I have
a love and hate relationship with zoos. I detest how they imprison animals but
at the same time, I wouldn’t develop such fascination with animals if not for
zoos. Those rare times that I open my television? If not series, it’ll probably
be tuned in to Animal Planet.
Singapore
earned my respect because its progressive state did not hinder it from
protecting its mute inhabitants. Singapore Zoo certainly lived up to its “World
Best Rainforest Zoo” title. The “no-cage” policy amazed me! Plants and rocks
were mostly the barriers between the visitors and animals. The animals seem
comfortable in their clean enclosures. I wish more countries will emulate the
zoo’s handling of its animals instead of treating them as mere displays.
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The
zoo also does its part in raising visitors' awareness on animal cruelty.
Signboards educating visitors about key wildlife issues (tiger skin trading,
kangaroo slaughter, elephant ivory tusks trade, etc.) are scattered.
I
enjoyed the shows that I even volunteered for the snake part of the “Rainforest
Fights Back” show. Visitors are likewise given chances to feed the gentle
giants from the “Elephants of Asia” show. I’m happy that the animals featured
in these shows do not come in shackles. Chatting with the zookeepers also
rekindled my dream to be one of them.
There
are plenty of dining places inside like Ah Meng Restaurant and KFC. I suggest
bringing your own water (Vapur’s one of my travel
essentials) since it’s pricey if you’ll get it from snack kiosks. Souvenir
shops mostly sell stuffed animals, shirts, and snow globes. You may view the
zoo's items here.
Since
the zoo is situated in a forest, it’s about an hour and a half away from
Singapore’s business district. Hailing a cab isn’t practical if you’re just two
people. From Bugis, we instead took a train and boarded a bus in Ang Mo Kio.
This website greatly
helped me in planning our commute.
