for children between the ages of 10-12 years old. As the name suggests, children don keeper uniforms and immerse themselves into the work of the Avian Keepers – preparing feed and enrichment for some of the most fascinating birds. They will get to feed birds with the food they have prepared, and learn how to care for little chicks too. Additionally, participants will also get an introduction to the inner workings of the Bird Park, go behind the scenes to the Avian Hospital to learn more about what it takes to be a veterinarian in the Park, and work under the guidance of keepers from Penguin Coast, Lory Loft and the Breeding & Research Centre (BRC).

A few days later, it’s time to embark on a quest to find out more about birds around us. The 3-Day Bird Quest Camp is a full day activity without a sleep-over component. Happening from 28 – 30 November, each day focuses on a different theme, like Birds of Prey, Feeding Time and Watery World. Children will become little avian experts as they come face to face with the world’s largest and smallest egg, unearth the secrets to nest building, learn about the unique adaptations in birds which make them the masters of flight, and lots more.

Holidays are not quite complete without a sleep-over. How about a cozy sleep-over in full view of the Park’s penguins? Sleep with the Penguins Family Camp is scheduled to be from 1 – 2 December, and the whole family is invited! Families will have plenty to laugh and learn together as they get an up close encounter while feeding birds, learn all about eggs and chicks at the BRC, meet Pinky the Humboldt penguin and have a photograph taken with her, and even pitch a tent for the night! As night falls, owls awaken, it’s time to heed the call to visit the World of Darkness.

There are limited places for each of the activities, so do make a reservation early! For more information on any of the programmes listed above, please visit Public Programmes at http://education.birdpark.com.sg.

Activity details
Junior Avian Keeper programme
Date: 23 November 2012 (Friday)
Time: 8.45am – 5.45pm
Age: 10-12 years old
Cost: $200 (Price excludes 7% GST, 10% off for Feather Friends, Friends of the Zoo or Wildlife Unlimited / Plus Family Membership)

Registration closes on 10 November 2012. To register, please contact Cyrena Lin at cyrena.lin@wrs.com.sg or at 6661 7838.

3-Day Bird Quest Camp
Date: 28 – 30 November (Wednesday – Friday)
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm (all 3 days)
Age: 7 – 12 years old
Cost: $250 (Price excludes 7% GST, 10% off for Feather Friends, Friends of the Zoo or Wildlife Unlimited / Plus Family Membership)

Registration closes on 10 November 2012. To register, please contact Amberly Chew at amberly.chew@wrs.com.sg or at 6661 7809.

Sleep with the Penguins Family Camp
Date: 1 – 2 December 2012 (Saturday – Sunday)
Time: 2.00pm (Saturday) – 10.00am (Sunday)
Age: Families with children ages 3 and above
Cost: $110 per adult and $90 per child (excluding 7% GST, 10% off for Feather Friends, Friends of the Zoo or Wildlife Unlimited / Plus Family Membership)

Registration closes on 10 November 2012. To register, please contact Ong Peiying at peiying.ong@wrs.com.sg or at 6661 7819.

Children see up close how chicks are fed in the Junior Avian Keeper programme

A participant gets a chance to have a Harris Hawk on her fist in the Bird Quest Camp

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

GIANT PANDAS ARRIVE SAFELY IN SINGAPORE

Singapore, 6 September 2012 – Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) today announced that the two giant pandas from China have arrived safely. The giant pandas, Kai Kai (凯凯) and Jia Jia (嘉嘉), touched down at Changi Airport on board a Singapore Airlines Cargo Boeing 747 freighter at 8.20am after a five-hour flight.

“We are delighted that Kai Kai and Jia Jia have reached Singapore safe and sound. It is an honour to be entrusted with two of China’s national treasures and their arrival symbolises the strong ties and deep friendship between Singapore and China. It is an exciting time for tourism in Singapore, with the opening of new attractions like the River Safari. Kai Kai and Jia Jia will certainly generate great interest and excitement for visitors and Singaporeans alike. We will continue to strengthen our tourism value proposition with new and diversified tourism offerings to grow the tourism sector,” says Mr Teo Ser Luck, Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry.

“With this captivating species as one of the main attractions at River Safari, we are anticipating at least 850,000 visitors annually. Through this collaborative programme with China Wildlife Conservation Association, WRS now has another opportunity to boost greater interest in the area of wildlife conservation by bringing visitors up close to the two giant pandas and hopefully inspiring them to care for threatened wildlife ecosystems around the world”, said Ms Claire Chiang, Chairman of WRS.

CapitaLand Limited, one of Asia’s largest real estate companies with a strong presence in China for over 15 years, has pledged a conservation donation to support the 10-year collaborative programme.

Mr Liew Mun Leong, President and CEO of CapitaLand Group, and Director of CapitaLand Hope Foundation, said: “CapitaLand’s role as the Presenting Sponsor and Conservation Donor of the Giant Panda Collaborative Programme resonates with the Group’s core values of ‘People’ and ‘Community’. The programme provides an excellent platform to enhance cultural exchange and understanding between Singapore and China, and promote wildlife conservation education, CapitaLand is committed to sustainability in all our development projects in the geographies we operate and we are pleased to be part of this meaningful effort to conserve and share the beauty of wildlife with our future generations.”

Singapore Airlines, Official Airline Sponsor, has provided transportation for the pandas as well as air tickets for training and exchange programmes involving the team of panda caretakers’ from both Singapore and China.

“Singapore Airlines is pleased to have transported Kai Kai and Jia Jia comfortably to Singapore. We warmly welcome them to their new home at the River Safari, and are privileged to be playing our part in this significant conservation initiative,” said Mr Goh Choon Phong, CEO, Singapore Airlines.

Upon landing, the giant pandas were received by Mr Teo Ser Luck, Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry and representatives* from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Singapore; State Forestry Administration of the People’s Republic of China; CapitaLand Limited; CapitaLand Hope Foundation; Singapore Airlines; Temasek Holdings; Singapore Tourism Board; and Wildlife Reserves Singapore, who gathered at the cargo area to welcome the bears. Subsequently, the giant pandas were whisked away in a temperature-controlled truck to their quarantine enclosure in River Safari while the guests continued with the welcome ceremony at the Jet Quay CIP facility at Changi Airport.

During the ceremony, WRS Chairman Ms Claire Chiang presented VIP (Very Important Panda) passes to representatives from the State Forestry Administration of the People’s Republic of China, symbolic of the pandas’ new status as residents of River Safari.

Over at the entrance of River Safari, a crowd of close to 1000 guests and WRS staff were waiting expectantly at the driveway. They cheered enthusiastically as the truck containing the precious pandas approached, led by an escort jeep, six lion dancers and two panda mascots in the likeness of Kai Kai and Jia Jia.

Within 3 hours of landing in Singapore, Kai Kai and Jia Jia were smoothly transferred into their quarantine dens with careful coordination by the Chinese giant panda specialists and WRS zoology and veterinary teams. The team shared that the pair were calm and relaxed throughout the operation.

The giant pandas will be quarantined for a month before being released into their exhibit to explore and familiarise themselves with their new surroundings. Visitors can look forward to visiting Kai Kai and Jia Jia at the giant panda exhibit this December.

Kai Kai and Jia Jia will be in Singapore for 10 years as part of a joint collaboration between China Wildlife Conservation Association and WRS to raise public awareness on wildlife conservation and develop a breeding programme for these endangered animals. There are fewer than 1,600 giant pandas left in the wild. The pair of giant pandas also emphasises the close diplomatic relations between Singapore and China.

Singapore is the ninth country to receive giant pandas from China since 1994.

SQ7168 reveals the precious cargo it’s carrying, two crates containing Kai Kai and Jia Jia, the giant pandas

Panda welcoming party (from left): Mr Ng Chin Hwee, Executive Vice President Human Resources & Operations, Singapore Airlines Chairman SIA Cargo; Ms Zhang Hong Yan, Deputy Director, State Forestry Administration of the People’s Republic of China; Mr Lionel Yeo, Chief Executive, Singapore Tourism Board; Mr David Heng, Senior Managing Director, Investment, Temasek Holdings; Mr Goh Choon Phong, CEO, Singapore Airlines; Mr Liu Yawen, Deputy Director, State Forestry Administration of the People’s Republic of China; Mr Dai Bing, Charge D’affairs, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Singapore; Mr Teo Ser Luck, Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry; Ms Claire Chiang, Chairman, Wildlife Reserves Singapore; Mr S R Nathan, former President of Singapore; and Chairman, CapitaLand Hope Foundation; Mr Ng Kee Choe, Chairman, CapitaLand Limited; Mr Liew Mun Leong, President and CEO, CapitaLand Limited; Ms Jennie Chua, Director, CapitaLand Hope Foundation; Mr Xiao Jiang Hua, Cultural Counsellor, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Singapore; Mr Lee Meng Tat, CEO, Wildlife Reserves Singapore are all smiles as they welcome Kai Kai and Jia Jia to Singapore.

Giant key for the giants’ exhibit: Mr Liew Mun Leong, President and CEO, CapitaLand Limited presents a key to Mr Liu Yawen, Deputy Director, State Forestry Administration of the People’s Republic of China. CapitaLand Limited, as the Presenting Sponsor and Conservation Donor of the Giant Panda collaborative programme, has pledged a conservation donation to support the 10-year collaborative programme.

Kai Kai and Jia Jia, the giant panda mascots, lapping up the adoration of the public as they wait for the giant pandas’ arrival at the entrance of River Safari.

Safe and sound: River Safari keepers watch as Kai Kai, one of the pair of giant pandas from China, indulges in his first taste of bamboo after being moved into his den. The two giant pandas will undergo a month long quarantine and will be conditioned to their new habitat before going on public display in December this year.