Rediscover wildlife at Singapore Zoo’s 50th anniversary ‘Golden ZOObilee’

, Rediscover wildlife at Singapore Zoo’s 50th anniversary ‘Golden ZOObilee’
Fragile Forest

Singapore Zoo holds fond memories for both Singaporeans and tourists. From immersive wildlife habitats to its endearing inhabitants like Inuka, the world’s first polar bear to be born in the tropics, the zoo is a place that has given us many unforgettable experiences. 

It opened its doors in 1973 with only 272 animals across 72 species, but has since grown to hold more than 4,200 animals from over 300 species.

, Rediscover wildlife at Singapore Zoo’s 50th anniversary ‘Golden ZOObilee’
The old entrance of Singapore Zoo

This year, Singapore Zoo celebrates 50 years of connecting people with wildlife, and its evolution as a zoological institution dedicated to animal care and conservation. Look forward to its “Golden ZOObilee” from Jun 27 to Aug 27, filled with lots of activities and festivities to celebrate its monumental achievements. 

One highlight is Art-Zoo Happy ZOObilee where families and kids can experience larger–than-life inflatable art sculptures and interactive trail stations that celebrate the zoo’s most well-known animals such as Jubilee, the Rothschild’s giraffe; Komali, the Asian elephant; and Ah Meng, the Sumatran orangutan. Kids young and old can learn fun facts about the animals before having a bouncing good time at the 21-metre-long Inflatable Art Playground.

, Rediscover wildlife at Singapore Zoo’s 50th anniversary ‘Golden ZOObilee’
The elephants Intan and Komali

For a more immersive experience, sign up for the two-day Wild Explorer Camp from Jun 1 to 2, and Jun 8 to 9. Tailored for young ones aged six to 10 years, they will get to embark on guided tours and meet animal ambassadors.

On Sep 23 and 24, Mandai Wildlife Run (previously known as the Safari Zoo Run) makes a return after a three-year hiatus. It’s a unique opportunity for participants to run through Singapore Zoo, River Wonders and Night Safari while taking in the sights and sounds of nature. All-new race categories for seniors, as well as health and wellness activities, means there will be something for everyone. 

, Rediscover wildlife at Singapore Zoo’s 50th anniversary ‘Golden ZOObilee’
Inuka, the world’s first polar bear to be born in the tropics

For families, there will be special park activities like the Zoo Adventure Tour where visitors can ride on a private buggy and have the chance to get upclose with wildlife along the way. Backstage Pass allows visitors to go behind the scenes at Fragile Forest to discover the roles of insects in our ecosystem, hear about fascinating invertebrates, and get hands-on with activities such as identifying butterfly eggs.

Don’t miss out on your chance to score some deals, souvenirs, freebies, and even win a social media contest while celebrating one of Singapore’s oldest wildlife parks. 

Singapore Zoo’s milestones over the last 50 years
  • The zoo reached its first millionth visitor in 1974 on Deepavali, just 17 months after it opened.
  • In 1982, Breakfast with an Orangutan (now called Breakfast in the Wild) was launched. This one-of-a-kind dining experience has evolved to showcase not just Orangutans, but Coatimundis and Reptiles.
  • Inuka, the first and only polar bear to be born in the tropics, was born in 1990. His name was selected from thousands of entries in a naming contest.
  • The world’s first free-ranging orangutan exhibit, where visitors can see orangutans in their natural habitat and behaviour, opened in March 2006. 
  • Singapore Zoo welcomed its very first Komodo Dragon baby in 34 years in 2009, making it the first zoo in Asia to breed this endangered species successfully. 

The Singapore Zoo is located at 80 Mandai Lake Road. For more information on the ZOObilee and tickets, visit mandai.com/en/singapore-zoo.

All photos courtesy of Mandai Wildlife Group.