Celebrate SG60 with Wild Adventures at Mandai Wildlife Reserve: Capybara and Penguin Encounters Await!

As Singapore prepares to mark its 60th birthday, Mandai Wildlife Group is pulling out all the stops with thrilling new experiences and special offers under the "Mandai is Wild about SG" initiative. Starting 7 June 2025, locals and visitors can get up close and personal with some of the most beloved animals at Mandai Wildlife Reserve, including gentle capybaras and charming penguins. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or seeking a unique way to honour SG60, these new encounters at Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, and Bird Paradise are the perfect way to connect with nature and celebrate Singapore’s milestone. Read on to discover what’s in store!

New Wildlife Experiences for SG60

Mandai Wildlife Group is launching the "Hello from the Wild" programme, offering 20-minute up-close encounters with some of the reserve’s most fascinating residents. Here’s what you can look forward to starting 7 June 2025:

• Capybara Encounters at River Wonders

  
  

  Meet the world’s largest rodents, the adorable and calm capybaras, in an intimate setting. During this hands-on session, you’ll get to feed these gentle creatures and learn fascinating facts about their behaviours and habitats from expert keepers. You’ll also help prepare enrichment activities, such as hiding treats for them to forage, ensuring they remain mentally and physically stimulated.

  
  

  

  
  

• Fennec Fox and Ring-Tailed Lemur Encounters at Singapore Zoo

  
  

  Prepare to meet the playful fennec foxes, the smallest fox species, and the curious ring-tailed lemurs. These sessions include feeding and conditioning activities, where you’ll witness positive reinforcement training in action—think treats for tricks! It’s a chance to discover the unique traits of these animals and Mandai’s commitment to their care and wellbeing.

  
  

  

  
  

• Backstage Pass: Penguin Encounters at Bird Paradise

  
  

  Starting 7 June, dive into the world of king, gentoo, and northern rockhopper penguins with a behind-the-scenes look at their chilly off-exhibit facility. Learn from keepers about their daily care, assist with sorting and weighing fish for meals, and experience the sights and sounds of these charismatic birds up close—raucous squawks and all! From 18 July 2025, immerse yourself in a new VR film adventure at Ocean Network Express Penguin Cove, exploring the penguin world in a whole new way.

  
  

• Wallaby Edition at Night Safari

  
  

  Later in 2025, the "Hello from the Wild" series will expand to Night Safari with a wallaby encounter, giving you a chance to connect with these charming marsupials after dark. Stay tuned for more details!

Special SG60 Offers

To make your visit even more brilliant, Mandai Wildlife Group is rolling out exclusive deals for local residents:

• SG60 WildPass Specials: Grab two admission tickets to Singapore Zoo or River Wonders for just SGD $60 (down from SGD $98) until 30 June 2025. For youths aged 13 to 21, get three tickets to any Mandai wildlife park for SGD $60 until 31 August 2025.

• SG60 Senior Promo: Seniors aged 60 and above can snap up an annual Friends of Mandai five-park membership for SGD $60 (usually SGD $235) until 31 August 2025, as a tribute to their role in nation-building.

• Friend of Rainforest Wild Asia Membership: With a valid park admission ticket, local residents can purchase this individual membership for SGD $60 from 31 May to 31 August 2025.

More Ways to Celebrate

• Born to be Wild Digital Trail: From 31 May to 10 August 2025, enjoy free curated digital itineraries highlighting Singapore’s native wildlife and newborn animals at Mandai Wildlife Reserve. Complete the trail and score a limited-edition SG60 memento!

• Too Wild to Miss Itineraries: Explore iconic experiences like the world’s first free-ranging orangutan exhibit at Singapore Zoo or the new Pangolin Trail at Night Safari.

• Wild Day Out: Mark your calendars for 28 and 29 June 2025, when Mandai Wildlife West hosts its signature community event, packed with fun programmes and promotions.

Why Visit?

As Belina Lee, Deputy CEO of Transformation and Growth at Mandai Wildlife Group, puts it, “With Mandai is Wild about SG, we invite local residents to reconnect with our destination through newly launched experiences and special offerings. Whether it’s enjoying SG60 admission discounts, meeting beloved animal ambassadors like the penguins and capybara, or getting to know the animals born here and now part of our growing wildlife family, there’s always a reason to visit.” This SG60, Mandai Wildlife Reserve celebrates 60 years of Singapore’s journey by bringing people closer to nature and wildlife in meaningful, memorable ways.

Plan Your Visit

Ready to go wild for SG60? Book your "Hello from the Wild" experiences for Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, or Backstage Pass: Penguin Encounters at Bird Paradise via the Mandai Wildlife Reserve website. For more details, updates, and to snap up those special offers, visit http://mandai.com/sg60. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate Singapore’s 60th birthday with capybaras, penguins, and more!

Mandai Wildlife Group’s SG60 celebrations are a brilliant blend of adventure, education, and appreciation for Singapore’s natural and national heritage. From up-close capybara and penguin encounters to exclusive local deals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in June and beyond. Pack your curiosity and join the wild festivities at Mandai Wildlife Reserve—your SG60 adventure awaits!

Photos: Mandai Wildlife Reserve