Mandai Wildlife Group has welcomed 998 baby animals from 143 species in 2024, making it a wonderful time for Singaporean families to visit and celebrate the joys of new life. With many of the newborns belonging to endangered species, parents and children can witness the beauty of wildlife conservation up close.
Photo Credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
Bundles of Joy at Singapore Zoo
Mandai Wildlife Group
Singapore Zoo celebrated the births of five slender-tailed meerkat pups – twins residing at the Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia and triplets at Wild Africa. The sprightly pups mark the first births of the species since 2019. Adding to the list of crowd charmers is a female Linne’s two-toed sloth named Hope, and three oriental small-clawed otters.
Another highlight was the arrival of Putri, a proboscis monkey whose name means ‘princess’ in the Malay and Indonesian languages. The second offspring to parents Malaka and Jeff, Putri can often be seen playing with her brother Bayu or clinging to her mum at the proboscis monkey habitat. Proboscis monkeys are listed as endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, with wild populations declining due to habitat loss from deforestation for timber and oil palm plantations.
The primate family also grew with the arrival of two Goeldi’s monkeys – the first infants in nine years – along with four ring-tailed lemurs and two emperor tamarins. In the reptile and amphibian world, the zoo welcomed endangered golden mantellas and black-legged poison frogs, adding significant conservation value to the species’ populations.
A Season of New Life at Night Safari
Photo Credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
Night Safari celebrated a number of newborns, including three Malayan sambar deer, five barasinghas, and a male hog deer. The arrival of three Turkmenian markhor kids marked a milestone for the species, and a male woylie joey, a critically endangered species, made his debut. Visitors can spot these young animals along the Safari Tram Adventure route.
Photo Credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
Reasons to Rejoice at River Wonders
Photo Credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
River Wonders welcomed the births of a giant anteater pup named Solana and a West Indian manatee calf. The anteater pup is the fifth offspring of her parents Zapata and Iapura, while the manatee calf, though shy, has bonded with a young female companion born the previous year. Additionally, the park celebrated the successful breeding of the endangered Lake Titicaca frog and the addition of 80 blue discus fish.
A Flurry of Hatchlings at Bird Paradise
Photo Credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
Bird Paradise saw a flurry of hatchlings from conservation-important species like the golden parakeet and the yellow-mantled chattering lory. The park also marked its first successful hatchings of species like the blue-winged leafbird, Madagascar teal, and Meller’s duck. Notably, Bird Paradise welcomed its first-ever penguin hatchlings, with three gentoo penguin chicks, each showcasing unique personalities. These chicks are already beginning to shed their down feathers for adult plumage.
A Commitment to Conservation
Photo Credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
“Every birth is a promise of hope for the species. They also serve as ambassadors for their wild counterparts, helping to foster a deeper appreciation for their species and the habitats they come from,” said Dr. Cheng Wen-Haur, Deputy CEO, Life Sciences & Operations, and Chief Life Sciences Officer at Mandai Wildlife Group.
Photo Credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
Through dedicated conservation programs and expert care, Mandai Wildlife Group continues to protect threatened species and their ecosystems. Visitors play an essential role in supporting these efforts by simply enjoying a day at the park.
A Perfect Day Out for Families
Photo Credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
Mandai Wildlife Reserve offers a variety of activities that both parents and children can enjoy:
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Interactive Animal Encounters: Get closer to the animals through guided experiences designed to educate and inspire.
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Conservation Talks: Learn about the vital work being done to protect endangered species through fun and engaging sessions.
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Themed Play Zones: Kids can burn off energy at dedicated play areas while parents relax.
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Family Dining: Enjoy child-friendly meals at the many eateries throughout the reserve.
Plan Your Visit
For families seeking a meaningful day out, Mandai Wildlife Reserve provides an enriching and memorable experience. By visiting, you contribute to global conservation efforts while introducing your children to the wonders of the animal kingdom.
Celebrate the joy of new life at Mandai Wildlife Group — a heartwarming adventure awaits for every Singaporean family!