River Safari Opened

The 12-hectare River Safari has opened, and is the newest addition to Wildlife Reserves Singapore’s portfolio of parks that will showcase animals from freshwater habitats inspired by eight of the world’s iconic rivers, including the Mississippi, Nile, Mekong, Yangtze and Amazon rivers.

The park will be home to over 150 plant species and 5,000 animal specimens representing 300 animal species, including one of the world’s largest collections of freshwater animals.

Among the unique aquatic and terrestrial animals featured in the park are endangered river giants such as the Giant Salamander, Giant Freshwater Stingray and Mekong Giant Catfish. River Safari is the only park in Asia to feature the Giant River Otter, the world’s largest otter that can grow up to six feet.

According to Claire Chiang, chairman of the Wildlife Reserves Singapore, as the first and only river-themed wildlife park in Asia, River Safari aims to highlight the importance of freshwater ecosystems and inspire positive actions for conserving them. In addition, it also seeks to play a part in global captive breeding programs for endangered freshwater species.

Initially after opening, visitors can walk through River Safari’s freshwater galleries and exhibits, including the world’s largest freshwater aquarium at the Amazon Flooded Forest and the Giant Panda Forest. The park’s boat rides will not be available until later this year as they are undergoing technical adjustments.