Located at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, Singapore Zoo is a must-visit destination for any wildlife enthusiast. Covering a land area of 26 hectares, this zoo is home to over 4,200 animals of over 300 species, of which 34% are threatened.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the different zones and their animals, provide information of the ongoing events and interactive activities, and also touch upon the world-class animal care that is provided which makes Singapore Zoo one of the best in the world.
Get ready for a wild adventure with over 4,200 animals inhabiting the lush green, tropical rainforests of Singapore Zoo.
Zones
1Australasia
While most marsupials are endemic to Australia, there are a few that occur naturally in New Guinea, Indonesia, and the Americas.
🦘 This zone features: Tree kangaroo, Wallaby, Grey kangaroo, and Cassowary
2Elephants of Asia
Since their domestication over 4,000 years ago, elephants have become a significant influence on Asian culture. This zone covers one hectare of land and showcases an all-female herd of the largest living land animals.
3Fragile Forest
This zone is a 20,000 cubic meter biodome that stimulates a tropical rainforest. A journey through this zone will take you through layers of rainforest, as you encounter its furry, feathered, and spineless inhabitants.
🌳 This zone features: Common crowned pigeons, Eclectus parrot, Golden lion tamarin, Jungle nymph, Lesser mousedeer, Malayan flying fox, Malayan horned frog, Nicobar pigeon, Pied imperial pigeon, Prevost’s squirrel, River toad, Spotted whistling duck, Tiger salamander, Two-toed sloth, White-faced saki monkey, Zebra dove.
4Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia
40 million years ago, as a result of the earth’s tectonic forces, the land was split into two diagonal halves, and the continental rift came to be known as the Great Rift Valley, visible even from space. This zone recreates life in the Konso and Amharic villages and highlights the Ethiopian life back in the day.
⛰️ The zone also features: Common cusimanse, Hamadryas baboon, Meerkat, Nubian ibex, Rock hyrax, and South African ground squirrel.
5Orangutan Island and Boardwalk
Orangutans are the great apes of Asia and this zone is dedicated only to them. A captivating sight to watch these incredible creatures, lounging in their natural habitats. The zone features a spacious, forested enclosure providing the orangutans plenty of room to climb, swing, and interact with each other.
🦧 This zone features a family, namely: Binton, Labu, Satria, Suria, and Veera.
6Primate Kingdom
This zone is a kingdom because each primate species is assigned its own ‘island’. To recreate their natural habitat, the zoo has planted plentiful trees, wild grasses, ginger, palm, and bamboo and the moats hugging the islands are filled with fish, including the South American arapaima.
🐒 The zone also features: Black-handed spider monkey, Black-and-white ruffed lemur, Black-and-gold howler monkey, Cotton-top tamarin, Eastern black-and-white colobus monkey, Red-shanked douc langur, Ring-tailed lemur, South American arapaima, Squirrel monkey, and White-faced saki monkey.
7Reptile Garden
This zone is home to a wide variety of reptiles, including snakes, turtles, and lizards from around the world. The enclosures are designed to mimic the natural habitat of the reptiles and allows visitors to observe and understand their behavior and importance in the ecosystem.
🦎 This zone features: Aldabra giant tortoise, Estuarine crocodile, Indian gharial, and Komodo dragon.
8RedTopia
A snake-tacular zone in Singapore Zoo, RedTopia is home to over 60 species of reptiles and amphibians, a third of which have never been seen here before.
🐸 This zone features: Amazon milk frog, Bearded dragon, Crocodile monitor, Dyeing poison frog, Emperor scorpion, King cobra, and Frilled lizard.
9Tortoise Shell-ter
This zone is a naturalistic habitat that features a variety of distinguished tortoises. Observe and learn about some of the rarest species of tortoises. To recreate their natural habitat, a lot of thought was put into the planning, specific plants were sourced, special lighting was installed, and heating with temperature gradient and humidity control was provided.
🐢 This zone features: The Burmese star tortoise, The Indian star tortoise, and the red footed and yellow footed tortoise as well.
10Treetops Trail
This zone houses a fantastic range of animals like gibbons and gharials. Replicating a rainforest, this zone showcases animals at different layers of the forest, from water to treetops. As you step into this zone, the first sounds you hear are definitely going to be that of the Siamangs pair - Anna and Ako, with their loud booms and barks.
🐊 This zone features: False gharial, Greater mousedeer, and Siamang.
11Wild Africa
Housing a myriad of exquisite animal species, the Wild Africa zone is designed to mimic the diverse range of habitats seen in Africa, from tropical rainforests to harsh deserts. From the herbivorous hoofstocks like zebras and giraffes to predators like cheetahs and lions, this zone is a mixed habitat.
🌍 This zone features: African painted dog, African lion, Giraffe, Meerkat, White rhinoceros, and Zebra.
12KidzWorld
Home of the Ranger Buddies*, this zone has something for every child - from closeup animal interactions to interactive (water and sensory) play. In this zone, learning meets fun, and experiences are designed to spark and grow love for animals, wildlife, and nature.
🧒 *Ranger Buddies is an edutainment program aimed at nurturing every child to become a future-ready and responsible global citizen by driving positive change for themselves, others, and the world at large.
Recommended Singapore Zoo tickets
Animals you get to see
4,200 animals from over 300 species! Animals are living their best lives, in habitats designed to replicate their real one - think lush green tropical rainforest with temperatures and humidity controlled. Here is a list of animals that you get to see in Singapore Zoo, a few endemic and a few other endangered:
- African lion: Majestic king of the savannah, with a powerful roar that commands respect.
- African painted dog: Hunting dogs which look out for their pack members, especially the young and the sick.
- Aldabra giant tortoise: Ancient creature with a slow and steady pace, known for its impressive size and longevity.
- Asian elephant: Gentle giant with intelligent eyes and a trunk that can perform amazing tasks.
- Asian small clawed otter: Playful and social otter species, recognizable by its tiny, nimble claws.
- Babirusa: A unique pig with impressive tusks found in the Indonesian islands.
- Bornean orangutan: Highly intelligent apes native to Borneo, known for their incredible strength and gentle nature.
- Californian sea lion: Graceful marine mammals found along the coast of California, known for their acrobatic displays and social nature.
- Cat: Domesticated feline companions known for their independence, agility, and ability to bring joy to households.
- Chimpanzee: Intelligent primates known for their problem-solving abilities and close social bonds.
- Cotton-top tamarin: Small, adorable primates with distinctive white crests, endemic to Colombia's tropical rainforests.
- Dog: Loyal and affectionate companions, bred for various roles from working to being beloved pets.
- Easter black-and-white Colobus monkey: Striking primates with a black and white coat, endemic to the forests of East Africa.
- Electric blue gecko: Vibrantly colored reptiles with a dazzling blue hue, found in tropical regions.
- Estuarine crocodile: Powerful and stealthy predators, perfectly adapted for life in brackish water habitats.
- Falabella: Petite and adorable miniature horses, known for their gentle nature and small stature.
- Fossa: Agile and elusive carnivores, native to the forests of Madagascar.
- Gaboon viper: Highly venomous snakes with iconic triangular heads and intricate patterns.
- Giraffe: Majestic creatures with long necks and iconic coat patterns, known for their grace and unique feeding habits.
- Golden poison frog: Beautiful but deadly amphibians, displaying vibrant golden colors as a warning to predators.
- Greater mousedeer: Small and elusive hoofed mammals, known for their shy nature and incredible agility.
- Green Basilisk: Also known as the "Jesus Christ Lizard," these reptiles are famous for their ability to run on water.
- Grey kangaroo: Iconic marsupials with powerful hind legs, known for their incredible jumping abilities.
- Hamadryas baboon: Social primates with distinctive facial features and complex social structures.
- Indian crested porcupine: Covered in sharp quills, found in diverse habitats across India.
- Indian gharial: Critically endangered crocodilians with long, thin snouts, found in the rivers of India.
- Komodo dragon: Giant lizards with venomous bites, native to the Indonesian islands of Komodo.
- Leopard: Agile and stealthy big cats, known for their stunning spotted coat and exceptional hunting skills.
- Lesser Mousedeer: Tiny ungulates with delicate features, found in the forests of Southeast Asia.
- Macaw: Colorful parrots with strong beaks and the ability to mimic human speech.
- Malayan flying fox: Large bats with wingspans up to 6 feet, crucial in dispersing fruit tree seeds.
- Malayan tiger: Endangered big cats known for their striking orange coats and powerful hunting skills.
- Mini pig: Cute and intelligent pets that are smaller in size compared to traditional pigs.
- Naked mole rat: Subterranean rodents with wrinkled, hairless skin and a highly social lifestyle.
- Panther chameleon: Reptiles with vibrant colors that can change to camouflage their surroundings.
- Proboscis monkey: Distinctive primates with large, protruding noses and a unique vocalization called "honking".
- Pygmy goat: Adorable miniature goats with playful personalities and a love for climbing.
- Pygmy hippos: Smaller relatives of the common hippopotamus, known for their shy and elusive nature.
- Rabbits: Cute and fluffy mammals with long ears and a reputation for hopping and nibbling on carrots.
- Douc langur: Colorful and charismatic monkeys with striking facial patterns and long, elegant tails.
- Red-ruffed lemur: Red-furred lemurs with long, bushy tails and a playful demeanor.
- Regal horned lizard: Unique reptiles known for their spiky appearance and ability to shoot blood from their eyes as a defense mechanism.
- Ring-tailed lemur: Lemurs with distinctive black and white striped tails, known for their social behaviors and group grooming rituals.
- Roti snake-necked turtle: Fascinating turtles with long necks that can retract sideways into their shells.
- Skunk: Mammals with distinctive black and white fur and the ability to emit a strong odor as a defense mechanism.
- Sulcata tortoise: Large tortoises native to the Sahara Desert, known for their impressive size and longevity.
- Orangutan: Highly intelligent and arboreal great apes, closely related to humans and known for their exceptional tool use.
- Sun bear: Small bears with a distinctive orange crescent mark on their chests, found in Southeast Asia's tropical forests.
- Tree kangaroo: Agile marsupials with the ability to climb and leap through trees, found in the rainforests of Australia and New Guinea.
- Two-toed sloth: Slow-moving arboreal mammal known for its leisurely lifestyle and unique upside-down hanging posture.
- White-faced saki monkey: Small primate with a distinctive white face, known for its playful antics and loud vocalizations.
- White rhino: Massive herbivore with a wide, square mouth, known for its endangered status and iconic horn.
- White tiger: Rare big cat with striking white fur, known for its powerful presence and captivating beauty.
- Zebra: Iconic African animal with black and white stripes, known for its social nature and ability to run swiftly.
Activities to enjoy!
Feed the animals
Grab a basket of their favorite treats and come face-to-trunk with these majestic creatures.
Timings: Daily at 9:30 AM, 11:45 AM & 4:30 PM
Location: Elephants of Asia
Meet and feed Marco and Jubilee, Singapore Zoo’s curious and lovable giraffes.
Timings: Daily at 10:45 AM, 1:50 PM & 3:45 PM
Location: Wild Africa
Hold a honeydew slice to their mouth and watch as they gently take the treat from you. Indeed, a rare opportunity.
Timings: Daily at 1:15 PM
Location: Wild Africa
Meet the long living residents of Singapore Zoo and hand feed them juicy cherry tomatoes.
Timings: Daily at 1:15 PM
Location: Reptile garden
Hand feed Grevy’s Zebra, an experience as unique as their patterns.
Timings: Daily at 10:15 AM & 2:15 PM
Location: Wild Africa
Wildlife experiences
Private tours:
- Zookeeper for a day (kid’s edition)
Saturdays from 9 AM to 1:45 PM - Zookeeper for a day (junior edition)
Saturday from 9 AM - 4 PM (available from January 13, 2024) - Zoo adventure tour
Daily from 9.30 AM to 11 AM & 2:30 PM to 4 PM
Backstage pass:
- RedTopia
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 1:30 PM to 2:45 PM - Incredible Invertebrates
Thursday & Sunday from 10 AM to 11 AM
Keeper talks
Elephant Keeper Talk*
Timings: Daily at 11:30 AM
Location: Elephants of Asia
Primate Kingdom Keeper Talk
Timings: Daily at 11 AM & 2 PM
Location: Starts at Black-and-Gold Howler Monkey
Orangutan Keeper Talk
Timings: Daily at 11 AM & 3:30 PM
Location: Free-Ranging Orangutan Island
Proboscis Monkey Keeper Talk
Timings: Daily at 11:30 AM
Location: Rainforest Walk
Gibbon Island Keeper Talk
Timings: Daily at 1:30 PM
Location: Gibbon Island
African Lion Keeper Talk
Timings: Daily at 1:25 PM
Location: Wild Africa
Meerkat Keeper Talk
Timings: Daily at 1:30 PM
Location: Wild Africa
Cheetah Keeper Talk
Timings: Daily at 1:35 PM
Location: Wild Africa
African Painted Dog Keeper Talk
Timings: Daily at 1:40 PM
Location: Wild Africa
Pygmy Hippo Keeper Talk
Timings: Daily at 2:30 PM
Location: Pygmy Hippo Exhibit
Indian Gharial Keeper Talk
Timings: Tuesday & Friday at 2:30 PM
Location: Sungei Buaya
Malayan Tiger Keeper Talk
Timings: Monday, Wednesday & Saturday at 2:40 PM
Location: Tiger Exhibit
White Tiger Keeper Talk
Timings: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Sunday at 2:40 PM
Location: Tiger Exhibit
Fossa Keeper Talk
Timings: Daily at 3:30 PM
Location: Fossa Exhibit
Celebes Crested Macaque Keeper Talk
Timings: Daily at 4:15 PM
Location: SPH Foundation Conservation Centre
Chimpanzee Keeper Talk
Timings: Daily at 4:35 PM
Location: Chimpanzee Exhibit
Caiman Lizard Keeper Talk
Timings: Check on-site
Location: RedTopia
Otter Keeper Talk
Timings: Check on-site
Location: Otter Exhibit
Little Paws
Location: KidzWorld
Animal Land
Location: KidzWorld
Meet the Pack
Timings: Daily at 4:15 PM
Location: Animal Buddies
Shows you shouldn't miss!
🌊 Splash safari
Watch the California sea lion make a splash as it gracefully glides on water, balances a ball on its nose, and many such special moments.
Timings: Daily at 10:30 AM and 5 PM (weather permitting)
Location: Shaw Foundation Amphitheatre
🦓 Animal buddies
Lively animal presentations where you learn more about the animals and pet responsibility. Meet, learn, and dance with our animal stars!
- Meet our hooved friends: Monday to Friday at 11 AM and 2 PM | Saturday, Sunday and Public holidays at 12:20 PM
Location: Animal Buddies, KidzWorld - Animal heroes: Monday to Friday at 11 AM and 2 PM | Saturday, Sunday and Public holidays at 12:20 PM
Location: Animal Buddies, KidzWorld - Dance your heart out: Daily at 4 PM
Location: Animal Buddies, KidzWorld
🌳 Rainforest fights back
An entertaining and engaging presentation where animals show their dexterity by jumping and flying above.
Timings: Daily at 12 PM and 2:30 PM
Location: Shaw Foundation Amphitheatre
🍳 Breakfast in the wild
Start your day with a unique dining experience in the heart of the charming rainforests, meeting wildlife ambassadors and keepers, listening to stories of the animal kingdom as you savor a meal of local and international flavors.
Timings: Daily from 9:30 AM - 10 AM
Location: Ah Meng Restaurant (Terrace)
Events
KidzWorld - Home of the ranger buddies
Timings: Daily from 9 AM to 6 PM
Location: KidzWorld
Ranger buddies quest
Timings: Saturday, Sunday, Public & school holidays from 9 AM to 6 PM
Location: KidzWorld
