Bird Paradise Marks Grand Opening in Singapore, with Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in Attendance

alvinology

Dec 1

Singapore's newest attraction, Bird Paradise, spread its wings wide on November 15, 2023, with a dazzling grand opening at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve. The event, graced by Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, marked a significant milestone in the park's journey, celebrating its official launch after a successful soft opening six months prior.

Joined by key representatives from Mandai Park Holdings, the Singapore Tourism Board, SingPost, and RSP Architects Planners & Engineers (Pte) Ltd, the grand opening welcomed approximately 1,000 guests, including community residents from neighboring Community Development Councils and Bird Paradise's partners and sponsors. Commemorating this occasion, all attendees received an exclusive commemorative stamp collection set, a joint creation by SingPost and Bird Paradise.

Fun fact: the stamps are designed by Teo Nam Siang, a former architect at RSP who was deeply involved in the design and build of Bird Paradise from the beginning before he left the firm to pursue his interest in art and nature.

Deputy Prime Minster Lawrence Wong giving his speech at the Grand Opening

Since its soft opening on May 8, 2023, the park, nestled within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, has seen an overwhelming response, hosting over 600,000 visitors, both local and international, enthralled by the vibrant and diverse avian marvels it offers.

Expressing gratitude, Mike Barclay, Group CEO of Mandai Wildlife Group, acknowledged the collaborative efforts of partners and key sponsors in establishing an exceptional bird park. He emphasised Bird Paradise and the Mandai Wildlife West public space as inaugural features of the ambitious Mandai Rejuvenation Project, aspiring to elevate the Mandai Wildlife Reserve into a global nature and wildlife destination, in line with Singapore's 'City in Nature' vision.

The grand opening showcased novel initiatives, notably the inauguration of a Breeding and Research Centre adjacent to Winged Sanctuary. This center highlights species of high conservation value, providing visitors with an exclusive peek behind the scenes into the intricate care and nurturing of the park's avian residents.

The new penguin enclosure which is much larger than the previous, now spread over two floors

Among the new experiences introduced, the sold out "Glamping with the Penguins" stands out—a two-day-one-night escapade where guests lodge in Ocean Network Express Penguin Cove's glamping bell tents. The experience includes exclusive access to off-exhibit facilities, guided tours, and a captivating display of the Southern Lights.

In collaboration with SingPost, Bird Paradise unveiled a limited-edition commemorative stamp set, featuring threatened avian species and iconic aviaries within the park. This special collection, capturing the essence of Bird Paradise, is available for purchase.

Singaporeans and local residents can look forward to an array of activities and promotions under the ongoing "Invitation to Paradise" campaign, running until December 31, 2023. Highlights include the "Secrets of Paradise Trail," where visitors can explore immersive aviaries, collecting unique location stamps to redeem an exclusive Grand Opening pin. The park also offers photography workshops, sustainable gift shopping, and enticing dining promotions.

For more detailed information on activities and promotions, visit the official Mandai Wildlife Reserve's dedicated website for Bird Paradise.