Singapore Zoo

Given that this is the second post in a row about zoos, I think that it will be hard to make the argument that I am not much of a zoo person. When we were in Singapore earlier this year, we took a bus around the town, stopped in at the botanical garden and did lots of walking and some shopping. We've just returned from another trip to the lovely city as a short break on the May long weekend here in China and ince it was just a short time ago that we were there, we decided to look for something new to do. The perfect solution was the Singapore zoo.

Although the very efficient bus system could have taken us there, we opted for a shorter air conditioned taxi ride. The driver delivered us at the door and a short queue later, we had tickets and had entered the lovely green park that is the Singapore zoo. In comparison to the recently visited Beijing zoo, this one had no cement cages with glass or bars between the visitors and the animals. The animals were free to frolic in grass fields, hang from trees or just sleep in the shade of the big trees. Although there weren't as many animals at this park, the number was plenty to keep us busy. Like the zoo at San Diego, they also have an active awareness program and they have successfully bred a number of the animals.


The stars of the zoo for me, were the elephants. We arrived just shortly before they started their daily show, but were not early enough to catch the beginning or to get a seat. No matter since they are large creatures and are easily visible from just about anywhere. We watched them move giant logs, roll over and play, and do all kinds of moves. They were incredible. After the show, the audience had an opportunity for just a few dollars, to grab a basket of fruit and vegetables and feed the elephants. Pretty cool to see them up close. They also made an appearance at another enclosure about an hour later to give rides to any who wanted (and wanted to pay a little for the pleasure).

Honorable mention also goes to the orangutans and the majestic tigers. We spent a great deal of time looking at the former hoping that they would do great "monkey" tricks. No such luck.