Singapore’s Bird Paradise grand opening ‘hatched’, six months after soft opening and 600K visitors

Singapore’s Bird Paradise ‘hatched’ a grand opening today with a ‘giant egg’ and ‘hatchlings’, six months after the new bird park took flight in a soft opening.

Mike Barclay (far left), Group CEO of the Mandai Wildlife Group, with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong at the grand opening of Bird Paradise. Event attendees include S Dhanabalan (seated), Chairman of Mandai Park Holdings; Chaly Mah (back row, right), Chairman of Singapore Tourism Board; Chong Siak Ching (back row, left), Board Director, Mandai Park Holdings; and Neo Su Yin, SingPost CEO (not in the picture). Photo courtesy: Mandai Wildlife Group

Today’s milestone event was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong, who was joined by around 1,000 guests, including Bird Paradise’s partners and sponsors, as well as community residents from the neighbouring Northwest and Southeast Community Development Councils (CDCs). All guests received a commemorative stamp collection set, which was specially unveiled in conjunction with Singapore Post Limited (SingPost).

Since it soft opened on May 8 this year, the park, located at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, has welcomed more than 600,000 local and international visitors.

Delivery of a postcard with Bird Paradise Commemorative Stamp by Sassy, the Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo, to DPM Lawrence Wong. Photo courtesy: Mandai Wildlife Group

Mike Barclay, Group CEO of Mandai Wildlife Group, said, “I would like to thank our partners and key sponsors for journeying with us to deliver this outstanding bird park, together with a best-in-class avian hospital and extensive bird breeding facilities.”

He added, “Bird Paradise and the Mandai Wildlife West public space outside of this park are amongst the first features to open as part of our Mandai Rejuvenation Project. We have a long-term vision to transform the Mandai Wildlife Reserve into a world-leading nature and wildlife destination, to be a jewel in the crown of our City in Nature.”

DPM Lawrence Wong and S Dhanabalan at the Breeding and Research Centre next to Winged Sanctuary. Photo courtesy: Mandai Wildlife Group

The Mandai Wildlife Group has launched several new initiatives that will enrich the learning experience of park-goers and create more immersive opportunities for people to connect with the park’s animal residents and their carers.

Mandai Park Holdings Chairman S Dhanabalan and Singapore Tourism Board Chairman Chaly Mah at the opening ceremony, assisted by park personnel. Photo courtesy: Mandai Wildlife Group

● Today’s grand event also marked the opening of a new Breeding and Research Centre located next to Winged Sanctuary, which features species of high conservation value. Park-goers can have a glimpse behind-the-scenes to learn what goes into caring for the park’s feathered residents. Over at the nursery, guests will get a chance to see chicks being hand-raised to maximise their chances of survival.

● Making its debut, ‘Glamping with the Penguins’ is an all-new, two-day-one-night glamping experience. For the first time, guests will spend a night in Ocean Network Express Penguin Cove in glamping bell tents.

Glamping with the Penguins: Each tent is suitable for a family of four. Photo courtesy: Mandai Wildlife Group

Guests will begin their journey with reserved seating to watch the exciting ‘Wings of the World’ presentation, followed by a scrumptious dinner, before winding down with the penguins. Each tent is suitable for a family of four who can cosy up together. They will also get to enjoy a special showcase of the breathtaking Southern Lights in hues of blues and greens that light up the penguins’ exhibit.

The next morning, glampers will set out to Nyungwe Forest Heart of Africa for a guided tour of the aviaries. There will also be special access to off-exhibit facilities like the nutrition centre and avian hospital to learn about avian care at Bird Paradise, before winding up the glamping stay with a hearty lunch at Crimson. More information on this glamping experience can be found on the Bird Paradise website.

● The Mandai Wildlife Group, in partnership with SingPost, also unveiled a limited-edition commemorative stamp set. Three of the stamp designs feature some of the park’s most threatened species — the Negros Bleeding-heart Dove; Philippine Eagle; and the Knobbed Hornbill.

Bird Paradise first day cover. Photo courtesy: Mandai Wildlife Group

The remaining three designs were inspired by the park’s most iconic aviaries: the Hong Leong Foundation Crimson Wetlands; Kuok Group Wings of Asia; and Nyungwe Forest Heart of Africa, highlighting the captivating avian residents that call these habitats home.

Bird Paradise postcard set. Photo courtesy: Mandai Wildlife Group

● To celebrate the grand opening of Bird Paradise, local residents can look forward to a suite of activities and promotions under the opening campaign theme of ‘Invitation to Paradise’ from now till December 31, 2023.

‘Invitation to Paradise’ campaign runs till Dec 31, 2023

Travel through different habitats of the avian world and discover colourful plumages and melodious vocals. Uncover the ‘Secrets of Paradise’ as you explore the immersive aviaries, complete your unique ‘Paradise Passport’, and send ‘Greetings from Paradise’ to friends and families.

ACTIVITIES AND DETAILS

● Ticket to Paradise
Gather your flock and enjoy 2-to-go @30 per cent off* Bird Paradise admission.
*Valid for same ticket type for new and existing WildPass holders only. T&Cs apply.
Promo Period: 15 Nov – 17 Dec 2023
Visit Period: 15 Nov – 17 Dec 2023

● Secrets of Paradise Trail
Explore the park with your Paradise Passport* and uncover the Secrets of Paradise. Complete your Paradise Passport by collecting all 5 unique location stamps to redeem an exclusive Grand Opening pin*.
*While stocks last. T&Cs apply.
Date: 15 Nov – 31 Dec 2023
Time: 9am – 6pm
Venue: Around the park
Collection & Redemption Details
Date: 15 Nov – 31 Dec 2023 (daily)
Time: 9am – 6pm
Venue: Park Entrance

● Be a Friend of Wildlife
Sign up for the Friends of Wildlife / Friends of Wildlife Plus membership (Individual/Family) to receive an exclusive Bird Paradise Commemorative stamp set*.
*Limited to first 200 sign-ups. T&Cs apply.
Promo Period: 15 – 19 Nov 2023
Find out more at www.mandai.com/en/memberships

● Taste of Paradise
Be spoilt for choice with a mouth-watering buffet lunch and enjoy 50 per cent off* 2nd diner with 1 full paying diner till 31 Dec 2023.
*T&Cs apply.
Date: 15 Nov – 30 Nov 2023

● Bring Home a Piece of Paradise
Add colours and spread happiness, with an exclusive range of colour changing and reversible merchandise in store. Check out exclusive bundles* at attractive prices!
*While stocks last. T&Cs apply.
Date: 15 Nov – 31 Dec 2023

● Mandai App 100K Promotions
Look out for exclusive Mandai App promotions from your favourite retail and F&B outlets.
T&Cs apply.
Date: 15 Nov – 31 Dec 2023

● Photography in Paradise
Participate in workshops* by Sony Alpha Creators & Professionals and pick up new tips and tricks. All budding and seasoned photographers are welcome to join a contest to stand a chance to win a Sony camera and other prizes.
*Additional charges for workshops apply, public sign-ups open 19 Nov.
Date: 15 Nov – 31 Jan 2024

● Green Giftmas in Paradise
In collaboration with Pass It On, shop from a range of local sustainable gifts, crafts and accessories.
Date: 1 – 3 Dec 2023
Time: 11.30am – 6.30pm
Venue: Bird Paradise Learning Centre (beside Membership & Experiences Centre)

● Bird Paradise Commemorative Stamps
Get your hands on the exclusive Commemorative stamp set that was designed in partnership with SingPost.
Venue: Bird Paradise Shop

● Greetings from Paradise
Pick up a complimentary postcard* and send greetings to your loved ones directly from Paradise. Enjoy free local and international postage by dropping them into the respective slots.
*While stocks last.
Time: 9am – 6pm, daily
Venue: Outside Bird Bakery

● Paradise AR Filter
Strike a pose against the interactive photo wall of Bird Paradise and share your memories of Paradise on Instagram and Facebook. Tag your post with #MandaiWildlifeReserve and #BirdParadise for a chance to be featured on the park’s social page.
Venue: Central Plaza