The Singapore Zoo is like no other. While the many exotic species on show are certainly impressive, it is the setting that captures the imagination. Located on a 28 acre promontory in the Seletar Reservoir with the catchment’s dense forest cover serving as a backdrop, the animal displays are tastefully presented with natural barriers like streams, rock walls and landscaping to separate them from visitors. It also provides one of the best experiences of viewing animals in captivity.
The 3,000 animals from 316 species are in zoned areas that closely resemble their natural habitats. Visitors can wander from Wild Africa with its Savannah like landscape to the Fragile Forest a huge bio dome recreating the many layers of a rainforest and on to the Australian outback and the Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia.
Each zone is meticulously landscaped to resemble the real thing and is inhabited by appropriate animal species small and large, grass grazing and predatory. The Tree Top Trail, an elevated platform through the rainforest canopy provides insights into animal life there. Gibbon Island has an excellent collection of primates and a troop of red flamingos while a further 39 species of primates live on their own little islands in Primate Island. The Critters Long House is the place to catch small tropical mammals and the Reptile Garden’s collection include the Komodo dragon, the Giant Tortoise, and several species of water based reptiles among others. The Tropical Crops and Orchid Garden on the other hand is devoid of animals but admirably showcases several varieties of tropical crops from around the world and the orchid garden is simply fabulous.
The zoo also has several special exhibits among which are rare white tigers, a collection of Asian elephants presented in a Burmese logging camp scenario, proboscis monkeys, a large collection of Orang-utans, chimps, tapirs, otters, pigmy hippos, sun bears, a collection of crocodiles and the latest addition the naked mole rat!
Shows featuring sea lions, elephants, 15 species of rainforest mammals and birds and even mice, cats and dogs introduce visitors to the extraordinary abilities of animals. Rides, wildlife tours and dining with animals programs allow interactions with selected creatures. Among the many visitor friendly features is a water theme park for kids with fountains and sprays to cool down during hot Singapore summers.
The zoo is operated by Wildlife Reserves Singapore which in addition oversees the adjacent Night Safari and Jurong Bird Park and the soon to be opened River Safari.
Stay at Regent Singapore to take advantage of a great location close to business areas, the central shopping and entertainment district of Orchard Road and the Botanic Garden. Among the excellent facilities and amenities offered by one of the well known luxury hotels in Singapore are well appointed contemporary rooms and suites, seven restaurants serving a range of international and Cantonese cuisine, modern fitness facilities, and a range of invigorating and relaxing spa therapies complemented by excellent service. This prominent luxury hotel Singapore ensures that its guests are free to experience this multi faceted city by taking good care of all their basic needs.
