SINGAPORE ZOO INVITES FANS TO SHARE THEIR FAVOURITE ZOO MEMORIES

“I ♥ Singapore Zoo” fan photo contest to be launched on 40th anniversary celebrations microsite.

Have such photos In your albums? Share them with us, for a chance to win a wild day out at Singapore Zoo.

Singapore, 28 March 2013 — Singapore Zoo’s 40th Anniversary celebrations continue, with the launch of an “I ♥ Singapore Zoo” fan photo contest.

From 29 March – 30 April 2013, Singapore Zoo invites all its Facebook fans to dust off their photo albums and share their favourite photo memory during a zoo outing to recount the zoo’s journey through the last 40 years.

Participants can enter the contest via the newly launched Singapore Zoo 40th anniversary celebrations microsite: zoo40.zoo.com.sg. It is open to everyone who is a Wildlife Reserves Singapore Facebook fan. Each fan may make unlimited submissions, but each photo can only be submitted once, and has to be accompanied by a caption to be eligible for a prize.* Winning photos will be unveiled on a photowall in June 2013.

Ten lucky winners will win a dining experience for two at Singapore Zoo’s Jungle Breakfast with Wildlife in June. Participants also stand to win Singapore Zoo admission tickets to re-live their memories in the park.

Singapore Zoo is one of four wildlife attractions managed by Wildlife Reserves Singapore, with the others being Jurong Bird Park, Night Safari and the upcoming River Safari. The Zoo is also a designated rescued wildlife centre by the governing authority.

For more information and the latest updates on Singapore Zoo’s 40th anniversary celebrations, visit zoo40.zoo.com.sg, or www.facebook.com/wrs.sg.

*Terms and conditions are available at the Singapore Zoo’s 40th anniversary celebrations microsite and Wildlife Reserves Singapore Facebook page.

I ♥ Singapore Zoo

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.”

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

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.

WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE CELEBRATES NATION’S BIRTHDAY

AUGUST BABIES ENTER FREE AT JURONG BIRD PARK AND SINGAPORE ZOO

Singapore, 30 Jul 2012 – Wildlife Reserves Singapore’s parks will be celebrating the nation’s birthday with a month-long promotion in August. Singaporeans and Permanent Residents born in the same month as Singapore will be offered free admission at Jurong Bird Park and Singapore Zoo. To redeem, simply flash your identification card at the respective ticketing counters.

Details at a glance:
Date: 1 – 31 August 2012
Time: 8:30am – 6:00pm
Venue: Singapore Zoo and Jurong Bird Park

Terms and conditions:
• Valid from 1 – 31 Aug 2012
• Valid for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents only
• Proof of identity required
• Not valid with other offers and online purchase. Redemption valid at point of purchase only
• Promotion is only valid at Jurong Bird Park and Singapore Zoo
• Offer is not exchangeable for cash
• Does not include tram ride at Jurong Bird Park and Singapore Zoo

National Day is the perfect time to spend with loved ones, so why not make it a family affair with our array of activities for every age?

Jurong Bird Park Highlights
Take the kids to the Birdz of Play area at Jurong Bird Park, where they can flap their imaginary wings at Singapore’s only bird-themed playground. Cool off in the tropical heat at the wet play area, which even comes with a giant tipping bucket that will get them wet and wild!

Fancy an educational but equally fun activity? Take them to the newly opened Breeding & Research Centre, where you’ll find out all about the breeding and nursing processes that take place at the Bird Park.

Explore the various delights that the Bird Park has to offer, from the majestic African Waterfall Aviary with over 1,000 free-flying native African birds to the Lory Loft, where birds will quite literally eat out of your hands! Also not to be missed is the Kings of the Skies show, which will take you back in time to appreciate the ancient medieval art of falconry.

Have these colourful winged wonders quite literally eating out of your hands at the Bird Park’s Lory loft.

The newly opened Birdz of Play offers hours of splashing-good fun!

Singapore Zoo Highlights
Make getting up early a joyous affair with Singapore Zoo’s Jungle Breakfast with Wildlife. This programme allows visitors to come up close and personal to animals such as elephants and orang utans, or even pet a snake – all this while enjoying a sumptuous buffet breakfast with an international spread. After filling yourselves up, embark on a journey into the world’s best rainforest zoo, with open-concept exhibits that allow you to come even closer to nature.

Dine alongside animals like the orang utan at Singapore Zoo’s Jungle Breakfast with Wildlife programme.


Watch our orang utans having fun at their free-ranging exhibit – the largest of its kind in the world. Equipped with vines and branches to allow them to swing around freely, the exhibit also has platforms and hammocks, which stimulate these highly intelligent apes mentally. Step into the Fragile Forest, where you’ll be greeted by creatures such as ring-tailed lemurs, flying foxes, mousedeer and sloths, all at arms-length!

Watch our free-ranging orang utans live and play at their exhibit.

Come up close to our Madagascar natives, the ring-tailed lemurs at the Fragile Forest.

AN APPMAZING ADVENTURE AWAITS AT SINGAPORE ZOO

WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE, FAJAR SECONDARY SCHOOL AND NANYANG POLYTECHNIC COLLABORATE ON FREE IPHONE APP

Singapore, 14 March 2012 — Singapore Zoo is going digital with Education@zoo, a new iPhone application (app) which is a handy education guide that complements one’s zoo visit with rich multimedia contents and interesting facts of animals. The joint effort by Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS), Fajar Secondary School and Nanyang Polytechnic even features an Augmented Reality function which shows users the direction and distance to attractions and amenities, and a Learning Journey to learn and test one’s animal knowledge.

Fajar Secondary School approached WRS with the idea early last year as the school wanted to work on an iPhone app project outside of the classroom that would involve the entire Secondary 1 cohort. Education@zoo app is closely linked to the lower secondary science syllabus on ecology in which the students did research to gather data such as the animals’ natural habitat, adaptation, diet, food chain, endangered status and conservation efforts through a problem-based learning (PBL) pedagogical approach.

The students were also exposed to talks on conservation issues and underwent training to equip them with guiding skills as part of the social learning experience.

Nanyang Polytechnic’s School of Information Technology was roped in as Fajar’s partner institution to design and develop the app as they had worked together on other projects to further enhance students’ learning prior to this collaboration.

The project is the first of its kind to have been awarded a Ministry of Education grant that involves a third party. The grant was used to purchase eight iPads and six iPhones for the school to begin their project. It also funded the expertise engaged to develop the app.

App users also have access to an interactive map, visitor information, performances and show timings, enrichment facts and videos of animals and Singapore Zoo’s monthly newsletter, Wildlife Times.

“WRS is always keen to partner with schools to promote conservation education. This initiative empowers the students to contribute to generate conservation awareness for nature conservation. It also provides them with valuable learning and social experiences. Through this creative learning platform, we also hope to inspire increasingly technology-savvy visitors and families to be excited about wildlife and conservation,” said Ms May Lok, Director, Education, WRS.

“The development of the iPhone and iPad app not only increases the students’ motivation to learn science beyond the classroom context but also increases their awareness of conservation and the important role Singapore Zoo plays in it. The students’ learning of Ecology through PBL is authentic and the research that they have done on the different types of animals in the zoo is consolidated and made into a real life application that is useful to both the students and the public,” said Mr Mohamed Faizal, Level Head Science, Fajar Secondary School.

The app was officially launched during the Fajar@Zoo Appmazing Race at Singapore Zoo this morning. Students from Macpherson Primary School whizzed around the wildlife park, scrambling to complete a circuit of stations using this app.

Education@Zoo is the Top #1 featured education app in app store in Mar 2012. iPhone users can download it from the app store. It will be available for at least two years.

A Fajar Secondary student accesses the interactive map function on the Education@Zoo iPhone app, to navigate to the next station during the Fajar@Zoo Appmazing Race. PHOTO CREDITS: WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE

Students from Fajar Secondary School guide their Macpherson Primary buddies to the correct answers, using the Education@Zoo iPhone app. PHOTO CREDITS: WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE

Macpherson Primary students engage with the Education@Zoo app while their Fajar Secondary School guides look on. PHOTO CREDITS: WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE

EXTREMELY RARE TURTLE RELEASED INTO THE WILD

SOUTHERN RIVER TERRAPIN, FIXED WITH A SATELLITE TRANSMITTER, IS SET FREE TO BREED IN THE WATERS OF CAMBODIA

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

WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE AND CHULALONGKORN UNIVERSITY JOIN HANDS ON GIANT FRESHWATER STINGRAY INITIATIVE

PROJECT AGREEMENT SIGNED ON GROUNDBREAKING PROJECT TO HELP BETTER UNDERSTAND MYSTERIOUS MEGAFISH

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.