Singapore Zoo: SG’s Beloved Childhood Attraction With Over 300 Species & New Adventure Tours

Singapore Zoo guide

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The Singapore Zoo is an attraction most of us would have grown up with thanks to family outings and school excursions. Apart from being a part of our core childhood memories, Singapore Zoo was also once home to national mascots and icons like Ah Meng and Inuka the polar bear, who have earned a place in many Singaporeans’ hearts. 

Here’s our guide to the Singapore Zoo, including a short history lesson on this zoo loved by generations.

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Singapore Zoo ticket prices

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Singapore residents enjoy discounted rates on tickets, but remember to bring your ID for verification!

Ticket type		Price
Singapore residents	Adult	$44.10
	Child (Ages 3-12)	$30.60
	Senior Citizen (Ages 60 and above)	$20
Non-residents	Adult	49
	Child (Ages 3-12)	$34

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History of the Singapore Zoo

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The Singapore Zoo officially turned 50 in 2023, since it opened to the public on 27th June 1973. It started out with just 270 animals and has since grown to a whopping 4,200 inhabitants across more than 300 species.

The White Tiger enclosure is styled after the tropical forests they’re native to, with a moat for them to swim in.
Image credit: @sonali.mavekar via Instagram 

In 1987, rare animals like the Golden Snub-nosed Monkey and White Tiger were on loan from other zoos around the world, introducing Singaporeans to lesser-known species. Today, only the White Tigers remain on display for the zoo’s visitors to marvel at. 

Ah Meng Bistro, a tribute to the zoo’s beloved resident. 

And of course, most Singaporeans would remember Ah Meng – quite possibly our zoo’s most famous resident till this day. You’ll see tributes to the beloved orangutan when you visit today – such as a life-sized bronze statue and Ah Meng Bistro. 

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Must-see attractions at the Singapore Zoo

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Singapore Zoo’s grounds are now part of the bigger Mandai Wildlife Reserve, which has evolved to house several other attractions like River Wonders, Night Safari and the brand-new Bird Paradise.

There are a total of 12 zones housing animals according to their native continents, from Australia and Africa to Asia. Hop on a free buggy tour, which you can catch from 4 stations across the zoo. The tram runs at 3-5 minute intervals, and will take you to these attractions: 

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1. Wild Africa

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If your lifelong dream is to head to a safari in Africa, Singapore Zoo’s Wild Africa zone comes a close second. Here, you’ll see animals native to the continent such as zebras, red river hogs, African painted dogs, and meerkats.

There are also wildlife encounters such as animal feeding – for the giraffes, white rhino, and zebras – at $8 per feeding portion. If you want to learn more about your favourite animals here, join one of the keeper talks. There are daily ones for the fossa, African lion, meerkat, and African painted dog. 

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2. Fragile Forest

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Next up, the Fragile Forest, which is home to animals from different equatorial rainforests around the world. Look out for the golden lion tamarin, lesser mousedeer, white-faced saki monkey, and Malayan flying fox. 

Watch your step – because there might just be a spotted whistling duck waddling next to you. You can also hike up to a viewing platform and get face-to-face with Malayan flying foxes and adorable lemurs.

Lastly, don’t miss the butterfly aviary – you’ll give surrounded by these magical insects here. Keep an eye out for Clipper butterfly, a beautiful species that has become extinct in Singapore’s nature reserves. 

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3. Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia

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Image credit: Mandai Wildlife Group

This next one has Lion King vibes. Get a taste of the majestic Ethiopian landscape at the Landscape Of The Rift Valley. Here, you’ll see animals such as the Hamadryas baboons, a herd of Nubian ibexes, meerkats, and rock hyraxes. 

Image credit: Mandai Wildlife Group

You’ll also pass by some stone-walled huts that are replicas of Konso and Amharic villages in Ethiopia. Who says you can’t “travel the world” without leaving the country? 

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4. Animal Friends Show

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What’s a day at the zoo without catching at least one animal show, right? 

One we’d recommend is the Animal Friends Show. Get familiar with the stars here, such as golden retrievers Benji and Buddy, Singapore Special Hope, and snow-white Japanese Spitz Katie and George. 

We even got to meet Katie and George after the show.

Besides the doggos, you’ll also meet birds, mice, and cats. Most of these animals were once abandoned pets who are now uber talented performers. 

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5. Wildlife Healthcare and Research Centre

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Aside from watching and interacting with the animals, visitors can also stand a chance to head down to the Wildlife Healthcare and Research Centre for an up-close and personal view of the animal surgery and treatment area. 

Here’s where animals are treated if they’re sick, rescued animals are rehabilitated and young animals are born. There are also interactive displays where visitors can educate themselves on the roles and responsibilities of the zoo’s vets.

Simply sign up to be a wildlife doctor at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve Singapore.

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How to get to the Singapore Zoo

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• By MRT: The closest MRT station is Khatib, where you can catch the Mandai Khatib Shuttle Bus that takes you directly to the zoo.
• By public bus: Otherwise, you can take buses 927 or 138, which will take you to the S’pore Zoo bus stop.
• By Mandai City Express bus: This shuttle bus operates from Thursdays to Sundays, and stops by various pickup points throughout the city centre. You can view the full bus schedule on the Mandai Wildlife Reserve website.
• By car: Those who are driving can park at car park 2, which is closest to the zoo. If you’re visiting the bird paradise as well, you can also park at car park 1. Rates are charged at $3 for the first hour and $2 for every extra hour.

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Visiting Singapore Zoo

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From interactive shows to observing the creatures in their natural habitats, go on a day out to escape the concrete jungle of Singapore and rediscover nature while you’re at it. Plus, the close proximity of Bird Paradise, River Safari and Night Safari means that you can easily hop from attraction to attraction to discover even more wildlife.

More guides to fun things to do outdoors in Singapore: 

• What to do outdoors in nature in Singapore
• Water activities in S’pore
• Overnight camping hacks
• HydroDash Sentosa
• Punggol Golf Driving Range

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Last updated by Shannon Lee on 1st September 2024.