CHILDREN'S WORLD

The 3-hectare Children's World is divided into Play Land and Animal Land. A 10 minute miniature train ride links both "Lands" together. Play Land provides the opportunity for children to utillise the conventinal play equipment, while at Animal Land, domesticated animals such as cows, sheep, goats, rabbits, pigs, horses, ducks and geese are on display. Children can have 'hands on' experience with chicks, rabbits and some baby animals at Pets' Corner. Don't miss out on the Animal Friends' show that's sure to keep the kids entertained.

PRIMATE KINGDOM

The 1-hectare kingdom houses approximately 100 primates of 11 species. These include the lion-tailed macaques, patas or Hussar monkeys, celebes apes, colobus monkeys and capuchins.

The water moats are home to various species of fish which include Japanese carp and the giant arapaima (from South Africa, one of the largest freshwater fish in the world which can grow to 2.5m.)

WILD AFRICA

A prime example typifying different species of animals residing harmoniously in on habitat as in in the wild. You will find the white-tailed gnu displayed with gemsbok and the zebras resides with the scimitar-horned oryx.

SPECIAL ENCLOSURE FOR LOAN ANIMALS (SPH ENCLOSURE)

The special loan enclosure marked the beginning of a new marketing trend in displaying rare animals on loan for a short term. The animals displayed cannot otherwise be on permanent display at the Zoo. The enclosure comprises of an air-conditioned area and a larger outdoor area. The glass-fronted enclosure can be landscaped to suit the different animals on display. The first to be displayed were the rare golden monkeys from China in 1987. These were followed by the white tiger from Cincinnati Zoo, USA in 1988, the Russian brown bears from Soviet Union in 1989, the highly endangered giant Pandas, from China in 1990 and the Koalos from Taronga Zoo, Australia in 1991.

PLANT EXHIBITS

I ) HELICONIA VALLEY

This exquisite plant exhibit is a fine example of the Zoo's policy to provide a garden setting where plants and animals can be enjoyed simultaneously. Heliconias of yellow, red, orange and pink heliconias can be viewed amidst the beautiful landscaping - with rippling water in a pebble-bottomed. Definitely a restful retreat for all tired visitors.

II ) TROPICAL CROPS PLANTATION

The Tropical Crops Plantation displays a wide range of cash crops, vegetables, spices and aquatic plants. This exhibit includes a footpath to facilitate visitor's viewing has more than 50 species of edible plants. Amongst these are the nutmeg, cocoa, padi, passion fruit, water chestnut, bottle and snake gourds.

A theatrettle is also available for teachers to conduct their practical lessons outdoors. This plantation proves to be an educational place not only for children but also for adults who want to learn more about crops and fruits.

III ) GARDEN WITH A VIEW

This horticultural display was designed to complement and contrast with the rest of the Zoo gardens. Its strong French Renaissance style adds an element of formality to the Zoo's jungle-like environment, where planting and landscaping is not only naturalistic but free-form. Weary visitors can take a breather under the shelter of our gazebos, whilst enjoying the Seletar Reservoir as a scenic backdrop. Photo enthusiasts too, many find this botanical display ideal for photography as the garden's romantic gazebos and fountain are framed by surrounding greenery and the lake beyond it.

UNDERWATER VIEWING EXHIBITS

I ) POLAR BEARS

An underwater viewing exhibit measuring 2.4m high, allows visitors to 'rub nnoses' with these magnnficent inhabitants of the arctic regions. A three-tiered seating gallaery enables visitors to watch the lively feeding sessions held three time daily. To further enhance the unimpaired viewing of the bears when on land, a concealed dry moat was also installed.

II ) SEALIONS AND PENGUINS

Consisting of 10 glass panels, this is one of the longest viewing galleries in the world. Visitors are transported a step closer to the Antarctic World, where they view these animals frolicking in the water, on a simulated beach and on the elevated rock ledges. From a four-tiered seating gallery, visitors can view the agile Californian sealions during the daily feeding sessions.

III ) CROCODILES AND FALSE GHAVIALS

At this exhibit, visitors can view these awe-inspiring creatures in a mangrove-like habitat and observe the previously unseen underwater environment of the crocodiles and false ghavials. In addition, you may even have the opportuity to witness newly hatched and yung crocodiles which are displayed through the glass window of the crocodile nursery. Look out too for the heron, cattle egret, scarlet and glossy ibises perched on the crocodiles.

IV ) PYGMY HIPPOS

A walk through a meandering riverine path brings visitors face to face with pygmy hippos which are either submerged in water or waddling on land. Watch the pygmy hippos perform their graceful dance in the water (compared to their clumsiness on land). Dominated by the pygmy hippos in two separate glass-fronted underwater viewing enclosures, the riverine path also displays the blue and red duikers. Housed in four separate tanks are the giant arapaima, giant gourami and the electric catfish. Landscaping of the artificial rockwork, mud bank, waterfalls and lush fringing vegetation lend an exotic touch to this complex ecosystem.

REPTILE GARDEN

This 1 hectare garden is home to some 400 reptiles representing 41 species. It boasts not only of many different species of tropical snakes from all over Asia, but also the largest of all lizards - the Komodo dragons from Indonesia, the giant Aldabraand Galapagos tortoises and the crocodiles. Housed in this garden are some of the more prominent snakes like the king cobra, the longest venomous snake in the world, the reticulated and Indian rock pythons. A walk-through exhibit enables visitors an experience of a very different kind wih our slithery residents.