Have you heard? Singapore is getting a brand-spankin’ new attraction come 2023 when the new Bird Paradise finally opens 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 will be closing soon on 3 January 2023, with resident creatures (3,500 birds from over 400 avian species) migrating over to their new ‘paradise’ at Bird Paradise!
It’s a well-deserved upgrade featuring eight huge walkthrough aviaries and more, built not only for visitors to enjoy but for the resident birds as well – with better environments intentionally designed to mimic the different ecologies and habitats for our precious avian friends.
From the walkthrough aviaries inspired by different habitats across the world from Africa to South America, to a sparkling new penguin cove, a restaurant with great views of a waterfall, and more – here are 10 things you can expect to see at the new Bird Paradise when it opens!
1. Winged Sanctuary
Make your way into Bird Paradise and look out for 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.
2. Penguin Cove
Located right beside the Winged Sanctuary, the new Penguin Cove (one of my favourite stops at the old bird park!) is a cold salt-water habitat designed for our penguins. And not just that, it also features a dining experience in an underwater environment with the penguins!
3. Heart of Africa
Done with the penguins? Step into Heart of Africa next, 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 where you can observe bee-eater birds catching insects in the air, as well as cultural elements like Congolese pavilions and a viewing tower that provides a great viewpoint of the African-themed habitat.
4. Wings of Asia
For something a little closer to home, Wings of Asia is 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 fun cultural elements like a Balinese-inspired gate, pavilions and water-based sound sculptures to explore and take photos with as well.
5. Crimson Wetlands
Make your way to the third stop at Crimson Wetlands, and here’s where 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 (a tribute to the original waterfall aviary at Jurong Bird Park), and a restaurant offering lovely views of the area and waterfall!
6. Amazonian Jewels
Next, head deep into the Amazon jungle at Amazonian Jewels and meet unique bird species like the Amazonian Motmot and Chestnut-eared Aracari while checking out iconic Amazonian rainforest ficus trees, large buttress root and more.
7. Songs of the Forest
Enjoy a melodious symphony at 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”.
8. Mysterious Papua
The fun and discovery continue at Mysterious Papua with 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!
9. Australian Outback
From Mysterious Papua, head down under to the Australian Outback, a dry simulated forest environment that’s home to different species of Lorikeets, endangered Lorikeets and flocks of pigeons.
10. Lory Loft
Last but not least, climb suspension bridges inspired by ethnic treehouses in Papua at Lory Loft (an updated version of the original Lory Loft at Jurong Bird Park) 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”!
From dense African rainforests to South American wetlands, Southeast Asian paddy fields, dry Australian eucalyptus forests and more – remember to mark your calendars for a visit to the new Bird Paradise when it opens soon in 2023.
PS: If you’re an animal lover and love interacting with animals, check out these 12 animal cafes or 10 cat cafes in Singapore!
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📍 Mandai Wildlife Reserve
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