SingaporeMotherhood | Family Fun
August 2024
New Animal Encounters at Singapore Zoo – Breakfast in the Wild & Backstage with Elephants (Review)
As an animal lover and a fan of Mandai Wildlife Reserve, I jumped at the opportunity to meet the new animal ambassadors at its signature Breakfast in the Wild and to experience the new Backstage Pass: Elephant Encounters. So, bright and early on a Saturday morning, with the husband and our daughter in tow, off we went to Singapore Zoo!
Breakfast in the Wild at Singapore Zoo
The latest iteration of the zoo’s iconic dining programme introduces two new animal ambassadors, the Californian sea lion and African penguins. These charismatic additions join the existing lineup of animals, such as the orangutan, fennec fox, and green iguana.
Each animal takes turns to make an appearance at the interactive sessions in a 45-minute presentation, which starts at 9.15am. Breakfast guests get to learn about the unique features of the different animals from their keepers.
Another new highlight is the volunteer segment with either a Bengal eagle owl or Malay fish owl. Guests can witness its impressive 270-degree head rotation up close by holding a target stick and walking around the owl.
While my family and I participated in this breakfast segment a few years back, I thought it would be a new experience for my daughter who turned nine in July. We were not disappointed! The African penguins, in particular, stole our hearts with their adorable diminutive stature and comical waddling.
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Photo Ops with Star Animals
We also got up close with the exotic Bengal eagle owl and had a chance to pose with the charmingly photogenic green iguana and brightly coloured macaws.
Not to mention our favourite primates, the cheeky and laid-back orangutans. Balancing effortlessly on ropes and tree branches, we caught one playing peekaboo with a large leaf!
While the encounters were quite brief to accommodate all the guests, it is nonetheless a unique experience. By encapsulating all of it in photos, we also bring back memories that last a lifetime.
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As for breakfast, the planet-friendly local and international buffet spread is prepared using only sustainably sourced palm oil. I enjoyed my light breakfast consisting of roti prata with spicy sambar curry and chee cheong fun. Plus a cup of Owa Coffee, an Indonesian brand that grows beans in a wildlife-friendly manner.
Pro Tip: If you’re visiting as a family, have one parent queue up with the children, while the other gets food for the family.
Breakfast in the Wild runs daily from 9am to 10.30am. Tickets are priced at $47 for adults and $37 for children aged six to 12, while each child under six should have one accompanying adult. Local residents can enjoy a weekday promotional bundle that offers up to 20 per cent off Singapore Zoo admission and Breakfast in the Wild. Find out more at mandai.com.
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Backstage Pass: Elephant Encounters at Singapore Zoo
During a previous visit to an elephant sanctuary in Phuket, I learnt about the right way to interact with the majestic animals, which is to keep a safe distance. Riding elephants and bathing them may seem a dream come true for animal lovers. However, the elephants are often abused into submission and close contact with strangers can be stressful for them.
Thus I was so happy to learn that Singapore Zoo has adopted a new format for its elephant encounters. Visitors must remain at a respectful distance from these majestic animals.
Our guide, Nicholas, took us behind-the-scenes to learn more about the five female Asian elephants and how they are cared for. He shared interesting characteristics of the breed and pointed out enrichment devices — such as the barrel and ball in their enclosure — that help to stimulate them mentally and physically.
We were so lucky to witness Gambir, the youngest in the herd, picking up mud with her trunk and smearing it all over her body. Nicholas explained that elephants use mud to keep them cool and to protect them from insect bites.
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Close but Not Too Close
Next, we ventured into an off-exhibit area to meet Gambir up close, but at a respectful distance, from behind a metal barrier. The expert elephant keeper reminded us to stay behind the yellow line and to be mindful and calm. The new safety measure of staying behind the metal barrier also applies to the keepers.
Then we got a first-hand glimpse into the care routines that help ensure the wellbeing of these gentle giants. This included a pedicure to prevent overgrowth and the risk of infections, and a demonstration of positive reinforcement training. This training method uses rewards — usually food — to encourage animals to voluntarily exhibit specific behaviours.
For the elephants, this involves presenting their body parts for daily checks. For example, opening their mouths, and even offering their feet for pedicures! We were amazed at how cooperative and patient Gambir was. The friendly female also waved at us and let out a ‘baby cry’, much to everyone’s amusement. Apparently, the 30+ year old has not grown out of her babyish ways! How adorable!
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Getting Hands-on
Guided by the keepers, we then had the opportunity to feel her skin. While rough at the surface, it had a malleable and soft texture — unlike anything I’ve ever felt. The guides passed around samples of rough skin shavings from the elephants’ feet and hair from their tails, which surprisingly felt stiff like a wire, unlike human hairs.
Our guide also explained that the bulk of an elephant’s diet comes from tree bark and leaves. He gave Gambir a section of a tree log, after which she demonstrated her intellect and strength by propping it up against the metal barrier before stepping on it to break it apart for eating. What a clever girl!
The encounter would not have been complete without the memorable experience of feeding an elephant. We each took turns to feed Gambir with healthy treats such as carrots and bananas. Our encounter ended with a photo-taking session as a keepsake for many years to come.
Pro Tip: As the encounter takes place in an unsheltered area, apply sunscreen and come prepared with umbrellas. Also bring along raincoats for the kids and dress them in pants with high socks and covered shoes to ward off insects.
For more information and to make a booking for Backstage Pass: Elephant Encounters at Singapore Zoo, visit mandai.com. The tour takes place from 2pm to 3pm. Tickets are priced at $118.40 per person on weekdays and $148 on weekends. Friends of Wildlife members enjoy a 20 per cent discount.
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