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7 May
Singapore Zoo: Majestic Kingdom of Wild Nature
Animals are always of interest to kids. Little explorers love to listen to stories about animals, watch them, imitate the animal sounds, etc. And is there anyone who has never dreamed of having, for example, a turtle or even a monkey at home? Well, we can confidently state that not only domestic animals but also representatives of wild nature play a vital role in child development and hold a special place in the hearts of people of all ages. After all, the animal kingdom can teach us many things. Yes, as you have probably guessed, Newtonshow invites you to take a virtual tour of the Singapore Zoo and check several beautiful photos to get inspiration. Your kids will definitely appreciate spending a fun family weekend at the zoo after a busy educational week at the Newtonshow summer camp, won't they? So let's go!
How big is Singapore Zoo? What to do in the Singapore Zoo? How many hours is Singapore Zoo enough? What is special about the Singapore Zoo, and why is the Singapore Zoo important to Singapore? We are going to discuss these and many other questions today so you will get all the necessary information you need to plan an exciting day at the Mandai Singapore Zoo. First things first, though.
Singapore Zoo: General Information and History
Image Credit: mandai.com
Operated by Mandai Wildlife Group, the Singapore Zoo forms the Mandai Wildlife Reserve together with Night Safari, River Wonders, Bird Paradise, and Rainforest Wild Park (opening soon). Each part of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve is unique and offers visitors the opportunity to plunge into its particular world with incredible inhabitants and dedicated activities. So there's no answer to the question 'Is Singapore Zoo better than River Safari (today known as River Wonders) or Bird Paradise?' Each park has its story to tell, mysteries to solve, and inhabitants to meet – and each is absolutely worth a visit.
The Singapore Zoo, previously known as the Singapore Zoological Gardens or Mandai Zoo, is spread over an area of 28 hectares (69 acres) and is home to more than 4,200 animals that live in a lush tropical rainforest right in Singapore - in 'open' exhibits with glass, moats, and hidden barriers between the visitors and inhabitants of the zoo. Instead of traditional cages, expansive enclosures allow animals to roam freely and help visitors feel a deeper connection with nature.
When it opened its gates in 1973, the park became the third zoo to operate in Singapore (however, the first two were short-lived). At that time, the Singapore Zoo was home to just 270 animals from 72 species. Already in November 1974, the Singapore Zoo received its first millionth visitor. Today, the park welcomes more than 2 million visitors annually.
In 2023, the Singapore Zoo celebrated its 50 anniversary, Golden ZOObilee, with special promotions, grand openings, themed souvenirs, and other surprises for all friends.
Singapore Zoo Animals And Zones
Image Credit: Singapore Zoo via Facebook
The Singapore Zoo is home to over 300 species of mammals, birds, and reptiles, many of which are considered to be threatened: the Cotton-top Tamarins, African Painted Dogs, African Penguins, Brown Lemurs, and many other endangered creatures. The number of inhabitants is impressive, and the zoo is divided into 10 dedicated zones.
Australasia
Image Credit: Singapore Zoo via Facebook
It's easy to guess that this zone is the realm of kangaroos and wallabies. However, they are not the only representatives of the region. Look, what is this? An ostrich? Or a turkey? It is the Cassowary, and it's considered the world's most dangerous bird. And watching the cute tree kangaroos' family cannot but please.
Elephants of Asia
Image Credit: Singapore Zoo via Facebook
This charming one-hectare exhibit tells visitors about the history and culture of this biggest terrestrial animal on Earth. Of course, you will watch them eating, enjoying their Mud SPA, and playing. Yes, elephants at the Singapore Zoo play a lot, regardless of their age.
Fragile Forest
Image Credit: Singapore Zoo via Facebook
It is an incredible biodome that imitates a tropical rainforest habitat. Start by spotting camouflaged amphibians. Then dodge the Malayan Flying Foxes (don't worry - they are entirely harmless; they just like to flap past visitors). Get ready to fall in love with the cutest Mousedeers and meet other beautiful inhabitants of Fragile Forest.
Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia
Image Credit: Singapore Zoo via Facebook
Welcome to the Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia with its lovely meerkats, cute Hamadryas baboons, and mighty Nubian ibexes. You'll also be impressed by this zone's landscape with its majestic rocks, cliffs, and waterfalls, as well as by authentic Konso and Amharic Villages.
KidzWorld
Image Credit: mandai.com
It is a true paradise for kids (and animals, of course). At KidzWorld, young explorers interact with animals, engage in interactive games, and have fun. Meet goats and chickens, pet cats and rabbits, attend the Animal Buddies Theatre, get wet at Splish Splash, and more.
Orangutan Island & Boardwalk
Image Credit: mandai.com
It is deservedly considered one of the zoo's major attractions, and for good reason. This zone is the world's first free-ranging orangutan exhibit, housing both Bornean and Sumatran orangutans.
Primate Kingdom
Image Credit: mandai.com
It is probably one of the cutest areas throughout the park. The Douc Langurs, Cotton-top tamarins, white-faced saki monkeys, and other lovely species live and 'rule' each on their own island, so this zone is a true Kingdom of primates.
Reptile Garden
Image Credit: mandai.com
The Reptile Garden includes RepTopia, with more than 60 species of reptiles and amphibians, Tortoise Shell-ter, with its wise inhabitants, and Sungei Buaya, where visitors can watch the crocodiles. The Komodo dragon, Aldabra giant tortoise, and Estuarine crocodile are waiting for you.
Treetops Trail
Image Credit: mandai.com
When entering the Treetops Trail zone, siamangs greet you with their 'songs.' Watch False gharials in the water. Try to find cute Greater Mousedeers. Enjoy a stroll along the boardwalk while admiring the park's inhabitants.
Wild Africa
Image Credit: mandai.com
Finally, Wild Africa will show you its incredible pristine world with the Meerkat, Zebra, Cheetah, Giraffe, and with the African lion, of course. Besides, this is home to majestic animals and a place to learn more about Africa, its history, and heritage. So, are you ready for a true African adventure?
Singapore Zoo Things To Do
Image Credit: mandai.com
Of course, you can spend the whole day strolling through each of the zoo's incredible zones with their beautiful inhabitants, and this will be an unforgettable experience. However, the Singapore Zoo also offers exciting activities and things to do to make this visit even more interesting, educational, and fun. Let's check them together!
Wildlife Experiences
Image Credit: mandai.com
You can make your Singapore Zoo experience as wild as possible. Learn more about the zoo's inhabitants, see how they are cared for, and find out their secrets. Take a private tour on a buggy and visit some of the most popular exhibits. Then, take a behind-the-scenes tour with a Backstage Pass to plunge even deeper into this realm of wild nature.
Private tours
Image Credit: mandai.com
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Zookeeper for a Day: Kid's edition (6 to 12 years old)
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Zookeeper for a Day: Junior edition (13+ years old)
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Zoo Adventure Tour (for all ages)
Backstage pass
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RepTopia – learn more about beautiful reptiles and the threats they face, and watch the feeding session.
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Incredible Invertebrates – discover the importance of insects for our ecosystem and the ways to protect them.
Keeper Talks
Singapore Zoo keepers know everything about the zoo and its inhabitants, and they will gladly share lots of fascinating stories, intriguing secrets, and fun facts with all visitors. Learn more about elephants, chimpanzees, gibbons, African lions, Pygmy hippos, otters, lizards, and more. Zoo keepers will help you better understand the incredible world of wild nature.
Feed the Animals
Image Credit: mandai.com
It is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. You can book a feeding session online and enjoy unforgettable feelings while animals eat their favorite treats right out of your hands. Singapore Zoo's guests can experience the following feeding sessions:
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Elephant Feeding
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Giraffe Feeding
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White Rhinoceros Feeding
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Giant Tortoise Feeding
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Zebra Feeding
Presentations
The zoo's animals are not just cute and clever but also very talented, and they invite all their friends to participate in incredible Singapore Zoo shows.
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Splash Safari – A fascinating performance by a playful California sea lion. Be ready to get wet and happy.
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Into The Wild – Entertaining, inspiring, and educational. This show is a true adventure through the world of wildlife. You'll meet cute representatives from various parts of our planet and learn about their secrets.
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Animal Friends Presentation & Meet the Stars! – Watch fluffy friends as they demonstrate their talents, and don't forget to greet them after the show.
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Dance Your Heart Out! - It's time to dance! However, be ready for an uncommon dance with moves inspired by your favorite animal friends.
Events
The Singapore Zoo has three cozy venues perfect for events of all types: Forest Lodge, Pavilion-By-the-Lake, and Garden Pavilion. Besides, there are 3 cocktail venues: Elephants of Asia, Tiger Trek, and Treetops Trail. Why don't you have an unforgettable birthday party or even a wedding ceremony right in the realm of wild animals? It's going to be truly memorable.
All little adventure seekers also can join exciting events organized by the zoo.
Ranger Buddies Quest
It's not just an adventure but a real mission. Rent a pair of smart binoculars and start your exploration of the zoo through the game.
Singapore Zoo Missions:
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Animals & Us
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Animals 'Talk'
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Amazing Rainforest Animals
Wild Explorer Camp
The Mandai Wildlife Reserve invites all young explorers to join the wildest and most adventurous holiday camp. All campers aged 6 to 10 will embark on a fun-filled 3-day journey through Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, and Bird Paradise. The itinerary includes a Wild Africa Guided Tour, Animal Encounters at KidzWorld, Splash Safari Presentation, Fishy Business Behind-the-Scenes, Animal Yoga — Show us your moves!, and many other fantastic exhibits and exciting activities. Yes, lunch, a souvenir photo, and a certificate of a real camper are included, too.
Dining
The Singapore Zoo exploration takes a lot of energy, and your young adventure seekers will likely feel hungry almost at the beginning of your journey. Then, this will repeat every couple of hours (as it usually happens). Of course, it is important to refresh yourself on time since so many interesting meetings and discoveries lie ahead. Well, the Singapore Zoo has a wide range of dining venues that serve tasty, sustainably sourced meals. From local delicacies to mouthwatering sweets – there's something for every taste.
Dining at the Zoo Entrance
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KFC
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Monday to Friday: 10 AM to 7 PM
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Saturday, Sunday & PH: 9 AM to 7 PM
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Inuka Café: 8 AM to 6 PM
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Chomel Bistro: 10:30 AM to 6 PM
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Chawang Bistro: 11 AM to 6 PM
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Häagen-Dazs: 10 AM to 6 PM
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The Wild Mart: 10 AM to 6 PM
Dining in the Zoo
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Ah Meng Restaurant
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Monday to Friday: 10:30 AM to 4 PM
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Saturday, Sunday & PH: 10 AM to 4:30 PM
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Ah Meng Bistro
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Monday to Friday: 9 AM to 5 PM
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Saturday, Sunday & PH: 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM
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KFC KidzWorld
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Monday to Friday: 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM
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Saturday, Sunday & PH: 10 AM to 6 PM
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Kidzworld Café
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Monday to Friday: 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM
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Saturday, Sunday & PH: 10 AM to 6 PM
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Breakfast in the Wild
Singapore Zoo invites its friends to enjoy a unique Breakfast in the Wild. It occurs daily from 9 AM to 10:30 AM at the Ah Meng Restaurant (Terrace). Breakfast in the Wild offers not only a breakfast buffet line with local and international delicacies but also a 30-minute Animal Appearance session. Yes, you can interact with the Coatimundi, Macaw, and Orangutans and hear many heart-warming stories about wildlife while enjoying a delicious, planet-friendly breakfast spread. Be sure to take picturesque photos!
The Breakfast in the Wild menu includes Cajun Chicken & Egg Wrap, Chicken Macaroni Soup, Indian Prata, Air-Flown Salad with Capsicum, and many other tasty options.
It's such a great and delicious way to start your day!
Breakfast in the Wild details:
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Venue: Ah Meng Restaurant (Terrace)
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Time: 9 AM to 10:30 AM (Daily)
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Animal Appearance: 9:30 AM to 10 AM
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Price:
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Child (ages 6 to 12): S$35
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Adult: S$45
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Please note that you need a separate admission ticket to Singapore Zoo.
Shopping
Although your visit to the Singapore Zoo will be truly unforgettable, you can take a piece of this nature-lovers wonderland home. Various souvenirs, toys, sustainable products, customized photos, and more – you can find a whole range of gifts and nice things at the zoo's souvenir shops:
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Singapore Zoo Shop
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Monday to Friday: 9 AM to 7 PM
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Saturday, Sunday & PH: 8:30 AM to 7 PM
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KidzWorld Shop: 9:30 AM to 6 PM
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Shaw Foundation Amphitheatre Shop: 10 AM to 5:30 PM
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Singapore Zoo Photo Shop: 9 AM to 6:30 PM
Singapore Zoo Education
It seems there's no better classroom than wild nature, right? The Singapore Zoo offers various educational programs to choose from:
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Preschool
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Primary
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Secondary & Above
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Overnight Camp
Singapore Zoo FAQ
Where is the Singapore Zoo?
Address: 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826
How to get to Singapore Zoo?
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Bus/MRT – take the train to the nearest MRT station and hop on a connecting bus
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Mandai Shuttle Services – a loop shuttle service from Khatib MRT Station (NS14)
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Mandai City Express – pickup points are available around the city
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Car – the zoo is within a 30-minute drive of the city
What is the Singapore Zoo parking rate?
Cars & Goods/Service Vehicles
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First hour: S$3
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Every additional hour or part thereof: S$2/hour
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Vehicles without IU or cash card: S$10/entry
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Maximum parking charge: S$10/entry
Passenger Vans & Buses
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Every half hour or part thereof: S$10/half hour
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Maximum parking charge: S$30/entry
What are Mandai Singapore Zoo’s opening hours?
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Daily: 8:30 AM to 6 PM (Last entry at 5 PM)
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KidzWorld Opening Hours: 9 AM to 6 PM
What facilities and services are there on-site?
Facilities and services at the Singapore Zoo include:
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ATM
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Lost & Found
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Nursing Rooms
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Diaper Changing Facilities
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First Aid
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Lockers
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In-Park Wi-Fi
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And others
You can check the Mandai Singapore Zoo map for more details.
You can rent a stroller or wagon at the park, so you'll enjoy a carefree time while wandering through the zoo with your infant or toddler. Complimentary wheelchairs are also available at the park entrance.
What is the entry fee for the Singapore Zoo?
Singapore Zoo ticket price:
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Child (3 to 12): S$34
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Adult: S$49
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Senior: S$20
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Kids below 3: Free
Complimentary tram service is included.
Local residents can take advantage of the WildPass free digital program that provides discounts and special offers.
When buying Singapore Zoo tickets, you can also opt for ParkHopper Plus or 2-Park Admission tickets. ParkHopper Plus allows you to visit 4 parks for the price of 2. With the 2-Park Admission ticket, you can visit any 2 wildlife parks and save up to 30%.
You can easily book Singapore Zoo tickets online. The official website also provides the details and prices on Singapore Zoo events and activities.
We should separately note that every ticket to the Singapore Zoo helps protect wildlife: Mandai Wildlife Group is actively involved in supporting conservation projects in Singapore and across Southeast Asia – and so do you.
Guest Guide and Tips
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If you want to feed animals, you can participate in the official animal feeding program. Do not feed the zoo's inhabitants on your own - this can harm them.
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You should take photos without flash to avoid disturbing, scaring, and blinding the animals.
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Smoking in the zoo is prohibited. There's a designated smoking area outside the park's entrance.
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Adults should watch the kids and accompany them everywhere.
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And the main thing is to respect the animals. They welcome you into their world and expect all visitors to be respectful, kind, and friendly.
We highly recommend wearing comfortable clothes and shoes, insect repellent, and staying hydrated (there are water refill stations, so you just need to take your bottle). Besides, be sure to download the Mandai App. It will help you plan your perfect day at the Singapore Zoo. The app offers an itinerary around the park, provides valuable tips, and more.
Official Website: Singapore Zoo
So, is Singapore Zoo worth visiting? Absolutely yes! How many hours is the Singapore Zoo enough? We suppose one day won't be enough to explore every corner of this majestic kingdom of wild mature. It is an incredible refuge for amazing creatures by Mother Nature and an absolute must-see for young and adult animal enthusiasts. Your first visit to the Singapore Zoo certainly won't be the last one.
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