We navigated the one hour transit on the Metro & bus, to the zoo complex in the northern part of the island. The area has four separate "zoo experiences". Westarted with River Wonders, which is nicely well done with modern enclosures and lots of variety. There are different zones for different rivers of the world.
The maps show a clockwise circuit of the park, but for some reason we decided to be rebels. This meant that the Amazon was the first area we visited. I suspect that this is supposed to be one of the main highlights and to leave a lasting impression as you leave the park. The manatees were eating their lunch.
Unfortunately, the giant otters were sound asleep.
There were fish of all sizes, from giant catfish to tiny cardinal tetras.
The Amazon River Quest is an optional extra for a fee. Essentially, it's a flume ride with some animals beside the flume. Harry decided that we should ride in the 'Splash Zone', which he almost instantly regretted.
The main draw card for the Amazone River Quest is the three magnificent jaguars doing what cats, big and small, do best...
The Yangsi River zone is home to the pandas. The Panda connection to the Yangzi River is a stretch at best. But who doesn't love pandas? There was a lone red panda going about her business.
The star attractions were mother and son giant pandas. Although, that's a matter of personal preference depending on which panda species you think is the best.
There were more enormous catfish in the Mekong River section.
With the River Wonders well and truly covered, we had plenty of time to walk over to the Night Safari.
Despite some difficulties in sourcing food on this trip, some prior research lead us to some delicious shrimp satay sticks at the Ulu Ulu BBQ Restaurant within the Night Safari Zoo.
Most of the many animals were awake and moving about, with a couple of exceptions like the white tiger above. We don't have any decent photos from the Night Safari because the light was terrible.
Above, a fishing cat is at the water's edge toward the top of picture. The school of koi are, rightly, keeping their distance.
I feel like we rushed the Night Safari but it has been a very long day and we were all on the limit. We made the decision to catch a very comfortable express coach back to the city which ended up saving us nearly an hour in travel time and was far more comfortable than the way we had arrived.
The coach driver kindly dropped us within a couple of blocks of the hotel. Bed was a very welcome sight. We are planning to go to the water park on Sentosa tomorrow.
