A Glimpse of Secret at Daytime

Before becoming an international financial center from the early 1800s, Singapore used to be a rainforest-covered island. Except for its tropical climate, visitors can expose themselves to diverse wildlife and nature-based experiences, via Singapore Zoo, Bird Paradise, Night Safari, River Wonders, and Rainforest Wild ASIA, which are organised by Mandai Wildlife Reserve.

Singapore Zoo is home to more than 4,200 animals of over 300 species, of which 34% are threatened. Active in national and regional conservation projects, it is also one of the country's designated centres for rescued wildlife. Today, it is renowned for its free-ranging orangutan exhibit and dedicates special attention to threatened primates and Southeast Asian chelonians.

From diet, habitat, range, to life span, let’s unveil the mystery one by one…

Hunts in groups in horseshoe-shaped formations to drive fish to shallow waters The Gular pouch of Pelican works like a fishing net to scoop its prey. It can hold more fish than its stomach.

Males Rhinoceros mark their territory with urine, and dung heaps called middens. Females defecate on these middens, leaving behind information such as their age and reproductive status.

When an elephant steps on the ground, the heel cushion spreads out to distribute its weight and prevents it from sinking into mud. Tiptoes also act as a spring to push the foot off the ground.

West African Gaboon Viper possess the longest fangs of any venomous snake; fangs can reach 5cm in length. Skin pattern and head shape provides excellent camouflage in leaf litter homes.

When threatened, lizards try to divert its enemy’s attention with head-bobbing, push-ups, and nodding. If not, it rolls over, displaying its pale belly and splaying its short, white legs out stiffly.

Striking shell pattern serves as a means of camouflage for the Indian Star Tortoise. For some tortoises and turtles, lower incubation temperatures produce male hatchlings, and vice versa.

Born on 1 December 1977, Charlie is the oldest male Sumatran orangutan in the zoo. Observant and contemplative, he enjoys his space, swapping it with others at times for enrichment.

Like many, orangutans love durians. They seek out fruiting trees and can remember their location even after years have passed. Orangutans in the zoo enjoy durians too but only as treats.

Newborns Eastern Black-and-white Colobus have snowy white hair and a pink face. An infant's coat colour changes gradually until it takes on adult coloration at around 6 months of age.

White-handed Gibbon are monogamous. At about 6 years old, the young one leaves and starts a family. Male and female sing duets in the morning to strengthen pair bond and mark territory.

As the organisation of the five wildlife parks, Mandai Wildlife Reserve aims at caring for the planet and protecting animals and nature. The Group is driving a rejuvenation plan adjacent to Singapore's Central Catchment Nature Reserve, in order to integrate the five wildlife parks with distinctive nature-based experiences, green public spaces and an eco-friendly resort.

P.S. Waga is placed on the graves of the dead. Each represents a departed chief or family member. The eyes and the teeth are made of ostrich egg shells and ox bones respectively.

The Forest is a peculiar organism of unlimited kindness and benevolence, that makes no demands for sustenance and extends generously the products of its activity; it affords protection to all beings, offering shade even to the axeman who destroys it.

— Lord Buddha, 500 B.C.