Get up close to some of the world’s rarest and most colourful birds at Bird Paradise, Asia’s largest bird park.
The 17-hectare bird park is home to 3,500 birds from over 400 species. It has 10 zones including eight large walk-through aviaries, a penguin habitat, a zone dedicated to birds of high conservation value, a 2,000-seat amphitheatre with two avian shows, seven F&B outlets, plus dry and wet play areas for family fun.
There are many ways to experience the bird park as there’s something for every member of the family to enjoy.
We shine the spotlight on eight attractions and activities that you’ve gotta check out at Bird Paradise.
1. Nyungwe Forest Heart of Africa
Walk through the bird park’s largest aviary and see African bird species like Great Blue Turaco, Livingstone’s Turaco, Superb Starling, Laughing Dove and Black-crowned Crane in a space that’s inspired by the forest valleys of continental Africa.
Enjoy elevated canopy experiences with suspension bridges above meandering forest streams, get a vantage point of the aviary from the Viewing Tower, and look out for Congolese pavilions and a larger-than-life artificial sycamore fig tree.
2. Kuok Group Wings of Asia
This aviary pays homage to the diverse habitats of Southeast Asia through its Bali- and Thai-inspired elements like winding bamboo forests, sloping rice terraces, pavilions and water-based sound sculptures.
Come here to observe threatened species like the Black-faced Spoonbills and Baer’s Pochard as well as Mandarin Ducks wading in the shallow waters while charismatic Hornbills soar above. Get here early for a chance to see the Pied Imperial Pigeons flocking to their morning meal.
3. Hong Leong Foundation Crimson Wetlands
Admire some of the world’s most brilliantly coloured birds amongst wetland vegetation and crimson blooms. See Scarlet Macaws soar above American Flamingos set against the backdrop of a cascading waterfall, while Scarlet Ibises and Roseate Spoonbills wade across the South American wetlands.
Photo: CL
Hop across the lily play pockets and test your balance, and snap lots of Insta-worthy shots of the 20m-tall waterfall that’s inspired by the San Juan Curi waterfall in Colombia, as a tribute to the Waterfall Aviary of Jurong Bird Park.
4. Lory Loft
Reminiscent of the much-loved Lory Loft at Jurong Bird Park, the new Lory Loft resembles the monsoon forest of Irian Jaya and is home to over 10 species of gregarious lories and eye-catching parrots including Dusky Lory, Rainbow Lorikeet, Marigold Lorikeet and Coconut Lorikeet amid lush forest canopies.
The aviary has suspension bridges themed after ethnic treehouses in Papua. From these bridges, you can offer the birds a nectar cup, enticing them to come up close and perch on your wrists and shoulders.
5. Shaw Foundation Australian Outback
The arid forest-themed habitat in this aviary is home to iconic Australian species such as the Red-tailed Black Cockatoo, Straw-necked Ibis and Emu, the second largest living bird in the world. Listen for the iconic “laughter” of the Laughing Kookaburras and keep your eyes peeled for the master of disguise – the Tawny Frogmouth – as it camouflages as a tree branch.
Check out the aboriginal rock paintings decorating the towering rock structures, and the windmill and tower which are sure to transport you to the Outback.
6. Ocean Network Express Penguin Cove
This multi-level, state-of-the-art indoor habitat showcases the fascinating behaviours of four species of penguins – Gentoo, King, Humboldt and Northern Rockhopper.
Photo: CL
Its two large acrylic tanks each hold one of the biggest water volumes in the world to house penguins. Consisting of two storeys, the cold saltwater habitat allows you to view penguins diving into the depths and emerging onto a Sub-Antarctic beach to waddle around under a domed sky surrounded by a projection of the Southern lights, the Aurora Australis. Lighting in the tank is designed to mimic the day and night of the Sub-Antarctic islands and complement the penguins’ breeding cycles.
7. Bird Shows at Amphitheatre
Witness the amazing talents of the park’s birds alongside their trainers at two bird shows held at the Sky Amphitheatre.
Featuring macaws, hornbills and pelicans, the Wings of the World show (12.30pm and 5pm daily) takes you on a journey around the world to marvel at the vibrant hues and astounding aerial manoeuvres of the birds.
The Predators on Wings show (10.30am and 2.30pm daily) showcases the precision, stealth and speed of majestic birds of prey like the White-bellied Sea Eagle, Andean Condor and Cinerous Vulture.
8. Keeper Talks & Feeding Programmes
Learn more about the ecology and behaviour of macaws, penguins and songbirds from the people who know them best – the keepers. Hear interesting quirks about the birds as they are being fed.
If you want to get in on the feeding action, pre-book a feeding session online ($8 per session per person) and arrive 15 minutes before the feeding time.
At Nyungwe Forest Heart of Africa, you can hand-feed mealworms to starlings and weavings, and fruits to turacos at 9.30am and 2pm. Over at Mysterious Papua, the cassowaries are waiting to be hand-fed at 1pm.
At Kuok Group Wings of Asia, you can admire the view from the pavilion overlooking the paddy field as you feed the pelicans with their favourite fishes at 10am and 4.30pm. Make your way to Lory Loft at 11am or 3.30pm, grab a cup of homemade nectar and get ready for the lories as they flock towards you and the sweet treat that you’re holding.
Photos courtesy of Mandai Wildlife Group
