New walk-in civet exhibit opens at Night Safari; 2 new nocturnal mammal species debut

A new walk-in exhibit for its civets has opened at the Night Safari, the Mandai Wildlife Group announced on Wednesday (Jun 8).  

Home to seven Common Palm Civets and seven Small-toothed Palm Civets, it is nestled in the Leopard Trail. Visitors to the park will be able to explore the 677 sqm habitat, which is abundant with trees, complemented by manmade vines and branches for the civets to showcase their natural climbing abilities. 

To allow guests to observe the civets’ feeding and foraging behaviours up close, the park has hung feeders strategically in areas near the walkways throughout the habitat. 

The Mandai Wildlife Group said it is safe for guests to share the same unobstructed space with the civets. Signs have been placed to remind guests not to touch or feed the animals, while guests are reminded to stay on the designated pathways in the exhibit. 

Both civet species are native to Singapore, with the Common Palm Civets well-adapted to urban spaces and sighted in residential areas, said Mandai Wildlife Group’s deputy vice president of animal care Saravanan Elangkovan. 

“Through the walk-in Civet exhibit, we hope to deepen people’s appreciation of Singapore’s rich biodiversity and create awareness about co-existing with them,” he added. 

The Mandai Wildlife Group also announced on Wednesday that two new unique nocturnal mammals species, the Brazilian Porcupine and Grey-handed Night Monkey, will debut at the Night Safari. 

The mammals will take up residence in the new mixed-species habitat featuring small arboreal mammals native to South America at the Fishing Cat Trail. 

The new habitat has been furnished with dynamic climbing features such as vines and swinging branches for the animals to exhibit their natural behaviours, said Saravanan.

The Brazilian Porcupine has a characteristic prehensile tail the length of its body that helps with its climbing abilities. A pair of the mammals have already arrived at the Night Safari, said the Mandai Wildlife Group. 

The Grey-handed Night Monkey is one of the few true nocturnal monkeys in the world and is listed as vulnerable under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Two of the species will arrive later in June. 

The Kinkajou, a small mammal related to Raccoons and Coatimundis, will also be sharing the exhibit.

“Being in a mixed species habitat promotes cross interactions amongst the individuals and stimulates them mentally and physically,” said Saravanan. 

Tickets to the Night Safari can be purchased via the Mandai Wildlife Group website.