A wide wild world

With its remarkable wide open space and entertaining in-depth interaction with fascinating animals, there is no doubt why the Singapore Zoo is hailed as one of the most beautiful zoos in the world. As an ideal destination for kids, the zoo also has amazing features that will not only entertain children but adults as well.

The establishment has an “open zoo” concept where animals are kept in spacious landscaped enclosures. Wet or dry moats separate the animals from the visitors. The moats are neatly integrated with the surroundings of the animals. This feature takes away the usual imagery of animals being ingloriously detained and caged.

The "open zoo" gives guests and animals alike a feel of the animals' natural environment.

Open concept through the years

The 28-hectare zoo opened in 1973. The park, which mimics a rainforest environment, is well maintained. Its world-famous “open concept” offers visitors the opportunity to experience and enjoy the wonders of nature, as the animals live in magnificent landscaped areas which simulate their natural habitats.

Over the years the establishment has evolved into an open, learning zoo. More than just observing the animals, educational content designed in an interactive mode is an added feature to all exhibits. With a total of 315 animal species and 2,530 specimens, the zoo attracts 1.5 million visitors every year.

World’s first

With more than 13 divisions for different species of animals in the world, there’s always a wild surprise that can entertain guests. The zoo is also home to the world’s first orangutan free-ranging area.

The Singapore Zoo has two free-ranging areas for these charming creatures to swing, climb, and even play. Located at two areas flanking the Bornean Orang Utan Island, the boardwalk and island free-ranging areas allow visitors to better observe these curious primates up close and even feed them.

The free-ranging areas are comprised of tall trees, thick branches, and vines which replicate the animals’ natural environment. The branches and vines encourage the orangutans to move by swinging from one hold to another.

The Singapore Zoo houses a large social group of 25 orangutans in a spacious natural enclosure. Though not the only zoo in the world to display a social group of orangutans, it is the only one to have done so in a large scale.

White and wild

One of the most famous animals in the zoo is the white tiger, which has become a guest favorite. The rare animal has reached a critical level on the endangered animal list. The white tiger is a sought-after animal as it has long been a symbol of power and strength.

Bengal tigers make up 60% of the world’s wild tiger population, but individuals with white coats are very rare. Only one white tiger exists out of every 10,000 normal orange-colored tigers.

Another famous animal inside the Singapore zoo is its ambassador for the conservation and educational thrusts regarding climate change, the polar bear Inuka. The Singaporean-born polar bear is the main attraction of the aquatic marine area of the zoo. Inuka stays inside a large 3.5-meter-deep pool which allows polar bears to cool off and survive in a tropical country.

Wild and live

Visitors to the zoo will get the chance to learn more about wildlife conservation through a 30-minute presentation called "Rainforest Fights Back". The rainforest comes alive right from the moment guests set foot in the newly-renovated 1600-seat Shaw Foundation Amphitheatre, which overlooks the scenic Upper Seletar Reservoir.

Splash Safari is another show which stars the jackass penguins, Californian sea lion, Caribbean manatees and the pelicans. During the show, guests receive interesting information and witness the spectacular display of behavior of the different marine animals.

Elephants at work and play transport visitors to a Thai Elephant Logging Camp and reveals the incredible bond between Mahouts and their working elephants. The show provides an insight into a typical day inside an elephant logging camp. Guests can personally witness how these genius giants work together with their human partners to extract and move logs from the interior of the forest.

Singapore’s open zoo and the various activities inside are definitely worth visiting the next time you go back to the Lion City. For more information visit www.zoo.com.sg. -- Reprinted from The Manila Bulletin