Mandai Wildlife Group recently introduced two new programmes at the Singapore Zoo, promising unique wildlife encounters for visitors and Asher and I had the opportunity to experience both of them yesterday.
First launched in July, an enhanced edition of the Zoo’s popular ‘Breakfast in the Wild’ (BITW) now offer guests an opportunity to enjoy a delectable buffet alongside animal interactions. On 9 August this year, the Zoo next launched its latest behind-the-scenes tour, ‘Backstage Pass: Elephant Encounters,’ providing participants with an up-close experience with the zoo’s Asian elephants.
Breakfast in the Wild (BITW)
Guests at Breakfast in the Wild gets to indulge in a buffet featuring a mix of halal local and international flavours. The selection is pretty decent and varied, sufficient to cater to most taste buds.
This dining experience is enriched by the presence of animal ambassadors such as orang utans, macaws, and Bengal eagle owls.
New additions to the BITW lineup include African penguins and Californian sea lions, which will appear on a rotating basis. Visitors will also have the chance to engage with the animal keepers, who will share insights into the animals’ lives and habitats.
Tip: queue early for the photo opportunity with the orang utans if you want a shot with them as they may lose interest after some time and move away from the photo area. The other animals are more restful in their respective photo spots.
- Time: 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
- Venue: Ah Meng Restaurant (Terrace), 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826
- Menu: Breakfast buffet
Backstage Pass: Elephant Encounters
The ‘Backstage Pass: Elephant Encounters’ allows visitors to explore the Elephants of Asia exhibit and venture into an off-exhibit area. You will have the rare chance to interact with the elephants and their care team, including feeding the gentle giants their favourite treats and patting them as part of their routine checkup.
In order not to stress the animals unnecessarily, the Singapore Zoo adopts a strictly no contact policy. This means that there won’t be activities like elephant riding and crowding around to touch them all over. Instead, interactions are designed to be part of the routine care regime, like patting them during their body check and feeding them treats from a distance.
We learned a lot of interesting facts from the exclusive tour, including how elephants need to get regular pedicures as part of their healthcare regime. The elephants also each have their unique way of throwing tantrums when they are unhappy and the keepers shared some of these trivia with us.
- Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
- Meeting Point: Shaw Amphitheatre entrance
- Activities: Guided tour, behind-the-scenes access, elephant interaction
Ticketing Information
- Breakfast in the Wild:
- Price: Adults: S$47, Children (6-12 years): S$37
- Discounts: Friends of Wildlife members enjoy 20% off
- Backstage Pass: Elephant Encounters:
- Regular Days: S$118.40 per person (10% off for WildPass holders on weekdays)
- Peak Days: S$148 per person
For more details or to book your spot, visit Mandai Wildlife Reserve’s website.
