PEAKLIFE

Singapore has a host of exciting experiences to offer, making it a popular holiday destination for Indian travellers. The newest addition to the country’s ever-increasing portfolio of offerings, Bird Paradise, will be soft-launched on 8th May 2023. Located within the integrated nature and wildlife destination of Mandai Wildlife Reserve in Northern Singapore, the new park will feature eight large walk-through aviaries, each of which will represent different habitats of the world. Bird Paradise will be the fourth park in Mandai Wildlife Reserve, which also houses the Night Safari, River Wonders, and Singapore Zoo. After the launch of the new bird park, visitors will be able to access all four parks with one pass.

True to its conservation and education efforts, the focus of Bird Paradise will be to create an environment where visitors can learn about the unique avian world. The former Jurong Bird Park’s much-loved highlight, feeding sessions, will also be revived to allow guests to get up-close and personal with species of birds like African Hornbills and Starlings, among others.

We sat down with Ms. Jean Choi, Chief of Sales & Marketing, Mandai Wildlife Group and Mr. GB Srithar, Regional Director, India, Middle East, South Asia and Africa, Singapore Tourism Board, to find out more about Bird Paradise and the expectations surrounding its launch.

GlobalSpa: What are some of the unique offerings of Bird Paradise?

Ms. Jean Choi: Bird Paradise’s USP is that it’s an immersive experience with eight walk through aviaries, which means that when you walk into the aviaries, there are birds flying all around you. How can you be more immersive than that? On top of that, each aviary is designed to depict the environment that the birds are from.

GlobalSpa: While creating this kind of an environment, safety and hygiene become extremely important. How do you take care of the well-being of the visiting humans as well as the birds?

Ms. Jean Choi: We have over 52 years of experience, having managed Jurong Bird Park. We have a very high standard of veterinary care. We also have a veterinary hospital where we take care of our animals. Hygiene and safety is very important for us and we have a team that takes care of that. We also focus on educating the guests about the correct codes of conduct while they’re inside the park.

GlobalSpa: What are your ongoing and upcoming conservation efforts and what is the larger vision of the organisation?

Ms. Jean Choi: Mandai Wildlife Group is committed to conservation and sustainability at its very core. Aside from taking very good care of our own animals, we are involved in over 160 breeding projects around the world. We are also involved in 40 other projects in Asia, to take care of natural habitats under the arm of Mandai Nature. Within Singapore as well, when any wild animal is hurt, we bring them into our parks and then our veterinary team takes care of them.

GlobalSpa: Sustainability is quite big in Singapore. Is there a conscious effort to promote sustainability in the country?

Mr. GB Srithar: It is more than a conscious effort. It is a strategic focus for Singapore. We want to make sure that Singapore as a tropical island remains relevant in this world and we protect our future. Recently, in fact, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, GSTC, certified Singapore as the first country to be a sustainable destination. So, sustainability and conservation is very high on Singapore tourism’s agenda, not just because it is an existential question for us, but also to make sure that we are protecting the lives and future of the citizens in the country.

GlobalSpa: Is there a trend that indicates that more Indian travellers are interested in wildlife and nature? And if yes, why would they choose Singapore over an African country?

Mr. GB Srithar: Indian travellers are definitely becoming a lot more discerning about where they are travelling and what kind of eco-friendly attractions they want to visit. It’s maybe not a major trend, but it’s picking up. When tourists come to Singapore, they don’t just enjoy the food and attractions—they look forward to the green cover, parks, and gardens.

Singapore is within a short flying radius from India and is well connected with 16 cities. It’s very easy to come into Singapore and suddenly you’re in a garden city and you’re enjoying eco-friendly and sustainable attractions. Additionally, the fact that Mandai Wildlife Reserve now has four different parks is going to be a huge draw for any family.

GlobalSpa: Can you tell us more about the new initiatives from Mandai Wildlife Reserve?

Ms. Jean Choi: With Bird Paradise being the first opening for Mandai Wildlife group, we will have a subsequent park opening in the following year. Thereafter, we will also have other offerings like indoor experiences, a Banyan Tree hotel, permanent glamping tents, etc. We will also have an educational centre for children. It will be a whole array of experiences that guests can choose from.

Mr. GB Srithar: It will become a mini destination of its own within Singapore.

GlobalSpa: What are your expectations with the opening of Bird Paradise?

Mr. GB Srithar: Firstly, we want to attract visitors—not just tourists. We want Singaporeans, local residents, and visitors to come and enjoy the park. Secondly, we want to project a future-focused strategy. Lastly, we have been looking at the long-term attractions and experiences for people, and wildlife conservation and sustainability is definitely here to stay. So, I’m very hopeful that Indian visitors will discover the delights of going back and visiting a country which has a lot of interesting experiences to offer.