General Information:

In its lush jungle setting, Singapore's renowned 'open' zoo is a haven for both animals and visitors. More than 2,000 creatures are housed in landscaped enclosures, with rock walls and streams replacing cages.

Special attractions include Children's World, where kids can interact with animals and enjoy excellent playgrounds, the six island Primate Kingdom, the sealion and penguin gallery, the air-conditioned polar bear exhibit and a miniature railway. [Top]

Feeding shows take place throughout the day; favourites include the primates, reptiles, elephants and sealions. Among the zoo's many endangered species is the world's largest colony of orang utans, with whom you can enjoy breakfast or afternoon tea if you book in advance through your hotel. Allow a whole day to enjoy the zoo's attractions. [Top]

The Singapore Zoo is a zoo with one of the most beautiful settings in the world. It is situated on a promontory surrounded by the tranquil waters of the Seletar Reservoir, with the dense secondary forest beyond creating a perfect backdrop. [Top]

The Singapore Zoo is a garden - lush and green with specks of colours. Lovely landscaping, spectacular views of the Seletar Reservoir and the sound of cascades, make a walk around the Zoo a truly pleasant experience.

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HISTORY

"This has to be one of the really beautiful zoos, of which there are all too few. It is brilliantly laid out, so that the ceclosure fences are almost totally hidden. The expanses of the waters of the Seletar Reservoir are a magnificent additional feature of the setting. The animals are beautifully maintained in good health, in spite of the climatic conditions. All in all, it is a Zoo which calls for warm congratulations to those responsible for it. For us, it was a great experience to see it." [Top]

~ Sir Peter Scott, Wildfowl Trust, England

The gem of an idea to have a zoo was conceived by Dr Ong Swee Law, the then Chairman of the Public Utilities Board in 1969. Dr Ong, our late Executive Chairman of the Singapore Zoological Gardens which is a public limited company, incorporated in 1971. [Top]

Opened on 27 June 1973, the Singapore Zoological Gardens caters to the recreational, educational and cocial needs of Singaporeans and tourists to the Republic. It is tagged " The Open Zoo" which reflects the absence of physical barriers in enclosure design. Instead, cascading waters, lush vegetation and moats cleverly mask the hidden barriers to enhance the illusion of freedom and natural jungle-like atmosphere for the animals. Surrounded by the tranquil water of the Seletar Reservoir, the location of the Zoo makes it a relaxing getaway from the concrete confinement of the city. [Top]

The Zoo began with a humble collection of 270 animals of about 72 species. To date, a total of over 2,000 animals of 240 species are displayed in some 70 exhibits. [Top]

Visitors are impressed, not only with the Zoo's approach of displaying animals in their breeding groups, but also the manner in which different species coexist together in one enclosure. This reflects the harmonious coexistence of animals residing together in the wild. An example typifying this naturalistic concept is Wild Africa, where the white rhinoceros resides with the eland, an antelope. Another is the sealion/penguin exhibit where coastal togetherness is depicted through the display of sealions with penguins and pelicans. [Top]

One of the more appealing attractions at the Zoo is the Animal Shows. The Animal Shows - Primate and Reptile shows and Elephant & Sealion shows - started in the late 70s at various open areas within the Zoo. Due to popularity and the surge in crowds, an Amphitheatre was built in 1985 to centralise these shows and to seat visitors comfortably. The Amphitheatre which has a long pool with glass panels for aquatic acts can seat 1,500 and can accommodate up to 2,000 spectators. [Top]

The Animal Shows are specially designed to incorporate the natural behaviors of the animals to educate visitors in an entertaining presentation. During the shows, conservation messages are disseminated to the audience to heighten their awareness of the environment. Furthermore, the shows are also meant to stimulate the minds of the animals and to help fight boredom. [Top]

In 1987, the Zoo introduced the Special Loan Exhibit, where rare animals on loan from other zoos are displayed for a short period. The animals which have been displayed at the Special Loan Exhibit include the golden monkeys, white tigers and giant pandas. This novel idea gives visitors and opportunity to view rare animals which cannnot be exhibited permanently at the Zoo. The enclosure was renamed Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) enclosure following its adoption by the SPH group in 1990. [Top]

Another major breakthrough for the Zoo was the introduction of underwater viewing exhibits. The first in 1988. - the underwater viewing polar bear exhibit - enable visitors to "rub noses" with the Zoo's polar bears. Visitors are enthralled by the underwater antics of these graceful animals. In the years that followed, underwater antics of these graceful animals. In the years that followed, underwater-viewing exhibits were designed for the crocodiles and false ghavials followed by the sealions and penguins and lastly the pygmyhippos. [Top]

Though only a young zoo with 20 years in existence, international standards in animal husbandry, maintenance and design have been attained. [Top]

Since 1987, the Zoo passed the milion mark in visitor attendance. The Zoo has exceeded this figure consistently each year since then. At least 60% of visitors comprises local visitors with international tourists making up the remaining 40%.

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CHILDREN'S WORLD

The 3-hectare Children's World is divided into Play Land and Animal Land. A 10 minute miniature train ride links both "Lands" together. Play Land provides the opportunity for children to utillise the conventinal play equipment, while at Animal Land, domesticated animals such as cows, sheep, goats, rabbits, pigs, horses, ducks and geese are on display. Children can have 'hands on' experience with chicks, rabbits and some baby animals at Pets' Corner. Don't miss out on the Animal Friends' show that's sure to keep the kids entertained.

PRIMATE KINGDOM

The 1-hectare kingdom houses approximately 100 primates of 11 species. These include the lion-tailed macaques, patas or Hussar monkeys, celebes apes, colobus monkeys and capuchins. [Top]

The water moats are home to various species of fish which include Japanese carp and the giant arapaima (from South Africa, one of the largest freshwater fish in the world which can grow to 2.5m.) [Top]

WILD AFRICA

A prime example typifying different species of animals residing harmoniously in on habitat as in in the wild. You will find the white-tailed gnu displayed with gemsbok and the zebras resides with the scimitar-horned oryx. [Top]

SPECIAL ENCLOSURE FOR LOAN ANIMALS (SPH ENCLOSURE)

The special loan enclosure marked the beginning of a new marketing trend in displaying rare animals on loan for a short term. The animals displayed cannot otherwise be on permanent display at the Zoo. The enclosure comprises of an air-conditioned area and a larger outdoor area. The glass-fronted enclosure can be landscaped to suit the different animals on display. The first to be displayed were the rare golden monkeys from China in 1987. These were followed by the white tiger from Cincinnati Zoo, USA in 1988, the Russian brown bears from Soviet Union in 1989, the highly endangered giant Pandas, from China in 1990 and the Koalos from Taronga Zoo, Australia in 1991. [Top]

PLANT EXHIBITS

I ) HELICONIA VALLEY

This exquisite plant exhibit is a fine example of the Zoo's policy to provide a garden setting where plants and animals can be enjoyed simultaneously. Heliconias of yellow, red, orange and pink heliconias can be viewed amidst the beautiful landscaping - with rippling water in a pebble-bottomed. Definitely a restful retreat for all tired visitors. [Top]

II ) TROPICAL CROPS PLANTATION

The Tropical Crops Plantation displays a wide range of cash crops, vegetables, spices and aquatic plants. This exhibit includes a footpath to facilitate visitor's viewing has more than 50 species of edible plants. Amongst these are the nutmeg, cocoa, padi, passion fruit, water chestnut, bottle and snake gourds.

A theatrettle is also available for teachers to conduct their practical lessons outdoors. This plantation proves to be an educational place not only for children but also for adults who want to learn more about crops and fruits. [Top]

III ) GARDEN WITH A VIEW

This horticultural display was designed to complement and contrast with the rest of the Zoo gardens. Its strong French Renaissance style adds an element of formality to the Zoo's jungle-like environment, where planting and landscaping is not only naturalistic but free-form. Weary visitors can take a breather under the shelter of our gazebos, whilst enjoying the Seletar Reservoir as a scenic backdrop. Photo enthusiasts too, many find this botanical display ideal for photography as the garden's romantic gazebos and fountain are framed by surrounding greenery and the lake beyond it. [Top]

UNDERWATER VIEWING EXHIBITS

I ) POLAR BEARS

An underwater viewing exhibit measuring 2.4m high, allows visitors to 'rub nnoses' with these magnnficent inhabitants of the arctic regions. A three-tiered seating gallaery enables visitors to watch the lively feeding sessions held three time daily. To further enhance the unimpaired viewing of the bears when on land, a concealed dry moat was also installed. [Top]

II ) SEALIONS AND PENGUINS

Consisting of 10 glass panels, this is one of the longest viewing galleries in the world. Visitors are transported a step closer to the Antarctic World, where they view these animals frolicking in the water, on a simulated beach and on the elevated rock ledges. From a four-tiered seating gallery, visitors can view the agile Californian sealions during the daily feeding sessions. [Top]

III ) CROCODILES AND FALSE GHAVIALS

At this exhibit, visitors can view these awe-inspiring creatures in a mangrove-like habitat and observe the previously unseen underwater environment of the crocodiles and false ghavials. In addition, you may even have the opportuity to witness newly hatched and yung crocodiles which are displayed through the glass window of the crocodile nursery. Look out too for the heron, cattle egret, scarlet and glossy ibises perched on the crocodiles. [Top]

IV ) PYGMY HIPPOS

A walk through a meandering riverine path brings visitors face to face with pygmy hippos which are either submerged in water or waddling on land. Watch the pygmy hippos perform their graceful dance in the water (compared to their clumsiness on land). Dominated by the pygmy hippos in two separate glass-fronted underwater viewing enclosures, the riverine path also displays the blue and red duikers. Housed in four separate tanks are the giant arapaima, giant gourami and the electric catfish. Landscaping of the artificial rockwork, mud bank, waterfalls and lush fringing vegetation lend an exotic touch to this complex ecosystem. [Top]

REPTILE GARDEN

This 1 hectare garden is home to some 400 reptiles representing 41 species. It boasts not only of many different species of tropical snakes from all over Asia, but also the largest of all lizards - the Komodo dragons from Indonesia, the giant Aldabraand Galapagos tortoises and the crocodiles. Housed in this garden are some of the more prominent snakes like the king cobra, the longest venomous snake in the world, the reticulated and Indian rock pythons. A walk-through exhibit enables visitors an experience of a very different kind wih our slithery residents. [Top]

CONSERVATION

THE REASON FOR OUR EXISTENCE

Modern zoos provide more than just entertainment for people of all ages. Zoos also bear the responsibility of education the public and creationg awareness for the dwinding numbers in the animal kingdom. In line with these aims, the Singapore Zoological Gardens is one of the most aggressive and successful conservation parks in the region. [Top]

Education is a vital aspect of visting the Zoo - an important contribution to conservatrion. Visiting the Zoo is about relaxing and having fun, which includes learning about wildlife and conservation. This is why the Zoo has organised a variety of animal presentations, token-feeding programs, and of course, its world-renowned Breakfast and Tea With An Orang Utan. [Top]

These provide opportunities for an up close and personal look at wildlife, allowing the Zoo to get across its conservation messages effectively. Through contact with these animals - closer than that provided by the usual means of the media-people tend to ampathise. Giving the animals names and witnessing their behavior with their keepers also help visitors relate to them in an inspiring manner. [Top]

Breeding of endangered animals is another important aspect of conervation. While for many reasons it may not be possible to reintroduce captive-bred endangered animals into the wild, such animals can be used in exchange programmes among zoos. Hence, animals nedd not be removed from the wild. The Singapore Zoo has bred a long list of endangered animals such as the orang utan, golden lion tamarin, white rhino, douc langur, king cobra, rhino iguana, tiger and Malayan tapir. [Top]

27 orang utans have been bred in captivity - the highest in the world. The Zoo also houses the largest social colony of orang utans in the world as well. Incidentally, the orang utan is the flagship species of the Singapore Zoo. [Top]

Other records include four extremely rare proboscis monkeys and four African white rhinos-the most successful in the world as well. The Zoo has also seen the birth of 22 Malaysan tigers, 28 chimpanzees, 3 highly endangered douc langurs and 14 pygmy hippos. These are all part of the Zoo's often lauded international in-captive breeding programmes. [Top]

How to get here...

Situated in Mandai at the northern part of Singapore near the causeway leading towards Johor, Malaysia

By Car/Tazi From the City, take the Pan Island Expressway (PIE) towards Jurong, turn off at the Bukit Timah Jurong Expressway (BKE) and follow the signs to the Zoo. [Top]

By Bus From the City, take Trans Island Bus Service bus 171 to Mandai Road. Then cross the street and take SBS bus 138. From Woodlands Bus Interchange take Trans Island Bus Service (TIBS) bus 926 (Sundays & Public holidays) [Top]

By Mass Rapid Transit Alight at ANG MO KIO Station (N9) and take SBS bus 138 or alight at CHOA CHU KANG Station (N9) and take TIBS 927. [Top]

Address

80 Mandai Lake Road
Singapore 729826

By Car/Taxi

From the City, take the Pan Island Expressway (PIE) towards Jurong.

• Look out for and turn off at Exit 7 of the Bukit Timah Expressway (BKE).
  
• Follow the prominent brown signs to the Singapore Zoo.
  
• On a regular day, the journey will take approximately 30 minutes. [Top]
  

By Bus

From the City, take bus service 171 to Mandai Road, then alight at the first bus stop and transfer to bus service 927. [Top]

By Mass Rapid Transit

• Alight at Ang Mo Kio station (NS16) and take bus service 138.
  
• Alight at Choa Chu Kang station (BP1/NS4) and take bus service 927.
  
• From Changi Airport station (CG2), board the train and switch to a north-bound route at City Hall station (EW13/NS25). Alight at Ang Mo Kio station (NS16) and take bus service 138.
  
• From Changi Airport station (CG2), board the train and switch to a west-bound route at Jurong East station (NS1/EW24). Alight at Choa Chu Kang station (CG2) and take bus service 927. [Top]
  

By Bus Hub Service
(Weekends and public holidays)

This is the latest direct bus between Orchard Road and Singapore Zoo. For a single trip fee of $4, visitors can pop by any of the following hotels at various pick-up timing for a convenient and comfortable ride to the Singapore Zoo. [Top]

Bus leaves Zoo at 4.30 pm

Reach City in 25 minutes!

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Useful Links

• Singapore Zoological Garden Official Website