Jurong BirdPark, Asia Pacific's largest bird park and home to more than 8,000 birds of 600 species from around the world, was opened on 3 January 1971. The S$3.5 million park draws in both locals and foreign visitors to a learning experience about the life and natural habitats of the birds found within the region. In recognition of this, the Park has been awarded a number of local and international tourism awards. It is also noted for housing the world's largest walk-in aviary with the tallest man-made waterfall of over 30 m.
History
Jurong BirdPark owes it founding to the vision of one man, Goh Keng Swee (Dr). In 1967, during a World Bank Meeting, Goh, Singapore's Minister of Finance at the time, visited the aviary in the Rio de Janeiro zoo (Jardim Zoológico or the Rio City Zoo). Impressed by its free-flight aviary, he shared his idea of such a bird park for Singapore at the inaugural meeting of the Jurong Town Corporation in June 1968.
With rapid industrialisation taking place in Jurong then, Goh felt that the creation of a bird park would allow Singaporeans and their families to appreciate nature in an increasingly urban society.
By the end of 1968, a 20.2 ha site was chosen on the western slope of Jurong Hill (Bukit Peropok) in Jurong for the location of the new bird park. The park was designed by John Yealland, Curator of Birds at the Zoological Society of London. Building began in 1969 and was completed by late 1970. Jurong Town Corporation in association with consultants from the London Zoological Gardens built the park at a cost of S$3.5 million, excluding the price of land.
The Park received contributions of birds from all over the world, such that by opening day, 12 countries, seven zoos and 40 private donors had contributed birds to its collection.
Description
The Jurong BirdPark is an open concept park. The Park, with its collection of more than 8,000 birds from 600 species is one of the largest in the world. The Park also specialises in birds from Southeast Asia, and the more colourful tropical birds. It is committed to breeding and conservation efforts, having successfully bred about 29 species of endangered bird species. The Park's exhibits and aviaries simulate the natural habitats for different species. It boasts the world's largest walk-in aviary where the tallest man-made waterfall is found. Its attractions and bird shows are some of the best in the region.
The Hornbills and Toucans Exhibit, consisting of 25 large aviaries covering an area of 2,000 sq m, houses the world's largest collection of Southeast Asian Hornbills and a wide variety of South American Toucans. The simulated natural habitat proved successful for the Park when it recorded the world's first hatching of the Black Hornbill and Great Indian Hornbill in captivity.
There is also the Penguin Parade exhibit, which occupies an area of 1,630 sq m, and is second in size only to that in San Diego, USA. The exhibit is home to more than 200 penguins of five to the 17 known species. The five species on exhibit are the Humboldt, the Rockhopper, the Macaroni, the Fairy and the majestic King Penguin. Visitors are able to view the birds through a specially constructed viewing gallery, which has a 30 m window.
Its Southeast Asian Birds Aviary has 260 species out of over 1,000 species of exotic birds from Southeast Asia. Some 100 species of the birds are grouped in A-framed aviaries, with a large walk-in aviary in the centre where the birds fly freely. The aviaries were landscaped to simulate a secondary rainforest environment for the birds. In addition, there is a tropical thunderstorm that comes on at 12 noon daily, but the rain falls within the centre of the aviary, away from the visitor's walkway.
Another walk-in aviary is the Park's Waterfall Aviary, which houses the world's largest walk-in aviary with the tallest man-made waterfall of over 30 m. It houses over 1,500 free-flying birds such as flocks of Ibis and Egret. Visitors can also view the impressive collection of 10,000 exotic flora of trees, bamboo, palms and ground-cover vegetation that simulates a tropical rainforest environment.
In addition, bird shows like the All Stars Birdshow, Kings of the Skies and Fuji World of Hawks are staged at the amphitheatre and the Falconry Arena. These highly entertaining and educational shows are staged at various times daily between 9:30 am - 4:00 pm.
Timeline
1968 : A 20.4 ha site on the western slope of Bukit Peropok (Lookout Hill) was confirmed as the site for the bird park.
1969 : Construction of bird park began at a cost of S$3.5 million (excluding the price of the land).
Jan 1970 : Jurong BirdPark Pte Ltd, a government-owned private company, was set up to manage the park and the First Board of Directors was appointed.
Sep 1970 : The Jurong Falls Aviary was completed with the world's largest man-made waterfall as its centrepiece.
3 Jan 1971 : Jurong BirdPark was declared opened by Goh Keng Swee (Dr).
1972 : Opening of the Loke Wan Tho Memorial Library. First guidebook launched. The BirdPark had the honour of President Soeharto of Indonesia, Queen Elizabeth II, the Duke of Edinburgh and Princess Anne visiting it. The Penguin Pool was completed.
Aug 1972 : Millionth visitor recorded .
1973 : "Year of the Fountains". Companies like the Singapore Airlines, Hong Leong Holdings, Esso, Sime Darby and Mobil gave donations to enhance the park with decorative fountains.
1978 : Birds like the Great Indian Hornbill and the Humboldt Penguins started breeding in captivity.
1980 : A second Board of Directors was appointed, led by the new chairman, Kwa Soon Bee (Dr), a lifelong bird enthusiast and Medical Director of the Singapore General Hospital.
1981 : Tom Spence, the Director of Perth Zoo was invited to make a report and recommendations to the Jurong BirdPark. It was recognised that the BirdPark needed better ways to display its unique collection of birds and the BirdPark could introduce education through recreation.
1982 : Citizen Amphitheatre and the Parrot Courtyard opened. Bird shows made its debut.
Apr 1982 : Opening of the World of Darkness, Asia's first nocturnal bird exhibits.
1984 : Opening of the Flamingo Pool.
1985 : The master plan, a viable guide on the systematic renewal and growth of the Park was launched. The Park was also awarded a Merit Award for the 'Best Managed Tourist Attraction' at the Tourism Awards organised by the Singapore Tourism Board.
1986 : The Park was awarded the 'Outstanding Tourist Attraction' by Singapore Tourism Board. A new corporate logo and Mission Statement were launched. The quarterly magazine BirdLife, aimed at young readers, was launched too.
Jul 1987 : The "Breakfast with the Birds" programme was also introduced with the opening of the Songbird Terrace in July.
Jan 1988 : Opening of the Fuji Hawk Centre and the King of the Skies Show were also launched.
Apr 1988 : New Entrance Plaza and Nature Theatrette opened by Tony Tan (Dr), then Minister of Education.
Jul 1988 : Crowned Pigeon Exhibit opened.
Mar 1989 : Crane Paddock opened.
May 1989 : The Flightless Birds Exhibit was opened in May by Wong Kan Seng, then Minister for Community Development and Foreign Affairs.
Aug 1990 :The Hornbill and Toucan Exhibit was opened by Mah Bow Tan, then Minister of State for both Trade & Industry and Communication & Information.
Dec 1990 : The upgraded Penguin Parade was re-opened.
1992 : The Southeast Asian Birds Aviary, Birds of Paradise Exhibit, Talking Birds Exhibit, Pools Amphitheatre opened. The Jurong BirdPark also launched its JBP All Star BirdShow and inaugurated the Panorail System.
1993 : Re-opening of the Waterfall Aviary.
1995 : First recorded the breeding of the King Penguin in captivity in the tropics.
1996 : Opening of the Parrot Paradise.
1999 : Opening of Jungle Jewels, awarded ISO 9002 and re-opening of Flamingo Pool.
2000 : Opening of Lodge on Flamingo Lake, Wetlands and Water Filtration Plant and re-opening of African Grassland and Cockatoo Courtyard.
Jurong BirdPark, 2 Jurong Hill, S628925.
Author
Nureza Ahmad
References
Edwards, N., & Keys, P. (1988). Singapore: A guide to buildings, streets, places (p. 36). Singapore: Times Books International.
(Call no.: RSING 915.957 EDW)
Fun Singapore: A leisure recreation and discovery guide (p.134). (2003). Singapore: Mighty Minds.
(Call no.: RSING 915.957 FUN)
Jurong BirdPark. (1994). On wings of excellence. Singapore: Author.
(Call no.: RSING 598.295957 ON)
Singapore Tourist Promotion Board. (1996). Singapore: Educational tourism guide (pp. 20-21). Singapore: Author.
(Call no.: RSING 915.95704 SIN)
Bird's eye view of BirdPark. (1991, September 17). The Straits Times, p. 25.
Jurong BirdPark. (2004). Retrieved on 31 March, 2004, from www.birdpark.com.sg/aboutus/index.shtm
RMGTours Pte. Ltd. (2002). History of Jurong Birdpark. Retrieved on March 31, 2004, from www.rmgtours.com/tours/incentives/birdpark/history.htm
Further Readings
Snyder, L. (1995). Feathered jewels: The Jurong BirdPark. Singapore: Jurong BirdPark.
(Call no.: RSING 598.095957 SNY)
Williams, W. (1983). Singapore's fabulous Jurong Bird Park. Singapore: Jurong BirdPark.
(Call no.: SING 598.2074095957 WIL)
Jurong BirdPark. (1986-). Annual Report. Singapore: Author.
(Call no.: RSING 598.2074095957 JBPAR)
