Toy Doctor by Mandai Wildlife Reserve
At Mandai Wildlife Reserve, most of us think of real animals roaming around. But beyond attractions like the falabella experience at Singapore Zoo and adorable pandas at River Wonders, there’s now a spot dedicated to your stuffed animals too. Toy Doctor by Mandai Wildlife Reserve has just opened its doors, giving your chou chou a chance at a little TLC.
What is Toy Doctor?
Toy Doctor by Mandai Wildlife Reserve is a “hospital” that specialises in cleaning and restoring soft toys. You can book a session and bring your beloved plushies here for cleaning, and try out some of their hands-on activities while you’re there.
The hospital is helmed by 2 “head doctors”, who started with teddy bear artistry and toy crafting in 1996, before transitioning to soft toy restoration and cleaning in 2016. Safe to say, with decades of experience under their belt, your precious plushies will be in good hands.
What to expect at Toy Doctor?
Toy Treatments
Image credit: Mandai Wildlife Reserve
If you’ve noticed your soft toys at home looking a little worn out, or you just want your favourite chou chou to last a few more years, take them to Toy Doctor for Toy Treatments. You’ll first check in at the counter before bringing your plushie in for the cutest consultation ever, where the doctor will recommend a treatment plan to get your fluffy friend back in shape.
You may have to leave your plush babies in the hospital for a while, but seeing them looking fresh and healthy will be worth the separation anxiety. Treatments include patching up your plushies, redoing the stuffing, and getting them looking as good as new by the time you return to bring them home.
Image credit: Mandai Wildlife Reserve
For instance, get your plushie a Transfusion (from $60), where the doctors will restuff your baby with premium polyester, or you can request a different kind of stuffing, such as featherly polyester or microfoam beads.
And don’t let your soft toy walk out looking like it’s been through battle. An Organ Transplantation, such as an eye or nose replacement, starts from $80. But if your stuffed toy is truly beyond saving, there’s even the option to clone it from $450, so your well-loved companion can live on in a fresh new form.
Toy workshops & experiential activities
Analyse a giant teddy bear’s insides when you become a Toy Doctor For A Day.
Image adapted from: @j_and_a_dventures via Instagram, Mandai Wildlife Reserve
Step into the hospital ward and try your hand at being a toy doctor with their toy workshops and experiential activities. Learn basic sewing and plush care skills with Toy Doctor For A Day ($35), or find out about different kinds of stuffing with the Inside Out Challenge ($35).
Image credit: Mandai Wildlife Reserve
There’s even the chance to freshen up your soft toys yourself with the help of the doctors on site. Join the Plush Rejuvenation Workshop ($50) to give your fuzzy friend a glow-up, or bring home a new buddy when you Build Your Own Plush ($35).
How to get to Toy Doctor at Mandai Wildlife Reserve
Image credit: Mandai Wildlife Resort
You can find Toy Doctor at Mandai Wildlife EAST.
To get there via public transport, hop on Bus 972 from Choa Chu Kang MRT, or Bus 138 from Ang Mo Kio MRT or Springleaf MRT. Make sure you alight at the Singapore Zoo (#48131) bus stop so you don’t find yourself on the other side of the reserve.
Alternatively, take Shuttle Bus M2 from Khatib MRT, which will take you straight to Mandai Transport Hub Coach Bay Lot #3 at Mandai Wildlife EAST.
Once you’ve found your way to Mandai Wildlife EAST, make your way to the Exploria building, where you’ll find adorable signs leading you to the doctor’s office.
Freshen up your soft toys at Toy Doctor
Throwing out your battered chou chous is unthinkable to many, and that’s why fixing them up is a great way to keep your companion going for as long as possible. The hands-on workshops and activities here are kid-friendly too, so bring both your plushie and your actual children along.
Book a session at Toy Doctor by Mandai Wildlife Reserve
Address: 80 Mandai Lake Road, Exploria, #01-17 (Mezzanine level), Mandai Wildlife EAST, Singapore 729825
Opening hours: 10am-7pm, Daily
Contact: Toy Doctor website
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Cover image adapted from: Mandai Wildlife Reserve, @j_and_a_dventures via Instagram