Set in the lush greenery of the Lion City, the Singapore Zoo is renowned for its ‘open-concept’ rainforest environment and is home to the world’s first free-ranging orangutan habitat. In this blog, we explore some fascinating Singapore Zoo facts that make it a must-visit attraction in Singapore. From its unwavering dedication to animal care and preservation to its rare and exotic inhabitants, we'll delve into the stories, facts, and secrets that make this zoo a beacon of wonder.
Singapore Zoo Tickets
1. ‘Open Concept and Naturalistic Exhibits
Singapore Zoo is a trailblazer in animal welfare, with zones designed to be as naturalistic as possible, mimicking diverse animal habitats from around the world.These ‘open concept’ exhibits allow animals to roam freely and there are also immersive experiences where visitors can observe the zoo’s inhabitants up-close. It's a testament to the zoo’s commitment to both the animals' well-being and the education of the public.
2. The Zoo houses a huge number of animals!
In 1973, the Singapore Zoo first opened its gates to the world with a modest collection of 272 animals across 72 species. Fast forward to the present day, and the transformation is inspiring. Today, Singapore Zoo proudly shelters an astounding 4,200 animals from over 300 species, of which 34 per cent are threatened.
3. Singapore Zoo welcomed 1 million visitors within 17 months since opening
On the auspicious day of Deepavali in 1974, just 17 months after its inauguration, the Singapore Zoo welcomed its one-millionth visitor. The lucky guest to achieve this milestone was Mr. Peter Lim, who was greeted with Singapore Zoo’s icon, Ah Meng the Sumatran Orangutan and graciously awarded a brand-new Hitachi color TV set. In today's time, the zoo's popularity continues to soar, consistently attracting an average of 2 million visitors annually.
4. Ah Meng, the Sumatran Orangutan, was the poster girl of the Singapore Zoo
Ah Meng, Singapore Zoo’s animal icon, achieved a unique distinction in 1992 when she became the first non-human recipient of the ‘Special Tourism Ambassador’ award, presented by the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board. Born around 1960 in Sumatra, Indonesia, Ah Meng's early life saw her kept as an illegal pet by a couple before authorities confiscated her. Approximately at the age of 11 in 1971, she found her permanent home at the Singapore Zoo. Sadly, Ah Meng, passed away on February 8, 2008, at the age of 48. Her legacy lives on, as thousands attended her heartfelt funeral to pay their respects.
5. The oldest animal at the zoo is 82 years old!
Astove, the Aldabra Giant Tortoise, holds the title of being the most senior inhabitant at the Singapore Zoo, with an impressive estimated age of 82 years. This gentle giant measures over 1 meter in length and tips the, scale at 300 kilograms. As a herbivore, Astove enjoys a varied diet that includes different types of grass, sweet potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Despite his grandeur, he is known for his docile and friendly nature.
6. The zoo focuses on environmental protection
With a commitment to environmental preservation, the Singapore Zoo emphasizes protecting our planet's biodiversity. This wildlife parkactively engages in national and regional conservation projects, playing a pivotal role in the successful breeding and subsequent reintroduction of numerous endangered species. Among these noteworthy contributions are the rehabilitation efforts for the orangutan, the white rhinoceros, and the cotton-top tamarin. The zoo after all, is located inside a reserve known as the Mandai Wildlife Reserve.
7. They have free 'Animal Presentations'
Singapore Zoo offers several presentations that provide a wonderful opportunity for visitors to witness the amazing talents of the animals alongside their trainers and learn more about the zoo’s commitment to animal welfare and conservation. The best part? These presentations are open to the people with an entry ticket and come at no extra cost.
Learn more about the available presentations here.
8. You can feed animals here
You have the chance to book feeding sessions online for remarkable animals like Elephants, Giraffes, White Rhinoceros, Giant Tortoises, and Zebras, all on a first-come-first-serve basis. All proceeds will help to fund the reserve’s wildlife conservation efforts in the region.
Find out more about the feeding sessions here.
9. The zoo houses diverse species
Singapore Zoo is home to a diverse array of mammals, birds, reptiles, many of which are threatened species like the African Painted Dogs, African Penguins, Brown Lemurs, Cotton-top Tamarins and more.
