The World’s Best Zoo
22 Mar
While the “world’s best zoo” is not a title that graces any particular zoo, there are 5 or 10 zoos that are often considered the best in the world. The Singapore Zoo is one of them. After visiting on my recent trip, I can absolutely agree.
The zoo is located in a lush rainforest area next to the Upper Seletar Reservoir, so the setting is rather beautiful.
But the thing that makes this zoo so excellent (besides the top-notch care the animals are clearly getting) is the ‘open’ or ‘cageless’ exhibit plan. Of course, there are barriers. But they are mostly hidden or very low. You feel like you can get right up next to the animals. It’s also way better than a typical zoo for pictures, because there’s no bars in the way!
I also noticed very little of the behaviors that are associated with boredom – the animals all looked very happy. Without further ado, here are some of my pictures from the zoo.
Details:
- Location: The zoo is at 80 Mandai Road. There are two best ways to get there – take a shuttle from Orchard Road, Little India, Beach Road, or Chinatown. Ask your hotel or hostel for info and booking you a ticket (about S$4). The other way is to take the MRT then take a bus. You can get off at Ang Mo Kio Station and take bus 138, or get off at Choa Chu Kang Station and take bus 927. Bus 138 was S$1.80 and you need exact change. The MRT will be around S$2.
- Hours: 8:30 AM to 6 PM daily.
- Admission: Just a ticket to the zoo is S$20 for adults. You can add unlimited tram rides for S$5 (it’s a big zoo) and there are a few other packages available as well.
- Other info: There are a few shows and animal feedings. There are also times you can feed various animals for S$5. The Singapore Zoo website is very well done, so check it out for all the info you need.
Great pictures and thank you for posting. WIthout looking it up myself, do they have pandas?
Nate-
Thanks! The pandas aren’t on display yet but should be sometime this year. The zoo will be opening a new River Safari section and there will be pandas.
Edit – It doesn’t have the pandas yet. But it should by the time River Safari opens, later this year.
I love the zoo! and yes im anticipated with the upcoming river safari!
It looks like it will be awesome!