The Philippine eagle exhibit at Jurong Bird Park was launched today in a ceremony officiated by Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan and Philippine Assistant Secretary for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Mr Ricardo L. Calderon. The launch also marks the Golden Jubilee of diplomatic relations between Singapore and the Philippines in 2019.
From L-R: Mr Mike Barclay, Group CEO, Mandai Park Holdings, Mr Ricardo L. Calderon, Assistant Secretary, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Republic of the Philippines, Mr S. Dhanabalan, Chairman, Mandai Park Holdings, Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan, His Excellency Joseph Del Mar Yap, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to Singapore, and Mr Jaime Bautista, Vice Chairman, Philippine Eagle Foundation at the official debut of the Philippine eagle
PHOTO CREDITS: WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE
Said Mr Mike Barclay, Group Chief Executive Officer of Mandai Park Holdings which is the parent entity of Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS): “Geothermica and Sambisig are being closely monitored by their keepers from the Foundation and our avian care team, to ensure they adapt well to their new surroundings and are given every opportunity to succeed as a breeding pair. WRS is also contributing to conservation work dedicated to protecting the eagles in the island of Luzon, where data is currently being collected to establish the status and distribution of the eagle’s population. This work includes engaging local communities to seek their help in protecting these iconic birds.”
Any future offspring of the eagles will be returned to the Philippines to contribute to the sustainability of the species’ population under human care. Both Geothermica and Sambisig, 15 and 17 years old respectively, were hatched under human care at the Philippine Eagle Foundation.
“The eagles' presence here in Singapore's Jurong Bird Park is testament to the importance of diplomacy and international cooperation in helping to promote and preserve biodiversity for future generations", added Mr Edgar Chua, Chairman, Philippine Eagle Foundation. "We have also found that by spreading awareness through school and volunteer programmes, communities readily step in to lend a hand with efforts to prevent extinction in the form of everyday activities.”
To prepare for the arrival of the eagles this year, Jurong Bird Park’s care team spent time with the Philippine Eagle Foundation and local keepers there to learn the specific husbandry and veterinary care needed for the majestic raptors.
WRS supports over 50 wildlife conservation projects through funding, research, supporting local communities, wildlife-human conflict resolution, and capacity-building initiatives. Most of these projects focus on Southeast Asian species that are under threat from habitat loss and the illegal wildlife trade. WRS is a founding member and hosts the IUCN Asian Species Action Partnership (ASAP), an alliance of conservation organisations which focuses emergency conservation attention on critically endangered land and freshwater vertebrates in Southeast Asia. The Philippine eagle is an ASAP species, pushed to the brink of extinction by habitat loss and hunting, and the Philippine Eagle Foundation is a fellow member of ASAP.
In commemoration of 50 years of friendship between Singapore and the Philippines, local residents and Filipino citizens enjoy 50 per cent off a pair of full-priced admission tickets. Additionally, year-end festivities are ongoing during weekends at Jurong Bird Park until 29 December. These include educational activities focusing on birds of prey and their adaptive features. In addition, to reinforce WRS’ commitment to conservation, a portion of the proceeds from all ticket purchases to Jurong Bird Park and her sister parks—Night Safari, River Safari and Singapore Zoo—is channeled into regional wildlife conservation efforts.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan (centre) receiving the passports of Philippine eagles Sambisig and Geothermica from His Excellency Joseph Del Mar Yap (extreme right) while Philippine Assistant Secretary for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Mr Ricardo L. Calderon (extreme left) witnesses the exchange. Celebrated as the national bird of the Philippines, Sambisig and Geothermica are the first breeding pair to be established outside of their native country as part of a recovery plan.
PHOTO CREDITS: WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE
Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan admiring Sambisig the critically endangered Philippine eagle at the official debut of the exhibit this morning. The opening also marks the golden jubilee of diplomatic relations between Singapore and the Philippines in 2019.
PHOTO CREDITS: WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE
Sambisig the Philippine eagle cools off with a shower at her newly launched exhibit at Jurong Bird Park.
The critically endangered Philippine eagles made their official debut at a ceremony officiated by Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan and Philippine Assistant Secretary for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Mr Ricardo L. Calderon. The launch also marks the Golden Jubilee of diplomatic relations between
PHOTO CREDITS: WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE
Geothermica the Philippine eagle shows off his impressive wingspan at the newly launched exhibit at Jurong Bird Park.
The critically endangered Philippine eagles made their official debut at a ceremony officiated by Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan and Philippine Assistant Secretary for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Mr Ricardo L. Calderon. The launch also marks the Golden Jubilee of diplomatic relations between Singapore and the Philippines in 2019.
PHOTO CREDITS: WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE
Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan (centre, in blue shirt) and Philippine Assistant Secretary for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Mr Ricardo L. Calderon (second from right in white shirt) were warmly welcomed by a wave of Philippine and Singapore flags as they arrived for the official debut of the Philippine eagle exhibit at Jurong Bird Park this morning. The launch also marks the Golden Jubilee of diplomatic relations between Singapore and the Philippines in 2019.
PHOTO CREDITS: WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE
ACTIVITIES AT A GLANCE
For more information on our activities, please visit https://www.wrs.com.sg/en/jurong-bird-park/whats-on/kings-fiesta.html
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The King’s Challenge Embark on the King’s Challenge for a royal reward! Snap a photo at the “Wingspan Photopoint” at Birds of Prey and play Filipino games at the King’s Fiesta Village to claim an exclusive Jurong Bird Park pin. |
Date: 16 Nov – 29 Dec (weekends and public holiday only) Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm Venue: Around the park
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King’s Fiesta Village Enter this festive village and take part in the celebrations! Play games, feast on delectable Filipino food (from renowned Jollibee, Leslie’s Restaurant and more) and groove to traditional songs and dances from the Philippine eagle’s homeland. It’s a celebration fit for a king.
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Date: 16 Nov – 29 Dec (weekends and public holiday only) Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm Venue: Birdz of Play
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Kings of the Skies Show Be captivated by the speed, agility and accuracy of Jurong Bird Park’s kings of the skies – as they showcase their predatory skills in simulated hunts. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have your photo taken with these celebrated raptors!
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Date: Daily Time: 10.00am & 4.00pm Venue: Hawk Arena
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Bird’s Eye Tour: The King’s Edition* A must-see tour for every-birdy! Experience the thrill of raptors swooping from above, honing in on their prey! Meet the Brahminy kites and other kings of the sky in this exclusive experience.
*Additional fees apply.
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Date: Daily Time: 11.45am (last booking at 11.40am) Venue: Wildlife Experiences Tour Counter
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An Audience with a King Get up-close and personal with our magnificent vultures and their royal keepers. Learn about these incredible birds and have your questions answered by our keepers. |
Date: 16 Nov – 29 Dec (weekends and public holidays only) Time: 2.00pm Venue: Hawk Arena
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The Friendly Eagle Mascot Meet & Greet Our friendly Philippine eagle mascot on the ground is eager to meet and take photos with you! |
Date: 16 Nov – 29 Dec (weekends and public holiday only) Time: 10.30am & 2.30pm Venue: Tram Station 1 Photopoint
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Exclusive Pinkfong Baby Shark Concert Concert: Pinkfong Baby Shark Jungle Adventures Ticket Price: $50 (WRS members), $70 (Public)
For the first time, Pinkfong and Baby Shark will be having a concert at Jurong Bird Park! Go on a wild adventure with as they learn about the different animals that live in the jungle. Get ready to sing, dance and have fun with the gang!
Ticket sales begin 12 November 2019.
For more information on the concert, please visit: www.birdpark.com.sg/pinkfong
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Date: 30 Nov, 1, 7, 8 Dec 2019 Time: 6.30pm Venue: Pools Amphitheatre
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