SINGAPORE HISTORY

Goodbye, Jurong Bird Park!

I said farewell to Asia’s largest bird park, one of Singapore’s oldest and most popular and iconic attractions

The Waterfall Aviary at the Jurong Bird Park. Photograph taken by writer on 2 January 2023.

The third of January 2023 marks the Jurong Bird Park’s last day of operations, 52 years since it first opened on 3 January 1971, shortly after Singapore gained independence in 1965.

Singaporeans — including yours truly — turned out in force to bid the park farewell.

When I visited on Monday morning (on 2 January 2023), it was quite moving to see how many Singaporeans had fond memories of the place. I felt like I was visiting an old friend.

This picture from the 1990s shows my younger brother and me at the Jurong Bird Park. When I was younger, I did not really like animals all that much and I have to confess that I could not tell the difference between the Jurong Bird Park and the Singapore Zoo. Photograph shared by my father.

But it’s not exactly all bad news.

The Jurong Bird Park will be leaving the nest for the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, a mega eco-tourism hub in northern Singapore that reportedly comprises a new, luxury, eco-friendly Banyan Tree resort; the Singapore Zoo; Night Safari; River Wonders (formerly River Safari); and an upcoming rainforest-themed attraction called Rainforest Wild.