Photo credit: MANDAI WILDLIFE GROUP

Bidding a final farewell to Jurong Bird Park as it closed on Jan 3

Over 30,000 visitors paid their last tributes to the park in its final five days of operation.

Benjamin Chew

Only drinks bubble tea with 100% sugar.

Published: 4 January 2023, 4:10 PM

Jurong Bird Park marked its last day on Jan 3 with guests saying their farewells to the park by taking one last trip down memory lane.

Officially closed on the day of its 52nd anniversary, the park saw over 30,000 visitors in its final five days of operations.

Some stayed on to witness Jurong Bird Park’s entrance shutters being brought down for the final time, which marked the closure of one of Singapore’s pioneer wildlife parks.

Here are some of the scenes from the park’s last day of operations:

 

RECREATION-CUCKOO-CLOCK-TOWER
The re-creation of Jurong Bird Park’s old Cuckoo Clock Tower kept count right to the final moment of operations on the park’s last day. PHOTO CREDIT: MANDAI WILDLIFE GROUP

 

Jurong Bird Park has welcomed 41 million visitors since its opening on Jan 3, 1971.

Over the years, the park offered intimate avian encounters for many guests, such as having friendly birds perch on provided feeders for a treat.

 

FEEDING-SESSION
One such highlight was the park’s feeding sessions, which allowed guests to interact with various birds. PHOTO CREDIT: MANDAI WILDLIFE GROUP

 

The heavy rain could not dampen the spirits of visitors as they watched Jurong Bird Park’s final Kings of the Skies presentation at Hawk Arena.

 

KINGS-OF-SKIES-PRESENTATION
The presentation featured the behaviour of raptors like the Bald Eagle, Brahminy Kites and Himalayan Griffon Vulture. PHOTO CREDIT: MANDAI WILDLIFE GROUP

 

The animal care staff also shared fond memories of the park, and continue to care for the birds even amidst preparations for the move to Bird Paradise.

 

WHITE-BELLIED-SEA-EAGLE
Jurong Bird Park was home to 3,500 birds across 400 species, including the White-bellied Sea Eagle. PHOTO CREDIT: MANDAI WILDLIFE GROUP

 

While some hosted their final shows with their avian companions, others took a last drive around the park.

 

TRAM-RIDE
The tram rides offered a scenic way to enjoy the park’s flora and avian fauna over the years. PHOTO CREDIT: MANDAI WILDLIFE GROUP

 

Over time, the park established itself as a beloved place for locals and an iconic international visitor attraction.

“Jurong Bird Park has ingrained itself a place in Singapore’s history and in the hearts of many,” said Daisy Ling, vice president of Jurong Bird Park.

Bird Paradise is set to open in the second quarter of 2023 at Mandai Wildlife Reserve.

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