Have you heard? Singapore’s newest attraction, “Bird Paradise”, is set to open its doors to the public on May 8, 2023 at Mandai Wildlife Reserve!
After 52 years at the original bird park, Jurong Bird Park has left an indelible mark on most of our childhoods where we might have gotten our first glimpses of parrots and penguins in person. The original premises, which closed on January 3, 2023, saw the resident creatures (more than 3,000 birds from over 400 avian species) migrating over to their new ‘paradise’ at Bird Paradise!
This well-deserved upgrade features eight huge walkthrough aviaries and more, built not only for visitors to enjoy but for the resident birds as well. These aviaries have been intentionally designed to mimic different ecologies and habitats from around the world, such as Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia.
From the themed zones like Heart of Africa and Wings of Asia to the sparkling new Penguin Cove and the restaurant with great views of a waterfall, here are 14 exciting activities that await you at the new Bird Paradise!
Winged Sanctuary – a space sharing rare and predatory birds of high conservation value with over 100 species of birds and their exhibits from the Brahminy Starling and Santa Cruz Ground Dove, to Maleo and Philippine Falconet.
Penguin Cove – a cold salt-water habitat designed for penguins. It also features the Penguin Cove Restaurant, where you can dine with mouthwatering buffet spreads in an underwater environment with the penguins.
Heart of Africa – the largest walk-through aviary simulating the forested valleys of Africa with colourful birds living in towering trees. It also includes a Bee-eater’s Cliff, Congolese pavilions, and a viewing tower that provides a great viewpoint of the African-themed habitat.
Wings of Asia – a habitat created specifically for Southeast Asian creatures where you’ll find pheasants in the undergrowth and hornbills up in the tree. There are also cultural elements like a Balinese-inspired gate, pavilions, and water-based sound sculptures to explore and take photos with.
Crimson Wetlands – here you’ll be enamoured with the strikingly colourful display of Scarlet Ibises and Roseate Spoonbills gliding over marshy wetlands set against the backdrop of a floating village in South America. Check out the clay lick wall where gorgeous macaws can be seen feeding as well as a waterfall and Crimson Restaurant offering lovely views of the area.
Amazonian Jewels – head deep into the Amazon jungle and meet unique bird species like the Amazonian Motmot and Chestnut-eared Aracari while checking out iconic Amazonian rainforest ficus trees, large buttress roots and more.
Songs of the Forest – a walk-through aviary specifically for the singing songbirds of Asia with the Bali Myna, Straw-headed Bulbul and Asian Fairy Bluebirds. Here’s where you’ll find a peaceful haven with large overhanging leaves and glistening streams inspired by the riverine forests of Southeast Asia.
Mysterious Papua – Birds of Paradise of New Guinea conducting flamboyant courtship dances. Don’t forget to duck into the longhouse-style bird hideout to observe Papuan birds like the Southern Cassowary, North Papuan King Parrot and Palm Cockatoo up close!
Australian Outback – a dry simulated forest environment that’s home to different species of Lorikeets, endangered Lorikeets, and flocks of pigeons.
Lory Loft – climb suspension bridges inspired by ethnic treehouses in Papua and look at the beautiful lories and parrots. Visitors can also offer the birds a nectar cup to entice the birds to come up close and even to perch on your wrists and shoulders.
Sky Amphitheatre – will play host to two new avian presentations, Predators on Wings and Wings of the World, in a familiar yet upgraded format that will feature the amazing talents of the birds alongside their trainers.
Feeding sessions – get up close and personal with new breeds like African Hornbills, Barbets, Pelicans, and Lories from the different zones. All proceeds from animal feedings go towards Mandai Wildlife Group’s conservation projects.
Keeper-led experiences – embark on a Bird Discovery Tour, where you’ll be able to get the insider scoop on the most charismatic of our feathered friends, or sign up for a Backstage Pass, which gives guests an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look into the Avian Healthcare and Research Centre.
Mandai Wildlife West – a public guest area comprising children’s play areas and dining options. Guests will be greeted by a 10m-tall waterfall sculpted after Indonesia’s Mad
If you get hungry after all that exploration, you can choose from a variety of eco-friendly retail and F&B options, including Luke’s Lobster, Leckerbaer, Mr Holmes Bakehouse, A&W, Pavilion Banana Leaf, and Birds of Paradise.
So mark your calendars for May 8, 2023, and get ready to explore the new Bird Paradise at Mandai Wildlife Reserve!
