The Mandai Wildlife Reserve is set to offer fresh experiences at both the Night Safari and Singapore Zoo. As the world’s first nocturnal animal park celebrates 30 years of connecting people to diverse animal species, a new 280-meter walking trail is set to be unveiled. Visitors can look forward to encountering around a dozen different animal species, including the Sunda pangolin, slow loris, binturong, oriental small-clawed otter, and spotted giant flying squirrel.
Night Safari’s New Pangolin Trail
Night Safari, which became the first zoological facility in the world to successfully care for and breed the Sunda pangolin, will introduce the first fully sheltered walking trail. This new Pangolin Trail will allow guests to explore the jungle and its nocturnal inhabitants under all weather conditions. The trail, easily accessible from the park’s entrance, highlights the Sunda pangolin, a species native to Singapore and Southeast Asia, which has been a focus of Mandai Wildlife Group’s conservation efforts. The group’s veterinary team has treated over 200 wild pangolins in the past decade and is embarking on a breeding program for the species in human care.
Conservation Efforts at Night Safari
Forty-one percent of the animals at Night Safari are threatened with extinction in the wild. The park is actively involved in international global breeding programs to prevent species extinction. The Sunda pangolin is one of 20 species identified for conservation under the One Plan Approach, a collaborative effort between government bodies, international conservation partners, and local communities to restore species populations within and outside their natural ranges.
Celebrating Chawang
In a majestic tribute to Night Safari’s anniversary, Chawang, the park’s iconic Asian bull elephant, will be showcased in a brand-new habitat. Enrichment features such as a ‘stable grazer’ that releases hay at random times will encourage Chawang to forage more actively, benefiting his health and increasing his visibility to guests. A look-out deck accessible on foot will allow visitors to observe Chawang up close.
Singapore Zoo’s Rejuvenation Masterplan
Meanwhile, Singapore Zoo is planning exciting developments under its rejuvenation masterplan. A new marine coastal habitat for Californian sea lions and African penguins is set to open in 2027. The existing sea lion and penguin exhibits have been closed since 15 July 2024 to make way for this new experience, which will be the zoo’s first underwater-viewing habitat integrated with a food and beverage venue. This mixed-species exhibit will also feature harbor seals, marking their debut in Singapore. Diners at the first-level restaurant will enjoy underwater views of the marine mammals, while the upper-level bistro will offer vantage views of the sea lions basking in their habitat.
Breakfast in the Wild and New Banquet Hall
The upper floor outside the bistro will host Singapore Zoo’s signature dining program, Breakfast in the Wild. This design incorporates the surrounding tree-line where orangutans explore the tree canopy. From an elevated terrace, diners can observe the animals and interact with keepers to learn about the orangutans and other species.
Additionally, a new banquet hall with approximately 400 seats, almost twice the size of the zoo’s current Forest Lodge event space, will accommodate larger groups. Outside this banquet hall, spaces will be available for curated experiences, including animal interactions.
Mandai Wildlife Reserve continues to innovate and enhance visitor experiences while prioritizing conservation and education, making it a premier destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
