As we welcome the Year of the Snake in 2025, Singapore’s Mandai Wildlife Reserve is pulling out all the stops to make this Lunar New Year unforgettable. From 28 January to 12 February 2025, the Mandai Wildlife Reserve is hosting a series of exciting activities across its wildlife parks, offering visitors a chance to learn about snakes, enjoy festive performances, and even meet the God of Fortune.
In this article, we’ll explore seven must-do activities at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve this Lunar New Year, perfect for families, animal lovers, and anyone looking to celebrate the season uniquely.
Meet the Reptile Ambassadors at Singapore Zoo
Kick off your visit with a trip to Singapore Zoo, where you can get up close and personal with some of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve’s star reptiles. Don’t miss the Festive Star Animal Keeper Talk and Feeding sessions, where you’ll learn fascinating facts about the king cobra, one of the world’s most iconic and venomous snakes.
For a more hands-on experience, join the Festive Meet-and-Greet at RepTopia, where you can interact with ambassador species like the vibrant Honduran milk snake. These sessions are educational and a great way to appreciate the beauty and importance of these often misunderstood creatures.
Learn About the Green Anaconda at River Wonders
Head over to River Wonders to meet the green anaconda, one of the largest snakes in the world. During the Festive Star Animal Keeper Talk, you’ll discover how these massive reptiles thrive in their natural habitat and why they play a crucial role in the ecosystem.
While there, don’t miss the Dive into Prosperity sessions, where aquarists dressed in traditional red feed aquatic animals like the giant freshwater stingray. It’s a festive twist that adds a touch of Lunar New Year magic to your visit.
Explore the Night Safari’s Enrichment Activities
For a truly unique experience, visit the Night Safari and observe the cave racer and carpet python engaging in sensory enrichment activities. These specially designed tasks help keep the snakes mentally and physically stimulated, and you’ll see their natural behaviours up close.
The Festive TwiLIGHT Performance is another highlight, featuring a dazzling LED show with Lunar New Year greetings. It’s the perfect way to end your day at the reserve.
Join the Lunar New Year Scavenger Hunt at Bird Paradise
If you’re up for a challenge, head to Bird Paradise for the Lunar New Year Ssscavenger Hunt. This fun activity will take you around the park as you uncover interesting facts about the relationship between snakes and birds. Complete the hunt, and you’ll stand a chance to redeem exclusive pins!
Enjoy Auspicious Greetings and Lion Dance Performances
No Lunar New Year celebration is complete without auspicious greetings and lion dance performances. At Singapore Zoo, the Californian sea lion will deliver festive messages during the Splash Safari presentation. Meanwhile, River Wonders and Bird Paradise will host vibrant lion dance performances with the chance to meet the God of Fortune.
Discover Your Zoo-diac Predictions
Are you curious about what the Year of the Snake has in store for you? Check out the zoo-diac predictions displayed at various locations across the parks. These fun and insightful predictions offer a glimpse into the year ahead and tips on making the most of it.
Take Part in Digital Quizzes and Win Prizes
For tech-savvy visitors, the Mandai App offers special Lunar New Year Digital Quizzes at Singapore Zoo and River Wonders. Test your knowledge of animals and Lunar New Year customs, and stand a chance to win exclusive prizes like mandarin orange bags.
Why You Should Visit Mandai Wildlife Reserve This Lunar New Year
The Mandai Wildlife Reserve is more than just a place to see animals; it’s a destination where you can learn, celebrate, and create lasting memories. With activities designed for all ages, it’s the perfect way to ring in the Year of the Snake while gaining a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
Plan Your Visit
The Lunar New Year activities at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve run from 28 January to 12 February 2025. Local residents with the free WildPass digital membership can enjoy up to 20% off admission, while the first 188 guests on select days will receive an exclusive zodiac “gold coin”.
For more information, visit www.wildcny.sg.