Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, and Night Safari are some of the most iconic experiences one can have in this country. These world-class wildlife parks are only set to get bigger and better, with massive plans in place for Mandai Wildlife Reserve which when complete, will integrate five zoological parks with public green spaces, nature experiences and an eco-friendly resort.
These plans are starting to materialise with the opening of the new Bird Paradise on May 8. Visitors will also get to experience a new public node called Mandai Wildlife West, which will feature an exciting array of playgrounds, artworks, dining, and shopping options. During the soft launch period from May 8 to 26, single-park admission tickets will also be going at a special rate. Read on to find out what you can expect at these two new attractions and for information about how to secure your tickets.
More to expect at Bird Paradise
As early as October 2022, we teased with details about the new Bird Paradise. The 17-hectare park is now home to more than 3,000 birds from over 400 avian species, all of which have made the successful move from their former home at Jurong Bird Park. We know that there will be eight stunning, walk-through aviaries modelled after the different biomes of the world – think African rainforests, South African wetlands, and Australian dry eucalypt forests. This is where you can walk among free-flying birds, including some of the world's most threatened species and one of the largest populations of Hornbills under human care.
Here are more key highlights:
New avian shows
Loved the old Kings of the Skies and High Flyers presentations at Jurong Bird Park? You can look forward to similar avian shows at Bird Paradise – just given some tweaks and upgrades. Called Predators on Wings and Wings of the World, this will be your chance to witness the amazing talent of some stunning bird species.
Go behind the scenes with zookeepers
With 3,000 bird species under its wing, Bird Paradise would need a robust vet team to keep all the animals in tip-top condition. Book a backstage pass to the Avian Healthcare and Research Centre and see the vets in action. You can also visit the Avian Breeding and Research Centre to learn all about the park's conversation breeding programmes for threatened bird species. Bird Paradise has more tours planned, so there's a lot to look forward to.
Feeding sessions
Get up close with the birds at Bird Paradise while contributing to conservation programmes across the region. For a small fee of $8 – which will be donated to projects that Mandai Wildlife Group supports – you'll get to join feeding sessions for species like starlings, African hornbills, pelicans, and lories.
Mandai Wildlife West
Mandai Wildlife Group also announced the launch of Mandai Wildlife West, a free-to-enter public space that serves as your welcome to Bird Paradise and the upcoming Rainforest Wild. You won't miss the entrance to this section of the park – it's preceded by a majestic 85-metre-long entry archway called Forest Gateway as well as a 10-metre-tall waterfall inspired by Indonesia's Madakaripura waterfall.
Mandai Wildlife West itself will include lush, green play zones inspired by the native Sunda Pangolin. Gambol about at Pangolin Adventure and Pangolin Hideout, which has special features to encourage pangolin-like movements like burrowing and climbing. More educational-oriented zones, like the Forest Stream, Ephytic Cluster, and Foraging Trail will transport you into the diverse flora of mangroves, forests, and other ecosystems.
Hungry? Get scrumptious mains and delicious desserts in one stop, at a new multi-concept store housing Luke's Lobster, Leckerbaer, and Mr Holmes Bakehouse. When the weather's sweltering, you can also head to Birds of Paradise for its signature botanical-inspired gelatos. Otherwise, there's a whole bevy of fast food joints, family-friendly venues, and snack kiosks like A&W, Collins, Old Chang Kee, and Starbucks.
When and how to pre-book your tickets
Bird Paradise will be opening pre-bookings to the park from April 24 onwards at mandai.com/en/bird-paradise.html. For the soft launch period between May 8 to May 26, single-park admission tickets will be going at a special rate of $38 for adults, $23 for children (three to 12 years old), and $20 for senior citizens. Visits from May 27 onwards will be at the full price of $48 for adults, $33 for children (three to 12 years old), and $20 for senior citizens. The park will be open daily from 9am to 6pm, with the last admission into the park at 5pm.
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