The world’s first nocturnal animal park, Night Safari, is celebrating 30 years of connecting people with diverse animal species that come alive at night. A new 280-meter-long walking trail will soon be unveiled, featuring about a dozen different animal species, including the Sunda pangolin, slow loris, binturong, oriental small-clawed otter, and spotted giant flying squirrel.
Night Safari is renowned for its successful care and breeding of the Sunda pangolin, a species native to Singapore and Southeast Asia. Over the past decade, Mandai Wildlife Group’s veterinary team has treated over 200 wild pangolins and will soon launch a breeding program for the species in human care. Notably, 41% of the animals at Night Safari are threatened with extinction in the wild, and the park actively participates in global breeding programs to prevent species extinction.
The Sunda pangolin is one of 20 species that Mandai Wildlife Group and its conservation arm, Mandai Nature, have identified for conservation under the One Plan Approach. This initiative aims to restore species populations both within and outside their natural range through collaborative efforts with government bodies, international conservation partners, and local communities.
The new Pangolin Trail will be the first fully sheltered walking trail at Night Safari, allowing guests to explore the jungle and its mysterious inhabitants in any weather condition. Conveniently located near the park entrance, this trail promises an immersive nocturnal adventure.
A Majestic Tribute: New Habitat for Chawang the Bull Elephant
In honor of Night Safari’s anniversary, Chawang, the park’s iconic Asian bull elephant, will delight visitors in a brand-new habitat. The habitat will feature enrichment elements such as a ‘stable grazer’ that releases hay at random intervals, encouraging Chawang to forage more actively and enhancing his visibility for guests. A lookout deck, accessible on foot, will offer visitors close-range views of Chawang.
Singapore Zoo’s Exciting Developments
Singapore Zoo is also planning exciting new developments as part of its rejuvenation masterplan. A new marine coastal habitat for Californian sea lions and African penguins is set to open in 2027. The existing sea lion and penguin exhibits have been closed since 15 July 2024 to make way for this fresh experience, which will include the zoo’s first underwater-viewing habitat integrated with an F&B venue. This mixed-species exhibit will also feature harbor seals, marking their debut in Singapore. Diners at the first-level restaurant will enjoy underwater views of the marine mammals, while the upper-level bistro will offer vantage views of sea lions basking in the habitat.
In the mornings, the upper floor outside the bistro will host Singapore Zoo’s signature dining program, Breakfast in the Wild. The design incorporates the surrounding tree line where orangutans climb and explore. From an elevated terrace, diners can observe these animals amidst the trees and interact with keepers to learn about orangutans and other species.
Expanded Event Space
Adjacent to these developments, a new banquet hall with approximately 400 seats will nearly double the size of the zoo’s current Forest Lodge event space, accommodating larger groups. Outside the banquet hall, spaces can be set up for curated experiences, including animal interactions.
