Singapore Zoo

Extinction is Forever...Conserve.

I don't know how you'll interpret that. It's the tagline used in Singapore Zoo conservation ads which are scattered all over Singapore, mostly in bus stops.

The Singapore Zoo is an open-concept zoo with close to 3,000 animals of 240+ species. The concept allows visitors to see animals in their "natural habitat".

Noted for its Orang Utan breeding programmes, the Singapore Zoo has the largest colony in the world of this endangered species.

Some famous inhabitants include the orang utan Ah Meng, who is the zoo's official mascot, the polar bear Inuka (Join the poll to express how you feel about Inuka leaving for a temperate country zoo).

Other exhibits include Asian elephants, Bengal white tigers, and African white rhinos.

The zoo recommends that taking a leisurely stroll is the ideal way to enjoy everything the zoo has to offer. I say you take the tram first and then walk later! There's a tram that will take you around the zoo. Start in the morning, at least, as a day is not enough to check out everything in the zoo.

Don't forget to bring mosquito repellant just to make sure they stay away. As the weather in Singapore tends to be hot and humid year-round, do remember to bring enough drinking water, and keep drinking throughout the day. It's always good to bring an umbrella as you'll never know when it's going to rain in the Singapore "rainforest."

Food is not a problem as there are several restaurants which includes KFC, Pizzafari, Jungle Tandoor, Jungle Flavours and Forest Fare – Asian and Western delights are available, Jungle Breakfast and Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream.

Here's a map of the Singapore Zoo. Just click on it to enlarge. This is actually the old map, but is more clear than the new one. Anyway, you can always get the latest one when you come here in Singapore.

Additions include the new Wildlife Healthcare and Research Center, free-ranging orang utans, Palm Park, and a convenience store (Cheers!).

And when darkness falls, there no other place to go but the Night Safari which is just next to the the Singapore Zoo.

Tags: zoo, animals, Singapore, wildlife, endangered species, conservation