Trip to River Safari, Singapore

Red Panda

I was thrilled when the news reported about two years ago that Singapore was building River Safari- a river-themed wild life park that showcases river dwelling animals. The stars of the new park are the two Giant Pandas-Kai Kai and Jia Jia,loaned to Singapore from China for a period of 10 years. Other exotic creatures include the Red Pandas, Chinese Giant Salamanders, Sturgeons, Mekong Giant Catfish, Mississippi Paddlefish, Alligator Gars, Manatees and many others. The new park is an addition to the main Zoo (The Singapore Zoo) and The Night Safari which is great news for animals' enthusiasts like us. It is sometimes deem a wonder to think that such a small country like Singapore can house three Zoos at one time.

Elated children hugging "Kai Kai"

Rivers of the World signage

Alligator Gars

Courtesy of the free park entrance tickets from my Company, I brought my family to the River Safari. The route in the park is very orderly as it led us through Mississippi River-Congo River-River Nil--Ganges River-Mekong River-Murray River and Yangtze River where the Giant Pandas are housed in an air-conditioned enclosure. A long bridge across a river brought us to Wild Amazonia which includes the Amazon River Quest, Squirrel Monkey Forest and the Amazon Flooded Forest. The Amazon River Quest at Wild Amazonia was not ready at my time of visit. It is supposedly to bring visitors in a boat ride experience to the river-dwelling animals at their natural habitats and behavior. I was very much anticipating this ride and can't wait for it to be ready by end of the year.

Paddlefish

Mekong River with Giant Catfish Display

Lesser Adjutant Stork

Unlike many others, the highlight of my visit was not the Pandas. I have seen them many times at the Hong Kong Ocean Park. They are adorable but lazy and not very active. It was no surprise that you often saw the same Panda lazing at the same spot in the same position on different visits. What is not to be missed at the River Safari is surely the Amazon Flooded Forest. Here is where you can see the malicious man-eating Red-bellied Piranhas , dangerous high voltage Electric Eel and the industrial Giant Otters. It also housed the largest fresh water aquarium tank in the world. Manatees (aka Dugong or Sea Cows), Arapaimas (largest fresh water fish) and other exotic species are the residents of the big tank. We could never get tired of admiring the water creatures dancing and gliding gracefully in the enormous tank. Unless you dive into the Amazon River(and brave the hungry Piranhas), there is simply no chance in our life time that we can witness the underwater scene that beheld us at the Amazon Flooded Forest. 

Chinese Giant Salamander

Squirrel Monkey

Arapaima at Amazon Flooded Forest

Manatees

My family, young and elderly alike, has enjoyed our day at Singapore new attraction. We will be back when the Wild Amazonia's boat ride is ready. If you are interested, this is River Safari official website. 

Related Posts: The Singapore Zoo

Red-bellied Piranha

Lazing Panda-Kai Kai

Enjoying their visit. My daughter (1st from right) with cousins Amanda and Dave

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The Singapore Zoo

Zebra

I hold fond memories of the Singapore Zoo and lost count of the number of times I have been there. The happiest moments in my childhood days were always been paying the Zoo a visit.  My daughter has inherited my animals watching genes whereas my wife has slowly but surely picking up the interest due to my undying influence :-).

 Warthog

 Greater Flamingos

Chimpanzee

Proboscis Monkey

The Singapore Zoo has been rated one of the best in the World (and the best Rainforest Zoo) and not many people would want to debate that. The premise holds many exotic animals like the Organ-utans, Komodo Dragons, White Tigers, Proboscis Monkeys, Pygmy Hippos and the list goes on and on. The open concept where most animals are left to roam freely (within well-hidden barricades) instead of being caged up in tight spaces have won praises from many visitors.

All the Animals' shows like the "Splash Safari Show" and the "Rainforest Fights Back Show" are to educate people on the importance of protecting the environment and animals. My family has not get tired of the shows although we have watched them a number of time.

Lioness

White Tiger

Manatee

My daughter's favourite place in the Zoo must have been the Rainforest Kidzworld. Beside getting close proximity with the farm animals, she could choose to have some watery fun at the Wet Play Area. She would also not forget about the Pony Ride, Wild Animal Carousel Ride and the Horse Carriage Ride.

Pony Ride

Horse Carriage Ride

Orang-utan

Many animals right activists will still criticize the concept of the Zoo as it still ultimately deprives the animals of their freedom in the wild. But without the Zoo, many city dwellers like us would not be able to witness so many wondrous and majestic creatures in this earth.

It also imparts to us on how selfish human has become and how our existence has threatened and even caused the extinction of many species in this World. The Zoo experience has actually taught us to spare thoughts for the other animals and also on how we can contribute to protect them.

Pygmy Hippo

Naked Mole Rat

Leopard

I am very sure you will enjoy the same fun and fruitful experience like my family if you ever pay the Singapore Zoo a visit. Do also pay a visit to the nearby Night Safari and the River Safari (opening in December 2012) where the Giant Pandas-Jia Jia and Kai Kai are housed. Our last week visit to the Singapore Zoo is surely not our last. We will be back :-)

Flying Fox

Komodo Dragon

Lemur

Mouse Deer

For those interested, this is the official site of the Singapore Zoo.

Related Posts: River Safari, Singapore

Scenic view of Seletar Reservoir from the Zoo

Family Photo

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