HISTORY

WORLD'S FIRST NIGHT SAFARI PARK OPENS IN SINGAPORE

The world's first Night Safari park for viewing nocturnal wild animals opened in Singapore on May 3, 1994

Just half an hour's drive from the city entre, the 40-hectare park alongside Sinagpore Zoological Gardens cost more than S$60 million.

Some 1,000 nocturnal creatures, from fierce predators to timid forest dwellers, are seen in spacious natural habitats under subtle moonglow lighting

Traveling by tran through dense rainforest, visitors discover the fascinating secrets of the jungle after dusk.

The park, set in one of Singapore's last expansive stands of tropical jungle,s is developed and operated by Singapore Zoological Gardens.

The naturally hilly terrain has been left largely undistured, and areas which had to be cleared have been re-planted with hundreds of tress.

A talented specialist team helped build this unique attraction; among them, zoological consultant, Mr Lyn de Alwis, who helped in the planning of Night Safari together with the zoo staff.

The animals on display are the majestic seladang or gaur, the Indian rhinoceros, bharal or blue sheep, ghavial or fish-eating crocodile, the African serval and the highly attractive bongo.

Controlled breeding at the park is increasing stocks of endangered species and many of the young will be on show when the park opens.

The lighting, a critical part of the spectacle, is designed by lighting consultant Simon Cordor, to show the animals clearly without disturbing their nightly routines.

A tram ride, with guided commentary, follows two loop roads passing by a large reservoir and weaving through selected habitats.

The scenery changes with stunning theatrical effect from the Himalayan foothills to the jungles of South-east Asia and Africa. The animals are grouped into their native "regions".

In the shadowy half-light, cratures great and small take part in an enthralling sylvan pantomime of hunting and playing, their cries and calls filling the night air.

Rhinos, elephants, giraffes and other jungle giants vie for attention with smaller species such as the appealing mousedeer, show loris and a host of snakes and birds.

The 45-minute tram ride convers 3.2 kms. These are stops along the way to admire magnificent panoramic views of the reservoir, tree-studded hillslopes and grassy plains.

Winding 2.8km through the jungle, walkways allow visitors to get closer to animals not easily seen from the tram, such as smaller cat families and primate like the loris.

An average visit, including both awessome and fascinating", Dr Ong Swee Law, the late Executive Chairman of Singapore Zoological Gardens, said.

"Few people realise that about 90 percent of tropical animals are in fact nocturnal. In their natural environment, they behave differently than they would in a zoo.

"Night Safari gives visitors a unique opportunity to study this twilight world, with all its changing drama and emotions, in complete safety and comfort."

"The animals have plenty of freedom of movement and expression without being a danger to anyone. We believe Singapore residents and foreign visitors alike, will find this a truly memorable experience".

Dr One added that Singapore's pleasant, tropical evenings, almost equal hours of daylight and darkness and an experienced staff have made the Night Safari feasible.