Getting some TLC from the pandas
After being house-bound for over a week due to a broken arm, I was only too happy to be brought out to see something cuter than myself to cheer me up – Mr Kai Kai and Miss Jia Jia, Singapore’s most famous couple of the moment. These pandas are a sign of the twentieth anniversary of friendly Sino-Singapore relations, and are on a ten-year loan from China as part of a joint collaboration between China Wildlife Conservation Association and WRS to raise public awareness on wildlife conservation and develop a breeding programme for these endangered animals. I could still remember the fanfare when they arrived in Singapore on 6 September 2012 – mind you, they flew in style via Singapore Airlines k…
The couple stay in a special enclosure at the 12 hectare Singapore River Safari. Touted as Asia’s first and only river-themed wildlife park developed at a cost of S$160 million, its landscaping concept features well-known rivers from around the world, such as Yangtze, Congo, Ganges, Mekong Mississippi and Nile. It features over 5000 animals and 500 species including anacondas, giant otters, electric eels, manatees, polar bears, etc.
We got a sneak peek at some of the Singapore River Safari exhibits slated to partially open on 3 April 2013. Seen here are the Mekong Giant Catfish, one of the largest species of freshwater fish in the world.Despite its large size, the fish is a herbivore that lives on a diet of algae and other plants on the riverbed. It’s an endangered species by the way, which I can totally understand since my first thought was how to fit into my cooking pot :p The aquarium is the highlight of the Mekong River zone and will also feature other megafishes such as the Giant Freshwater Stingray.
Menacing-looking Giant Stork
Maybe it was eying the Mekong Giant Catfish…
We had to make an appointment to see the pandas in their enclosure, and each time slot is limited to 15 minutes before you get chased out.
Besides Kai Kai and Jia Jia, you will also get to see the Red Panda and Golden Pheasant (not in yet at time of visit) at the enclosure. How can 15 minutes be enough to see 3 exhibits?!
The red pandas were absolutely stunning in colour and so cute. I kept fascinating them around my shoulders *evil* But seriously – they were pretty awesome, and absolutely difficult to photography since they moved non-stop.
Super itchy backside
The best moment to take a photo, was when they stopped for a few seconds to scratch their backsides – which happened every few minutes. And amusing to watch. I felt like a voyeur.
Oh, that cute face!
In search of Kai Kai & Jia Jia
This boy seemed pretty interested in Kai Kai
Panoramic view of the panda enclosure
Finally spotted the fella snoozing, in style
I wanna be a panda
Kai Kai & Jia Jia eat 20kg of bamboo, sleep and play. That pretty sums up their day. And sounds like what I have been doing for the past week – sans play.
Handsome lad
And where’s Jia Jia?
I was pretty much tickled by this interpretation of Jia Jia’s retreating behaviour
Caption: “Where da hell is this %#^&* place? It’s so freakin hot!!”
Which I will have to agree about the recent sweltering temperatures.
Source: SGAG
Learn more about the pandas
I am growing to be as round as a panda after a week of hibernation…boohoo
After panda viewing, time to get some souvenirs!
How much merchandise can you make out of panda? Apparently a lot.
Satiate your hunger pangs at Mama Panda’s
The panda-shaped buns were cute! But are you sure Kai Kai and Jia Jia can even eat these to name it their favourite? Hmmm.
I want to buy the panda mold!
The restaurant’s chairs were all about panda
Sturdy? Yes, it could take my weight.
Way to Singapore River Safari
Singapore River Safari
Singapore River Safari
I found this photo so amusingly true – While the girl happily posed for a photo, the boy couldn’t care less. LOL
I was only too happy to take a parting shot with the two cuddlies before heading home to hibernate again.
Singapore River Safari
80 Mandai Lake Road
Singapore 729826
Tel: +65 6269 3411
Opening Hours: 9:00AM to 6:00PM (Last ticket sale at 5.00pm)
Website: http://riversafari.com.sg
Park Map
Admission Fee: Discounted rate of S$25 (adult), S$16 (Child), S$12.50 (Senior Citizen) until River Safari boat ride are available in late 2013.
Getting There
