Cheryl SeetIf you thought you’d seen it all at Singapore’s wildlife parks, think again. The Mandai Wildlife Reserve has been evolving quickly, and in 2025, there’s more than ever to discover. From new parks and fresh animal exhibits to interactive experiences and upgraded amenities, Singapore continues to set the standard for wildlife attractions in Asia. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another adventure, here are five great things you can look forward to right now.
1. Brand-new parks & exhibits to explore
There’s always something new to see at Mandai Wildlife Reserve. The most exciting development in 2025 is the opening of Rainforest Wild ASIA, Singapore’s fifth wildlife park. This immersive adventure brings the tropical forests of Asia to life across eight themed zones such as The Karst, The Cavern, Entrance Gorge and Forest Floor. Here, you’ll encounter rare species like François’ langurs and Philippine spotted deer in naturalistic habitats designed to mirror their real environments.
Meanwhile, Bird Paradise, which replaced the old Jurong Bird Park, has established itself as Asia’s largest bird sanctuary. Home to over 3,500 birds across more than 400 species, the park’s vast aviaries are themed after iconic ecosystems such as the African savanna, South American wetlands and Southeast Asian rainforests. At River Wonders, new immersive presentations and perennial favourites like the Amazon River Quest boat ride continue to delight visitors, showcasing river giants such as gharials, giant catfish and manatees.
2. More Interactive & Behind-the-Scenes Experiences
These parks aren’t just about observing animals from afar — they’re about stepping into their worlds. At Bird Paradise, for example, the Backstage Pass: Penguin Encounters allows guests to meet the keepers and see how these adorable birds are cared for behind the scenes. The park also offers daily keeper-led feeding sessions across its walk-through aviaries, making every visit dynamic and interactive.
Rainforest Wild ASIA has been designed for adventure, with elevated walkways, forest trails and ranger stations where you can join talks to learn more about the fascinating creatures that live in tropical habitats. At River Wonders, you can still enjoy close-up encounters with beloved animals like manatees, while the Singapore Zoo continues to expand its popular behind-the-scenes tours. All these experiences allow visitors to deepen their connection with the wildlife and better appreciate the work that goes into their conservation.
3. Conservation & Education are Front and Centre
The Mandai Wildlife Reserve isn’t just about creating memorable days out — it’s dedicated to conservation and education. Rainforest Wild ASIA, for instance, has been designed to replicate fragile ecosystems, with zones like The Cavern and The Watering Hole highlighting the delicate balance of rainforest habitats. Each visit offers insights into why these environments matter and how they can be protected.
Educational ranger talks are now a regular feature across all the parks, allowing guests of all ages to learn more about endangered animals and the global efforts to preserve them. At Bird Paradise, exhibits are constantly upgraded to improve animal welfare, with recent works including the refurbishment of the Flamingo Exhibit in the Crimson Wetlands. Every step of the visitor journey has been crafted to both entertain and inspire a sense of responsibility towards protecting wildlife.
4. Enhanced Visitor Amenities & New Features
The parks are also stepping up their visitor experience, ensuring that your day out is as comfortable as it is exciting. Bird Paradise now features a variety of new dining options, including the ever-popular Lunch in the Wild, where you can enjoy a meal while watching birds in action. River Wonders has streamlined its opening hours from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, making it easier for families to plan their visits and pace their explorations.
Over at the Singapore Zoo, long-time favourites like giraffe feeding and free-ranging orangutan encounters remain, but facilities have been upgraded to make navigation smoother and the overall experience more enjoyable. From better accessibility to thoughtfully designed rest areas and play zones, every detail has been planned so that visitors can focus on the fun of exploring.
5. Rainforest Wild ASIA: A Fresh Adventure
The highlight of 2025 is undoubtedly Rainforest Wild ASIA, the newest addition to Mandai Wildlife Reserve. Opened in March this year, the park combines immersive environments with the thrill of exploration. Visitors can hike through zones such as The Karst, Rock Cascade and The Cavern, traversing elevated walkways and even stepping into cave-like settings that simulate the mystery of Southeast Asia’s landscapes.
Designed to be both adventurous and family-friendly, Rainforest Wild ASIA offers child-safe trails, engaging ranger-led activities, and unique dining options such as The Cavern Restaurant, which is tucked into the heart of the park. More than just another wildlife attraction, it represents the next step in Singapore’s ambition to create world-class parks that inspire wonder and respect for nature.
Singapore’s wildlife parks are more than just attractions — they’re living classrooms, immersive adventures, and conservation hubs all rolled into one. With the launch of Rainforest Wild ASIA, the continued success of Bird Paradise, and ongoing upgrades across all Mandai parks, 2025 is the best time yet to plan a visit. Whether you’re drawn to exotic birds, nocturnal creatures, river giants or rare rainforest dwellers, there’s always a reason to return and discover something new.
