Asia's largest bird park to close
Jurong Bird Park, one of Singapore's oldest and most iconic attractions, has announced that it will cease operations and shut its doors after more than 50 years.
However, there is some good news. The world-famous park -- home to some 3,500 birds including parrots, flamingos, penguins and eagles -- will join the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari, as well as a new luxury Banyan Tree resort, to form an eco-tourism hub in northern Singapore. Jurong Bird Park's last day of operations at its current location will be January 3, 2023, 52 years to the day since opening in 1971. The upcoming Mandai eco hub is slated to open in 2023.
"There are many of us who joined the organization in its early days and have been here over the decades," the park's vice president Daisy Ling said in a statement on Tuesday, August 30, announcing the closure. Built at an initial cost of $2.5 million, the 20.2-hectare park draws about 850,000 visitors annually who flock to see its famed waterfall aviary, bird shows and exhibits. According to Singapore Tourism, it's the largest bird park in Asia. Since its 1971 opening, when there were just 1,000 birds from 60 species, the bird park's capacity has expanded greatly and is now believed to house birds from more than 400 species. Park officers have also been involved in several high profile rescues and rehabilitation efforts over the years.
Jurong Bird Park to close after Jan 3 to prepare for move to Mandai
Following the closure, about 3,500 birds will prepare to move to Bird Paradise in Mandai Wildlife Reserve
Jurong Bird Park's last day of operations will be on Jan 3, 2023 - the park's 52nd anniversary since it first opened its doors to visitors in 1971.
The park's operator, Mandai Wildlife Group, said on Tuesday (Aug 30) that following the closure, the 20ha park's about 130 staff and about 3,500 birds will prepare to move to Bird Paradise in Mandai Wildlife Reserve.
It will join the Singapore Zoo, River Wonders and Night Safari there, as well as Mandai's other upcoming attractions including Rainforest Wild and a new resort operated by Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts. From Sept 3 until its final day of operations, Jurong Bird Park will run a series of activities, tours and trails that recall the park's history. A free self-guided heritage trail will feature a series of heritage displays on milestones in the park's history.
Crowds flock to Jurong Bird Park ahead of last day of operations on Jan 3
He took his girlfriend of several years there, where they got up close and personal with talking parrots. Ten years later, they are married and back at the park with their two sons, aged 10 months and 2½ years, on the last weekend ahead of its last day of operations on Jan 3.
“The kids enjoy the shows and water play,” said 31-year-old Ezabella Seitoh, who is a housewife. “But I’m happy the bird park is moving to (Mandai Wildlife Reserve) because we stay in Yishun.” It will join the Singapore Zoo, River Wonders and Night Safari there, as well as Mandai’s other upcoming attractions, including Rainforest Wild and a new resort operated by Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts.
New wildlife park Bird Paradise to open in second quarter of 2023
Bird Paradise, the new bird park at Mandai Wildlife Reserve, is set to open in the second quarter of 2023. Spanning 17ha, it will be the first of two new wildlife parks located at Mandai Wildlife Reserve to open to the public, said Mandai Wildlife Group in a media release on Monday (Oct 3).
Bird Paradise will be home to 3,500 birds from more than 400 species, with eight walk-through aviaries representing different biomes around the world including African rainforests, South American wetlands, Southeast Asian paddy fields and Australian dry eucalypt forests. These aviaries have been named Heart of Africa, Wings of Asia, Crimson Wetlands, Amazonian Jewels, Songs of the Forest, Mysterious Papua, Australian Outback and Lory Loft.
The new bird park will also feature an avian conservation section called the Winged Sanctuary. It will house critically endangered species such as the Philippine eagle, the Vietnam pheasant and the Negros bleeding-heart. "Building on Jurong Bird Park's ex-situ and in-situ conservation efforts for globally threatened avian species, 24 per cent of the species in Bird Paradise will be threatened species, the highest percentage listed under human care in a single zoological park," said Mandai Wildlife Group. According to Mandai Wildlife Group, the move from Jurong Bird Park to Bird Paradise will begin after the former closes on Jan 3 next year, and the birds will be relocated "over a few months".
Key milestones of the iconic Singapore attraction
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip on a tram at the Jurong Bird Park in 1972. (Photo: Ministry of Information and the Arts Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore)
More than 50 years on, the iconic attraction is preparing to close on Jan 3, 2023, ahead of its move to Mandai.
Here's a look at the key milestones of Jurong Bird Park:
- Opening of Jurong Bird Park - Built at a cost of S$3.5 million, Jurong Bird Park officially opened on Jan 3, 1971.
- Royal visitor - In 1972, Jurong Bird Park welcomed Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.
- Launch of new bird shows - A master plan was launched in 1985 to upgrade Jurong Bird Park, to improve the living conditions of the birds and improve the visitor experience.
- Breeding of birds - Jurong Bird Park contributes to conservation efforts. Its Breeding and Research Centre focuses on the propagation of threatened species and research on breeding biology.
- Partnership with other wildlife groups - From 2018 to 2021, the park was involved in various partnerships with other wildlife groups. This ranged from rescuing birds and breeding them.
- New beginnings - Jurong Bird Park will move to a new home called Bird Paradise, joining the Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, the Night Safari and an upcoming attraction called Rainforest Wild at Mandai Wildlife Reserve.
Jurong Bird Park to bid farewell for now with a flock of activities
Singapore’s bird zoo, aka Asia’s largest bird park, is bidding farewell for now before its big move. Jurong Bird Park today announced that guests have five more months until Jan. 3 next year to admire its birds before relocating and renaming to Bird Paradise at Mandai Wildlife Reserve.
“Jurong Bird Park is like our second home, and it will be a bittersweet time for us. While we commemorate our fondest memories here in Jurong, we also look forward to new beginnings with the Bird Paradise in Mandai Wildlife Reserve and to be a part of another transformative phase of Singapore’s bird park,” the park’s Vice President Daisy Ling said in a news release.
A slew of activities starting Saturday are lined up for guests to reminisce and create even more memories after 52 years since it opened in 1971. The 20.2-hectare park, home to 3,500 birds across 400 species, welcomed its first millionth guest within a year and has tallied over 41 million guests so far.
Jurong Bird Park to Close Down in Jan 2023
If nothing at all, the sentimental value the park holds is beyond words. From family outings to school trips, we can’t count the number of times we’ve been to this bird paradise. Alas, as begrudging as it may be, it’s time to say goodbye as Jurong Bird Park will close on 3 Jan 2023. But, it’s not goodbye for good; although Jurong Bird Park closes this 2023, it’s relocating and reopening elsewhere!
As part of the park’s initiative to celebrate 52 years of service, a countdown has begun. With a bit over 100 days left till the park closes its doors, the park invites visitors to join them on A Flight to Remember. Indeed, the park is gearing up to close with a bang with activities from 3 Sep 2022 to 3 Jan 2023. With a special staff-curated trail, traditional push carts selling local hawker food, and carnival activities launching in November, there really is something for everyone. In fact, this is definitely the time to walk down memory lane.
Jurong Bird Park
Jurong Bird Park is the world’s biggest Bird Park in terms of number of birds ( over 5000 ) and 2nd largest in terms of bird species (400) . There are 29 threatened species right here. In 2006, the Bird Park underwent a $10 million makeover.
There is the Waterfall Aviary with a 30meter tall manmade waterfall and a world’s second largest walk-in aviary with about 600 free-flying birds from over 50 species. There are daily feeding sessions here. Lory loft is the world’s largest 9-storey lorry flight aviary for Lories and lorikeets. Jungle Jewels is made to resemble South American rainforest and there you find the toucan.
Mandai Wildlife Reserve
Mandai Wildlife Group is dedicated to caring for the planet and protecting animals and nature. Conservation education is intrinsic in all interactions with the Group, to inspire action for a healthier world.
Mandai Wildlife Group is the steward of Mandai Wildlife Reserve, a unique wildlife and nature destination in Singapore that is home to world-renown wildlife parks which connect visitors to the fascinating world of wildlife. The Group is driving an exciting rejuvenation plan at Mandai Wildlife Reserve, adjacent to Singapore’s Central Catchment Nature Reserve, that will integrate five wildlife parks with distinctive nature-based experiences, green public spaces and an eco-friendly resort.
The wildlife parks managed by the Group are accredited by two of the top international regional zoo associations [European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), and Zoo and Aquarium Association of Australasia (ZAA)], and the Group is an active member of the Southeast Asian Zoo and Aquarium Association (SEAZA) and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).
Bird Paradise in Mandai Wildlife Reserve
Mandai Wildlife Reserve will house 20 species of Hornbills Credit: PHOTO: shutterstock/Martin Mecnarowski
The Mandai Wildlife Reserve in Singapore will gain a new visitor attraction in the second quarter of 2023 – a 17-hectare sanctuary called Bird Paradise. The move is part of larger plans to co-locate all of Singapore’s wildlife parks and other nature-based experiences together at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve. Bird Paradise will be the first of the new wildlife parks located at the reserve to open to the public. The new area will transport visitors into a colourful world that will be home to 3,500 birds from over 400 avian species.
Designed to encourage discovery at every turn, Bird Paradise will welcome visitors into immersive and naturalistic mixed-species habitats. Visitors will be able to explore eight large walk-through aviaries which reflect different biomes of the world such as dense African rainforests, South American wetlands, Southeast Asian paddy fields and Australian dry eucalypt forests. Some of the park’s most threatened species will be housed in Winged Sanctuary, a zone specially dedicated to birds of high conservation value including critically endangered species like the Philippine Eagle and Vietnam Pheasant.
In total, 24 per cent of the species in Bird Paradise will be threatened, the highest percentage listed under human care in a single zoological park. The new bird park will also have the world’s largest living genetic reserve of Hornbills under human care, with over 20 species. The site’s operator, Mandai Wildlife Group, wants to position the park as a unique destination for nature and wildlife activities. While Bird Paradise will open in 2023, development work for the rest of the large park is also well underway and the remaining features are set to open progressively through to 2025.
Iconic Cathay Cineplex to close after Jun 26 2022 after 83 Years
Operating since before the Second World War, The Cathay is one building in Singapore that is close to our hearts.
Be it sneaking out to catch one of the Avengers movies or booking tickets with the family, we all have our unique memories of the iconic cinema. Unfortunately, The Cathay closed down on Sunday (26 Jun). Many were here to witness its last day, either to watch a screening or simply immortalise the classic signage at the front in photographs.
Here are some Singaporeans’ fondest memories of the cinema — and their opinions on the closure. The wistfulness of seeing one of Singapore’s few cinema halls go was certainly tangible that night. Moviegoers started thronging the area in front of The Cathay, taking one last shot of the striking vertical neon sign.
The iconic Golden Mile Complex - Singaporeans Bid Farewell To ‘Little Thailand’
Golden Mile Complex Tenants To Move Out By May 2023 Following Successful En Bloc Sale
Known for its Thai eateries, supermarkets, and night establishments, Golden Mile Complex has a special place in many Singaporeans’ hearts, especially for those who frequently head down for their late-night mookata fix.
But with the S$700-million en bloc sale finalised earlier this year, some feared that ‘Little Thailand’ may soon be no more. Recent developments have now proven this to be true. On 10 Aug, Edmund Tie & Company, the real estate firm in charge of the sale, announced that the building would be vacated and handed over to the developers by May 2023.
In other words, the renowned Thai establishments in the complex will soon have to move out of the iconic mall. While some stall owners plan on retiring, others plan on relocating. Regardless of their decisions, most of them will leave the iconic mall with feelings of nostalgia. Some Golden Mile Complex tenants mull retirement while others relocate.
The iconic People’s Park Complex 珍 珠 坊
For more than 40 years, the iconic People’s Park Complex stands proudly along Eu Tong Sen Street. At 31 storey high, the yellow-and-green building is easily noticeable from far.
The complex consists of a shopping center situated below its residential block, which was completed in 1970 and 1973 respectively. There are three gigantic Chinese characters on the side of the block that faces the main road. It reads “Zhen Zhu Fang” which literally means “Pearl’s Center”. The complex was designed by a local company called Design Partnership, spearheaded by chief architects Tay Kheng Soon and Koh Seow Chuan.
According to architectural experts, the design of residential block was injected with British Brutalist element, which was hugely popular in the sixties and seventies. Buildings with Brutalist concept usually expose large areas of concrete on their exterior. It resembles some of those residential blocks found in Hong Kong. The original colour of People’s Park Complex was brown and blue. It was given a complete makeover years ago, turning it into the yellow and green appearance that we see today.
Remembering Rochor Centre
A passerby taking snapshots of the iconic colourful blocks at Rochor Centre. These colourful blocks will be slated for demolition at the start of 2017.TNP FOTO: GARY GOH
While almost all of the residents have moved out, those left have until the end of this week to hand over the keys. TNP speaks to one resident, Mr Tan Chai Hock, who had lived there since it was built. He recalls how much it has changed in 40 years.
From only the 7th storey of the Rochor Centre, you could have a clear view of the sea. Hard to believe these days.
Back in the 70s, Mr Tan Chai Hock never thought that he could own a flat, let alone one in a prime area like the Rochor Centre.
Singapore's Iconic Buildings & Landmarks
Capitol Theatre, briefly Kyo-Ei Gekijo, is a historic cinema and theatre located in Singapore. It was adjoined to four-storey building known as the Capitol Building. The Capitol Theatre was considered one of Singapore's finest theatres in the 1930s during that time.
In 1929, Mirza Mohamed Ali Namazie, a Persian businessman of the Namazie family, commissioned the theatre to be built in Singapore, with S. A. H. Shirazee, an Indian-Muslim merchant and community leader, and the South African brothers Joe and Julius Fisher from First National Pictures, joined in to form Capitol Theatres Ltd as its operator. Namazie would serve as the theatre company's chairman with Shirazee as director, Joe Fisher as managing director and his brother Julius Fisher as the publicity manager. Architecture and equipments
Joe Fisher travelled overseas to acquire the materials for the theatre's furnishings, decorations and design. The Capitol Theatre was designed neoclassical architecture by British architects Keys and Dowdeswell, with its general plan, seating arrangements and lighting inspired from the Roxy Theatre in New York, United States. Builders Messrs Brossard and Mopin began construction of the foundation around July 1929. Messrs Sherwin-Williams Paint Co. in collaboration with local partner Messrs Lohmann and Co., designed the theatre's walls' and ceilings' detailing. Although installed with ventilation system, the theatre's roof was able to slide open which leave a 40-foot aperture for more ventilation.
The first layout of the theatre could accommodate at least 1,600 people, with 1,100 seated on the ground floor. Another 500 seats were available at the circle that could be accessed via lifts or staircases. The seats were a few inches wider than normal British cinema seats, and the upholstery was supplied by a New York company. The theatre had a large projection room located below the balcony and ran the length of the building instead of being traditionally sited in the rear. It housed the latest Simplex projector installed with fireproof protection shutters. The theatre's acoustics and soundproofing were said to be exceptional at that time. Special expensive sound installations costing at least 40,000 Straits dollars were imported from Western Electric Company. The theatre's stage was also designed for stage productions, with changing rooms and organ chambers built into the theatre. It was also the first to equip multihued lighting system using concealed lamps with a dimmer function, which was never used in other existing theatres in Singapore at that time. Besides having the floodlit main entrance at the junction of Stamford Road and North Bridge Road, there are also two side entrances from Stamford Road and North Bridge Road, with a parking lot to accommodate at least 200 cars. There were several food outlets at the theatre. The main café on the first floor had a dance floor where cabaret was held at the selected nights, and adjoining the café was a restaurant known as the Capitol Restaurant. A café lounge was located at the circle. A special cooling room for making French pastries was built in the kitchen on the ground floor. Its adjoined building known as Namazie Mansions, which was named after the Chairman Namazie, was completed in the early 1930.
National Monuments of Singapore
Our National Monuments are an integral part of Singapore’s built heritage, which the National Heritage Board (NHB) preserves and promotes for posterity. They are monuments and sites that are accorded the highest level of protection in Singapore.
Singapore Zoo's 50th Golden ZOObilee
Come celebrate Singapore Zoo's 50th Golden ZOObilee with our star animals and the ART-ZOO friends!
We are proud to celebrate 50 years of caring for wildlife at Singapore Zoo!
Our commitment to being a 'window to the wild' has made a positive impact on people and animals. We will continue strive to create experiences to inspire care and rally everyone to protect animals and nature.
To celebrate this milestone, we have a series of exciting activities lined up for you in the upcoming months. Come join us as a fun-filled celebration awaits!
