The zoo invites visitors to look back on 50 years of unforgettable experiences with wildlife and commemorate the “ZOO-bilee” with new memories.
On 27 June 2023, Singapore Zoo will mark 50 monumental years of connecting people with wildlife, and its evolution as a zoological institution dedicated to animal care and conservation.
Mike Barclay, Group CEO of Mandai Wildlife Group, mentioned, “Kinship and community are the hallmarks of this Golden ZOObilee. We pay tribute to the generations who have looked after the animals under our care, the cohorts of dedicated staff who have worked hard to sustain this world-class zoological institution, and the millions of guests as well as generous donors who have enabled Singapore Zoo to go from strength to strength over the last 50 years.”
The Zoo’s History
Singapore Zoo opened in 1973 and is now renowned throughout the world for its open-concept design. The most popular Fragile Forest is where close to 50 species – from birds to mammals – freely roam the biodome, and where the first free-roaming Orangutan exhibit in the world opened in 2006.
Starting out with just 272 animals across 72 species 50 years ago, Singapore Zoo today is home to more than 4,200 animals from over 300 species.
Animals that have left an indelible mark in the hearts and minds of Singaporeans include Ah Meng the Sumatran Orangutan, Inuka the first Polar Bear born in the tropics and Omar the White Tiger.
Singapore Zoo was the first zoo in Asia, outside of its native home of Indonesia, to successfully breed the endangered Komodo Dragon.
Going further back in time, Singapore Zoo celebrated its first Orangutan birth in 1975, slightly more than two years after the zoo opened. It was rare for the species to have offspring under human care, and since then the zoo has had more than 44 Orangutan babies.
The zoo regularly engages people from all walks of life through conservation and sustainability education to foster an appreciation for wildlife. In addition to partnering schools on multi-disciplinary learning journeys where Singapore Zoo serves as a living classroom, it has also made its way into story books as curriculum-recommended reading resources.
Celebrating 50 years With A Zoo-per Fun line-up
ART-ZOO Happy ZOObilee runs from 27 May to 27 August 2023.
Animal Sculptures
8 bespoke animal sculptures have been created especially for this commemorative edition. It will be hard to miss the larger-than-life inflatables and 2D sculptures of Jubilee the Rothschild’s Giraffe, Astove the Aldabra Giant Tortoise, Komali the Asian Elephant, Minah and Bubu the Pygmy Hippos, Bunny the Linne’s Two-toed Sloth, Izara the Grevy’s Zebra, Hoepel the White Rhino, and Ah Meng the Sumatran Orangutan.
Activities For Children
Besides snapping photos along the Instagrammable Happy ZOObilee trail, children can interact with tactile play elements to know more about their favourite animals. End the trail at the 21-metre-long inflatable art playground, with other fringe activities including animal interaction sessions and craft workshops.
Mandai Wildlife Run
Previously known as the Safari Zoo Run which started in 2009 in memory of Ah Meng, the event makes a return after a 3-year hiatus. Pick up the pace with the Mandai Wildlife Run which will take place on 23 and 24 September 2023.
The Mandai Wildlife Run provides a unique opportunity for participants to run in Singapore Zoo, River Wonders and Night Safari while taking in the sights and sounds of nature.
There will be something for everyone with all-new race categories for seniors, as well as health and wellness activities, sustainability-themed workshops and up-close animal interactions.
Every sign-up comes with Conservation Included, where a portion of proceeds goes towards supporting conservation projects locally and in the region.
Registration starts on 27 June 2023.
Backstage Pass
Singapore Zoo will be launching Backstage Pass – Incredible Invertebrates on 6 August 2023. This new tour will take participants behind the scenes of Fragile Forest to discover the role of insects in our ecosystem.
Hear all about the fascinating invertebrates which make up 95 percent of the animal kingdom, and get hands-on with activities like releasing newly-unfurled beauties into the Butterfly Aviary.
Guests can book this Backstage Pass from 6 July 2023.
Zoo Adventure Tour: ZOObilee edition
In the meantime, keep a lookout for the Zoo Adventure Tour: ZOObilee edition from 27 June to 27 August 2023. The private buggy tour will incorporate key highlights of the zoo’s history, on top of animal interaction and feeding sessions. Guests can explore the park with their specially curated handbook.
Tour bookings open on 27 May 2023.
Wild Explorer Camp
Also, check out the 2-day Wild Explorer Camp from 1 to 2 June and 8 to 9 June 2023 for young ones aged 6 to 10 years.
Parents can sign their children up for a fun-filled wildlife experience at Singapore Zoo and River Wonders during the holidays, where they will get to embark on guided tours and meet animal ambassadors.
For more information visit www.mandai.com
