The new tiger exhibit (viewed from the tram) has been completed and it addresses a common complaint of visitors - the tigers are too far from the tram (due to the wide moat) and thus difficult to see. So in place of a moat, the new enclosure is fronted by a large seamless pane of glass. I've only seen daytime pictures, but I would guess that with clever lighting, the glass would not be visible at night, giving the effect that there is nothing separating the tigers from the open-sided tram.
That sounds pretty cool. I'm looking at the map trying to work out exactly where this enclosure is. Is it after the Gaur on the left of the track, or before the Thamin on the right of the track? Have plans to relocate the anoa/barbirusa been implemented at all yet? Will the tiger exhibit be empty for a while now?
@zooboy28: I'm not too sure actually. New enclosures have been built on both sides of the track, with one side for the tigers and the other side presumably for the new Asiatic black bears. I've not learnt of the relocation plans for the babirusa and anoa yet. They have enough tigers to fill up all the enclosures, so I don't think they will vacate the existing tiger enclosures (1 viewed from the tram and 1 from the trail) until remodeling works start. if my guess is correct, the existing tiger exhibit will be remodeled for the white lions.
That sounds very cool, I take it both are glass-fronted? Moving the White Lions in there sounds logical, do you have any ideas of what other species they may source for this zone? Aardvark would be awesome. Will they move the Sloth Bears do you think? They are kind of in the African section (at least on the walking trail)?
Not sure about the bears' exhibit, haven't seen it yet. But it will be cool if it's glass too. No clue about what other species will housed at the Africa zone expansion either. It's very unlikely they will spend money to move the sloth bears over a minor quirk in the geographic theming.
True. Maybe they could relocate the walking trail around the sloth bear exhibit, to give views over the hippos, etc, on that side? That would be cool.
A little bit of an update for the zoochatters heading here soon: Both species of giant flying squirrels held by the park (Petaurista philippensis lylei and Petaurista alborufus castaneus) are on display, mixed into the large walk-thru exhibit. Previously, only one specie was displayed at any given time. There are now 2 spectral tarsiers (I have no clue if this is a completely new pair or if a 2nd individual was brought in), and this seems to have increased activity levels (based on my visit at least). The pair were rather frisky. The glass-walled Malayan tiger exhibit and moated moon bear exhibit are open, but I was disappointed with both. They are seen from the tram only and are exactly opposite each other. Which means it's a blink and you'll miss it moment since the tram keeps moving. The temple-ruins theming of the exterior of tiger exhibit is overdone and distracting (not to mention somewhat cheap looking) while the bear exhibit is uninspired - barren looking with a few climbing logs. Construction has began for new babirusa and anoa exhibits at their new sites (near the banteng and gaur exhibits).
Sorry, I'm a little confused: Is the old tiger exhibit still running? And if not: Does this means, that there are no more Tigers visible ON WALKING TRAILS at Night Safari? (Would be a disappointment)
The trail tiger exhibit is still in use for now. The old tram tiger exhibit is now occupied by a lone lion (probably a temporary arrangement).
Question about the giant flying squirrels : howmany of each species do they have ( the 4 coming from China being Petaurista alborufus ? ) and do these closely related species well together ?
Yes the 4 from China are P.alborufus; There are at least 4 to 5 P.philippensis based on what I observed during my visit. They seem to get along fine. I didn't observe any aggression or bullying from the larger P.alborufus.
From looking at the NS map it appears to me that a lot of the animals can be seen from the walking routes, is this correct or is the map misleading? Also how fast do the trams travel and do they stop at any exhibits long enough to try and get a photo?
To 1: More or less yes. That means: All smaller animals and most mid size animals can be seen by foot. But if you wanna see (e. g.) Elephants, Indian Rhinos, Gaur or Hippos in a moonlight atmosphere, you have to take the safari train. To 2: I don't know about your photo skills, but I would say NO. It is dark, the train is constantly moving (except for the stops at the stations) and using the flash is prohibited.
Singapore Zoo closes at 6pm and the Night Safari opens at 7.30pm. As I intend to do both on Sunday what, if anything, is there to do between 6pm and 7.30pm?
Yup, the Night Safari entrance plaza opens at 6pm, which includes the restaurants and retail shops. There is also one of those places where you can put your feet in a fish tank and the little fish eat all the dead skin off. There is a fire performance at 6.45 too. You can't see any animals from the entrance plaza, except maybe the Ankole Cattle. Probably best to stay at the zoo til six, then go have a long tea at the Night Safari.
oh thanks Zooish. i kept thinking you could see the anoas from the tram so whenever i get on the tram i cant see them and i thought they were kept off-exhibit...
Night Safari celebrated its 20th anniversary with the official launch of the new Asiatic Black Bear and Malayan Tiger exhibits, and a pair of White Lions going on display. Exhibits of asiatic black bears and malayan tigers launched at Night Safari