It’s time to revisit Singapore Zoo, or explore for the first time if you haven’t been there before, because you can now meet the Falabella – gentle and affectionate miniature horses that stand at less than 76cm at the withers, shorter than your average human toddler. Unlike ponies, they have the same build, proportions, and characteristics as full-sized horses, just on a smaller scale.
You won’t find them in the wild – they are specially bred to be miniature and are typically pets or at zoos only. So if you’d like to get up close and personal with these cuties, you can now do so at the Hello from the Wild: Horse experience at Singapore Zoo.
The Hello From the Wild: Horse experience takes place at KidzWorld, Singapore Zoo. Launched on 15th February 2026, this programme is here to stay permanently, not just for the festive season.
You’ll get to interact with, groom, and learn more about the Falabella horses from 10.30am to 10.50am every Tuesday and Sunday. Each session can accommodate a group of 2 to 8 people, so bring your date or kiddos along.
Do take note of some restrictions for safety reasons – you have to be at least 1.2m to participate in this experience, and wheelchairs, strollers, and other mobility aids would not be accommodated.
Tickets are priced at $43/pax. WildPass Holders enjoy 10% off except on weekends and public holidays, and Friends of Mandai can get 20% off their tickets.
Make sure to wear closed-toed shoes and arrive at least 5 minutes before the start of the session. Alight at tram stop 4 in Singapore Zoo to get to Kidzworld.
There are cubby holes outside the enclosure for you to store your belongings and free up your hands for petting the cuties. Do remember to wash your hands with soap at the basin before and after the session.
When the session starts, you’ll be let into the Falabella enclosure, where you’ll be introduced to Fabel, Lovina, Arabella, and Flamenca – the 4 miniature horses at Singapore Zoo. They’ll also provide you with tips to make your experience safe and enjoyable, such as keeping your fingers together and hands flat, and not approaching the Falabella from the front or back to avoid scaring them.
The Falabella horses don’t just stand around; as you move and pet them, you’ll realise that they have distinct personalities.
Arabella, the greyish beige Falabella who’s around 22 to 23 years old, is the cheekiest one of the bunch. She likes to wander around and disturb visitors and keepers, mostly to check if anyone happens to be carrying carrots.
Lovina, the dark brown Falabella, is 26 years old and the mother of Fable. She’s more social and likes to walk around and play.
At 27 years old, Flamenca, the brown-and-white Falabella, is Arabella’s mother. Like Lovina, she is just as friendly and enjoys mingling and playing with the herd.
Then there’s Fable, the fully white Falabella, aged 22. She’s the introvert of the group and tends to keep to herself in the corner of the enclosure rather than mingle with the other Falabellas, but we noticed she’s much more comfortable around the trainers.
You’ll also have the chance to groom the Falabellas with 4 types of brushes, each for a different purpose, such as to brush its mane or remove dirt and fur from its body. The trainers will explain the grooming process, while the Falabellas stand still and allow you to brush their backs and hair.
At the end of the 20-minute session, say goodbye to the horses, wash your hands, and remember to retrieve your belongings before you leave.
If you’re looking for more horses to see, there’s also Buddy, the pony in the next enclosure, who shares a special bond with Fable through the fence. As Buddy’s closest friend, Fable prefers to stand near Buddy’s enclosure, and they’re often seen play-biting each other.
Get tickets to the Hello From The Wild: Horse experience.
There’s also the ongoing Breakfast in the Wild experience, where you’ll get to have a hearty buffet meal right beside the animals of Singapore Zoo. It takes place from 9am to 10.30am daily, just in time for you to fill your tummy before the Hello From The Wild: Horse experience.
But for CNY, the Falabellas will be making a special appearance in the restaurant to celebrate the Year of the Horse. You’ll be able to catch them daily till 3rd March 2026. From then on, they’ll only show up on weekends and public holidays until April.
Make sure to purchase your tickets by 3pm one day before your visit, because walk-ins are subject to availability, and the restaurant can only accommodate 200 guests. It sounds like a lot, but seats could run out fast with how popular the animals are.
This unique breakfast experience is located at Ah Meng Restaurant (Terrace), a 10-minute walk from the Singapore Zoo entrance.
Tickets are priced at $47/adult, $37/child between 6-12 years old, and free for kids under 5 with each paying adult. Entrance tickets to Singapore Zoo must be purchased separately. Friends of Mandai will get to enjoy 20% off their Breakfast in the Wild experience, and locals can also receive up to 20% off with the Singapore Zoo Admission & Breakfast in the Wild bundle.
Once you’ve arrived at Ah Meng Restaurant, you’ll be greeted by rows of mouth-watering breakfast selections. A tip is to arrive early to chope a table nearer to the outdoor terrace so you’ll get a better view of the animal presentations.
The breakfast buffet features an extensive menu of sustainably-sourced local and international cuisines, such as Sautéed Onion Chicken Chipolata, Chee Cheong Fun, Sambar Curry, and Nasi Lemak.
There are also pastries, fresh fruits, juices, cereals, and a pancake station if you’re looking for something lighter. The chef on site will prepare hot and fresh eggs the way you like them, from Poached Egg Benedict to Scrambled Egg, Fried Egg, and Mushroom Omelette.
Once you’ve filled your plate and headed back to your seats to dig in, it’s just in time for the start of the animal appearances at 9.15am. One by one, the Singapore Zoo’s wildlife ambassadors show up – the Orangutans come swinging in, and the African Penguins and Bengal Eagle Owl make their appearances.
You’ll be able to learn more about the animals over breakfast, such as where they originated from, fun facts about their species, and how to pet them.
Then comes what we’ve all been waiting for – led by a keeper, the Falabella trots in past the tables and draws quite the crowd. When we visited, Lovina was the special Falabella that showed up to charm guests at the restaurant.
If you’re done with your meal by then, queue up to snap some pictures with and give the Falabella some pets. The staff can help you take pictures with your phone, while the official photographer takes professional photos that you can purchase from The Mandai Shop before exiting the zoo.
The other animals are also there for you to grab more photo opportunities, and in some cases, pet them too. The presenters will let you know which ones can be touched and which ones you can appreciate with your eyes. If unsure, just ask.
At 10am, the animals start to make their way back to the enclosures. Continue enjoying your breakfast by grabbing second servings, or finish up the rest of your meal before heading out to explore the rest of the zoo.
Book Breakfast in the Wild.
At the end of your zoo visit, you’ll pass by The Mandai Shop, where you can purchase your photos with the Falabella and grab some adorable horse plushies ($15) to remember your encounters with the adorable miniature horses.
The Falabellas are too cute to just admire through the screen, so head down to give these cuddly creatures some love and pets. After all, it’s not very often you get to meet miniature horses.
For more fun things to do:
Photography by Ong Rui En.
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