Usher in a year of lóng-evity at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve

2 Feb 2024
Begin the Year of the Dragon on a festively fiery note at Singapore’s wildlife parks from 9 to 25 February 2024 and usher in joy and prosperity all year ​龙 (lóng). ​ 

Dragons may be mythical beasts, but their real-life counterparts can be found in Singapore Zoo! Komodo dragon brothers, Mario and Taro, take the spotlight this namesake lunar year. Fourteen-year-old Mario was the first ever Komodo dragon hatchling in 2009 for the Singapore Zoo, after 34 years of caring for this species. Younger sibling Taro arrived two years later. Watch them indulge in a specially prepared Lunar New Year-themed enrichment treat, and interact with the reptile care team as they share their knowledge about these awe-inspiring prehistoric denizens that still roam the Earth.

Just like how our animals receive enrichment to stimulate their minds, an array of activities is available at the education booths where guests can learn fascinating nuggets of knowledge while having fun. Find out which animals inspire dragon myths around the world and discover if mini dragons can be found in our backyard!

Experience more wildlife encounters at our sister parks with other creatures as prehistoric as the Komodo dragons. Take flight to Bird Paradise and witness Southern cassowaries be part of a special reveal of a Lunar New Year surprise. Then, swish over to River Wonders to catch the Chinese water dragon in action, before concluding the day with a twilight rendezvous with Night Safari's mysterious Indian gharials.

Don't miss the animal ambassadors from our animal presentations as they bring you their unique rendition of good tidings for the season. Cheer on Sassy, our Sulphur-crested cockatoo and Amigo, our yellow-naped Amazon parrot, as they deliver ‘ang pows’ and greetings of prosperity to visitors at Bird Paradise's Wings of the World. Receive prosperous wishes from our capybaras at River Wonders' Once Upon a River and sea lion at Singapore Zoo's Splash Safari.

The Lunar New Year would not be complete without new apparel, a family feast and the traditional dragon dance. Bond with family over a hearty Lunar New Year lunch at Singapore Zoo and get decked out in brand new apparel from the retail stores in Singapore Zoo, River Wonders and Night Safari. Ring in the new year with a mesmerising dragon dance performance at the Bird Paradise and River Wonders' entrances and discover your zoo-diac predictions to make the most of this dragon year.

More information on the Lunar New Year activities at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve is available at www.wildcny.sg

Taro the Komodo dragon at the Singapore Zoo getting ready to unbox his  Lunar New Year-themed enrichment treat.

Photo credit: Mandai Wildlife Group

Lowe the African grey parrot at River Wonders picks out a set of lucky numbers during the Once Upon a River presentation. 

Photo credit: Mandai Wildlife Group

Jelly the capybara ushers in the Lunar New Year with good wishes at River Wonders’ Once Upon a River presentation.  

Photo credit: Mandai Wildlife Group

Sassy the Sulphur-crested cockatoo makes a special ang pow delivery during the Wings of the World presentation in Bird Paradise. 

Photo credit: Mandai Wildlife Group

The Komodo dragon is the largest living lizard species in the world. Endemic to Indonesia, this Critically Endangered species can grow up to three metres long in the wild.

Photo credit: Mandai Wildlife Group

The Chinese water dragon at River Wonders. They are known to be adept climbers and strong swimmers. 

Photo credit: Mandai Wildlife Group

Cassowaries are the third largest bird species in the world. Bird Paradise is home to two of the cassowary species, including the Southern cassowary.

Photo credit: Mandai Wildlife Group

Indian gharials are distinguished by their long, thin snouts which are perfectly adapted to help them catch fish. Look out for these unique crocodilians at Night Safari.

Photo credit: Mandai Wildlife Group

Usher in a Year of Lóng-evity from 9-25 Feb 2024. Participate in exciting activities and learn about your zoo-diac predictions. 

Photo credit: Mandai Wildlife Group

ACTIVITIES AT A GLANCE (9-25 Feb 2024)

For more information on our activities, please visit: www.wildcny.sg

Activities

Details

Singapore Zoo

Auspicious Greetings at Our Animal Presentations

Celebrate the lunar festivities with our animals at the Singapore Zoo. Watch them usher in the Lunar New Year with well wishes.

 

Limited seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis.  

 

Date: 10 - 25 Feb 2024

Time:  10.30am, 5.00pm 

Venue: Splash Safari, Shaw Foundation Amphitheatre  

 

Time: 12.00pm, 2.30pm 

Venue: Rainforest Fights Back, Shaw Foundation Amphitheatre  

 

Star Animal Enrichment – Komodo Dragon

Get up close and watch our Komodo dragon in action through its enrichment session with our keepers and learn interesting facts about this species.

Date: 10 & 17 Feb 2024

Time: 3.00pm (15-20 min)

Venue: Komodo dragon exhibit, Reptile Garden

 

Star Animal Feeding & Keeper Talk – Komodo Dragon

Look forward to a big feeding session and learn fun facts about our Komodo dragons from our friendly keepers.

Date: 11 & 18 Feb 2024

Time: 3.00pm (15-20 min)

Venue: Komodo dragon exhibit, Reptile Garden

Lunar New Year Educational Booths

Ever wondered why some animals are named after the mythical dragon? Or whether Singapore has any dragon-like wildlife? Find out more at our booths!

Date: 9 Feb (until 1.30pm only), 10-12, 17-18, 24-25 Feb 2024

Time: 10.00am-4.00pm

Venue: Singapore Zoo Entrance

Zoo-diac Predictions

Check out your 2024 zoo-diac predictions and anticipate a prosperous year ahead!

 

 

Date: 9-25 Feb 2024

Time: 8.30am-6.00pm

Venue: Opposite otter exhibit  

 

River Wonders

Auspicious Dragon Dance

Usher in the Year of the Dragon with a special dragon dance performance.

Date: 10 & 11 Feb 2024

Time: 11.00am

Venue: Entrance of River Wonders

 

Auspicious Greetings at Once Upon a River

Celebrate the lunar festivities with our animals at River Wonders. Watch our adorable capybaras usher in the Lunar New Year with well wishes! Our African grey parrots will be picking some lucky numbers too!

 

Limited seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Online booking is required. Animal presentation is weather permitting.  

 

Date: 10-25 Feb 2024  

Time: 11.30am, 2.30pm, 4.30pm 

Venue: Boat Plaza 

 

Star Animal Feeding & Keeper Talk – Chinese Water Dragon

Look forward to a feeding session and learn fun facts about our Chinese water dragon from our friendly keepers.

Date: 10, 11, 17, 18 Feb 2024

Time: 3.00pm

Venue: Chinese water dragon exhibit

 

Zoo-diac Predictions

Check out your 2024 zodiac predictions and anticipate a prosperous year ahead! 

Date: 9-25 Feb 2024

Time: 10.00am-7.00pm

Venue: Panda Courtyard  

 

Night Safari

TwiLIGHT Performance

A dazzling LED performance with Lunar New Year greetings awaits you! Join us and immerse yourself in the spirit of the new year.

Date: 10-25 Feb 2024

Time: 8.15pm, 9.15pm

Venue: Night Safari Courtyard

 

Star Animal Feeding & Keeper Talk – Indian Gharial

Look forward to a feeding session and learn fun facts about our Indian gharials from our friendly keepers.

Date: 11, 15 & 18 Feb 2024

Time: 8.45pm (10-15 min)

Venue: Indian gharial exhibit, Fishing Cat Trail

 

Zoo-diac Predictions

Check out your 2024 zodiac predictions and anticipate a prosperous year ahead! 

Date: 9-25 Feb 2024 

Time: 7.00pm-12.00am

Venue: Entrance Walkway   

 

Bird Paradise

Auspicious Dragon Dance

Usher in the Year of the Dragon with a special dragon dance performance.

Date: 10 & 11 Feb 2024

Time: 9.30am

Venue: Entrance of Bird Paradise

 

Animal Presentation – Wings of the World

Celebrate the new year with our feathered friends. Receive a red packet delivered by Sassy, our sulphur-crested cockatoo, a Gong Xi Fa Cai greeting from Amigo our yellow-naped Amazon parrot, and much more!

 

Date: 10-25 Feb 2024

Time: 12.30pm, 5.00pm

Venue: Sky Amphitheatre

 

Star Animal Feeding & Keeper Talk – Southern Cassowary

Get up close as our Southern cassowaries wish you a Happy New Year and learn interesting facts from our friendly keepers!

Date: 10, 11, 17 & 18 Feb 2024

Time: 12.45pm (15 mins)

Venue: Mysterious Papua

 

Zoo-diac Predictions

Check out your 2024 zodiac predictions and anticipate a prosperous year ahead! 

Date: 9-25 Feb 2024

Time: 9.00am-6.00pm

Venue: Entrance of Bird Paradise

Promotions 

Details 

Be a Friend of Wildlife  

Receive an exclusive Red Packet Set with every Friends of Wildlife or Friends of Wildlife Plus (Individual Adult/Family) membership sign-up. 

 

While stocks last. T&Cs apply.

 

Promo period: 9-12 Feb 2024

 

For more info, click here

 

 

Lóng-evity Lunch Special

Indulge in the ultimate dining experience at Ah Meng Restaurant. Immerse yourself in the cozy embrace of air-conditioned luxury while savoring the festive delights of our Lóng-evity Lunch Special, all for an irresistible $24.80 per set. Elevate your holiday dining with us!

 

 

 

 

Date: 10-12 Feb 2024

Time: 11.00am-2.30pm (last seating at 2.00pm)

Venue: Forest Lodge, Singapore Zoo

 

Retail Specials

For a limited time, enjoy an exclusive Lunar New Year apparel bundle at $39. While stocks last.

 

 

 

Date: 1-29 Feb 2024

Venue: Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, Night Safari retail stores

 

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