A day at the Singapore Zoo

Walking into the Singapore Zoo one bright humid morning, we were in for a surprise. If like me, you think Zoos are cruel, confining animals in small enclosures, when they should roam free in their natural habitat, then the Singapore Zoo would surely change the way you feel. Unlike most traditional zoos, the animals, birds and reptiles seem to live it up here, as they roam free in their carefully re-created natural habitat. The thickly wooded zoo is so well preserved that it is difficult to tell where each enclosure ends and the shrubbery begins. And like most places in Singapore, the Zoo too leaves a lasting impression on you.

Even as you enter the Zoo, your first stop is the Primate Kingdom - Siamang and Saki Monkeys in a most natural environment possible. As you cross a wooden bridge over the Treetop Trail, there they are hanging from branches, swaying with the trees and munching leaves and fruits, and peering at you through curious eyes. Looking at them I had a most certain feeling that they were surely enjoying all the attention, as they posed for photographs sitting on the signboards.

Tall trees, long wild grasses, gingers, palms and bamboos forming a lush rainforest-like ambience provide the best possible habitat for the inmates of the Primate Kingdom. Among the vast collection here are the Spider Monkeys, Gibbons, Chimpanzees and Mandrills, housed in moated islands that contain a variety of freshwater fish including the colourful Koi and the South American Arapiama the largest freshwater fish in the world which can grow up to 4 metres in length. Also sharing the limelight are the Hamadryas Baboons from the Great Rift Valley of Ethiopa, - the pride of the Singapore zoo.

The Singapore Zoo is surely not the largest in Asia (our own Vandalur zoo is), but it definitely is the best landscaped one. For the sheer reason that you can see so much wildlife in such a compact area, in the best conducive environment, among the cleanest of surroundings. The best way to see the zoo would be to stroll through the road, armed with the zoo map which tells you where each enclosure is. You can take the Panorail or tram if you are in an awful hurry or if you are keen on seeing the zoo in a jiffy. Otherwise, the best way would be to walk, as the Zoo is surprisingly pleasant even on a hot summer day. Watch out for free-ranging monkeys, squirrels, monitor lizards, peacocks and birds that may cross your path now and then!

Most enclosures (if you can call them that) here are surrounded by moats that are full of freshwater fishes. Across one such enclosure are the Gibbons the trapeze artists of the zoo, swinging to and fro from the branches on robust arms. They make a strange whistling sound as they call out to each other. Almost all animals here and their food and maintenance are sponsored by leading Corporates and MNCs, but it was touching to note that a wooden seat  near the Gibbon enclosure is dedicated to the memory of a 3 year old who loved it here.

Orangutans are a lovable lot and here they are, lounging on the logs and swaying from the ropes. These gentle creatures are one of the prime attractions of the Singapore Zoo, as they have been successfully bred here. Avid fruit-eaters, you can catch them tucking into a luscious Durian during feeding time, and the urge to reach out and cuddle an Orangutan could be irresistible.

Singapore zoo has an amazing reptile garden thats truly one of its kind. Here you can see a wide variety of venomous and non-venomous snakes the King Cobra, the African spitting cobra, the coral snake, vipers, boas, pythons the list is truly enormous. The walk-through reptile exhibit is especially unique as you can stop to spot the snakes and lizards through the shrubbery and rub shoulders with pythons, whip snakes, iguanas, water dragons and tortoises or hastily re-trace your steps as most city slickers do. A splendid collection of Lizards which includes the endangered Komodo Dragon from Indonesia, the largest lizard in the world, and the beaded Gila Monster the most deadliest of Lizards can also be seen here.

Feeding time at the Sea Loin and Manatee enclosure could be such fun as the sea lions prance about with their tricks, while the air is filled with loud squeals of delight from the kids around. The Penguins are housed in a simulated iceland, and these walking birds are just as curious as the kids pressing their noses at their glass wall. Not far from here is the Polar Bear Under Water exhibit, where you can watch the bears dive under water for food.

The Cat Country has majestic African lions lazing around in the shade of the trees, occasionally obliging the eager visitor with a photograph. You can catch a closer view of the big cats from the Lion viewing chamber, built inside their enclosure. Singapore zoo also has many other cats like the muscular Jaguars and Pumas, agile Cheetahs and other wild cats.

At the Fragile Forest, are a wonderful collection of butterflies, dragon flies, beatles and other creepy crawlies, unique to the tropical rain forests of Singapore. The walk-through Butterfly enclosure here is the largest in the world, and an equally good collection can be found at the Butterfly Park at Sentosa Island.

A sure stop on the jaunt around the zoo is the Childrens World Playland complete with play equipment and a Kids pool to prance around and cool off. Nearby is the Pets Corner, which has a delightful collection of domestic and farm animals and birds. Kids will surely love it here.

On the way to the Primate Kingdom, the land of the monkeys, is the Garden with a view - a well-laid park at the water edge, with an artistically built pillared pavilion, that could be used for hosting parties or even weddings. The view from here is so picture-perfect, this could be the ideal dream location for many an occasion. Providing the right ambience, are free ranging flocks of pink-legged Flamingoes and Cranes, wading through the water.

At the Elephants of Asia enclosure, built along the tranquil waters of the Seletar Reservoir, you can hitch a ride on the elephants jungle safari style if you are lucky, or watch the pachyderms at feeding time. The souvenir shop here is so loaded with goodies, you wouldnt know what to take back. But the best souvenir of all would be the wonderful memories of this well-maintained zoo and its residents. But if you are still not convinced that its souvenir enough, you can pose with the Orangs or Boas for a photo op of a lifetime, and even get the snap printed on a T-Shirt, all inside the zoo itself!!!

Just across the exit is the Night safari park and a half-hour drive away is the Jurong Bird Park the living icon of Singapore. But the Zoo itself demands a full days exploration, while the others are a different story altogether. But for those of us who live in concrete jungles, the Singapore Zoo is a real eye-opener.

Fabiola Jacob