River Safari, Wildlife Reserves Singapore’s newest attraction welcomed its first visitors today, 3 April 2013, during its soft opening. This river-themed wildlife park is laid out over 12 hectares and costs an initial $160 million.
Visit the Rivers of the World
Divided into eight zones, visitors can view aquatic animals in a series of freshwater galleries and immersive exhibits themed after major rivers from around the world. 300 animal species, including 42 endangered species, are represented and there are more than 5,000 animals, both aquatic and terrestrial, in the River Safari.
The River Safari’s major attraction, the Amazon River Quest, remains unopened. When it does open, the attraction will bring visitors on a boat ride to encounter Amazonian animals such as the giant anteater and the jaguar.
Even with the missing boat ride, this did not stop enthusiastic pre-schoolers and other guests from participating in the short ceremony that took place to mark the opening of this new attraction.
Highlights of the River Safari
Excitement was buzzing as the first visitors made their way past the turnstiles and the ding of enthusiastic kids could be heard over the waters of Mandai. Highlights of a visit include the Mekong River’s Giant Catfish exhibit, the Giant Panda Forest enclosure where the two pandas on loan from China are on display, and the Amazon Flooded Forest exhibition with its giant otters and manatees.
River Safari opens daily from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm. Normal ticket prices are $35.00 for adults, $23.00 for children and $17.50 for seniors. However, as the River Safari boat ride is unavailable till later this year, admission tickets are being sold at discounted prices of $25.00 for adults, $16.00 for children and $12.50 for seniors.
See Little Day Out’s in-depth review of the River Safari.
