When did the Singapore Zoo open?

It opened its gates in 1973 and has since grown into a global model for modern, humane zoo design.

How big is the Singapore Zoo?

Sprawling across 28 hectares of lush Mandai rainforest, it feels more like wandering through the wild than visiting a traditional zoo.

What animals can you see at the Singapore Zoo?

From white tigers to orangutans, pygmy hippos to Komodo dragons, the zoo houses animals from every continent, many in free-ranging zones like the Fragile Forest and Wild Africa.

What are the top things to do at the zoo?

Don’t miss the famous orangutan breakfast, the Rainforest KidzWorld for little explorers, animal feeding sessions, and captivating wildlife shows like “Splash Safari” and “Rainforest Fights Back.”

What are the opening hours for the Singapore Zoo?

The zoo is open daily, typically from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM, with last entry around 5:00 PM. It's best to check closer to your visit for updated hours.

What are the different ticket types available?

You can book general admission tickets, flexi-combos with River Wonders or Night Safari, or go for Mandai Destination Passes that cover multiple parks at a discount.

Are skip-the-line tickets available?

Yes, timed-entry tickets help reduce your waiting time, especially on weekends and school holidays.

Can I leave and re-enter the Singapore Zoo on the same ticket?

No, re-entry is generally not allowed once you’ve exited. Plan your visit accordingly, especially if you're traveling with kids.

How much time should I spend at the zoo?

A typical visit lasts 4–6 hours. If you’re visiting with kids or plan to catch all the shows and feedings, you’ll want to allocate a full day.

Is the Singapore Zoo stroller- and wheelchair-friendly?

Absolutely! The zoo is fully accessible, with wide paths, ramps, rental strollers, wheelchairs, and even mobility scooters available on-site.

Are pets allowed inside the Singapore Zoo?

Only service animals with proper documentation are permitted. Other pets are not allowed for safety reasons.

Are there restaurants or cafes inside the zoo?

Yes! There’s everything from casual cafés to local Singaporean cuisine and even food kiosks near major zones. Don’t miss the Ah Meng Restaurant, named after the zoo’s iconic orangutan.

Are outside food and drinks allowed?

You can bring water and small snacks, but large meals and alcohol are not permitted.

What’s the best time to visit to avoid crowds?

Visit on weekday mornings right at opening time to enjoy cooler weather and fewer crowds — perfect for watching animals at their most active.

How do I get to the Singapore Zoo?

The zoo is located in the Mandai area. You can take the MRT to Khatib station and hop on the Mandai Khatib Shuttle, or use Grab/taxi services for direct access.

Is there parking available?

Yes, there’s ample parking for cars, motorbikes, and buses, with hourly rates.

Is there a shuttle service between Mandai parks?

Yes, Mandai offers internal tram and shuttle services connecting Singapore Zoo with River Wonders and Night Safari — super convenient if you’re exploring multiple parks in a day.

Is the Singapore Zoo good for kids?

It’s fantastic! Rainforest KidzWorld is built just for them — with farm animals, water play areas, and pony rides.

Is there Wi-Fi inside the zoo?

Yes, free Wi-Fi is available at selected hotspots throughout the park.

Is the Singapore Zoo part of any conservation initiatives?

Yes, it's a global leader in wildlife conservation, working on breeding programs, habitat protection, and partnerships with international organizations.

Quick Information

ADDRESS

80 Mandai Lake Rd, Singapore 729826

RECOMMENDED DURATION

2 hours

Timings

08:30–18:00

VISITORS PER YEAR

2000000

TICKETS

From $38.63

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD

30-60 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

Plan your visit

Did you know?

The Singapore Zoo opened its doors to the public on 27 June 1973. Back then, it was known as the Singapore Zoological Gardens.Since opening in 1973, the zoo pioneered the open-concept design, using natural barriers instead of cages to create immersive habitats.

At the time of inauguration, the zoo had housed 72 animal species; it's come a long way since! Home to the world’s first free-ranging orangutan habitat, where you can watch these primates swinging freely above you.

The first Orangutan birth at Singapore Zoo happened in 1975. It has seen over 40 more Orangutan births since then. Features unique residents like the proboscis monkey, Malayan tapir, and giant flying squirrels; animals rarely seen in other zoos

From happy customers

Loved by 50 million+

Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5

Ramchandran J

India

Family

2 weeks ago

It was a very exciting experience for the kids and adults. A day spent very well. I strongly recommend Visisting to everyone visiting Singapore.

Rahul S

Singapore

Family

Apr 2026

+2 more

#Head out was highly recommended and the best choice we had but somehow our experience on the tkts being issues was really very bad from head out .. the issue of tkts for us and our guest took more than 12 hours and we put out with friends and our guests with kids from another country and had to literally get more than an hour onchat / calll to get it sorted .. on the parks front we are left with Zoo which will be covered today .. but the overall experience was wow as always .. Rainfortest Safari and night safari was the best indeed of all giving us the best feeling of tracking , enjoying the animals and nature at its best

Dieter P

Germany

Solo

3 weeks ago

+2 more

The ticket covers the main attractions. The Skywalk must be booked separately at the ticket counter. We recommend visiting the Observatory first, followed by the greenhouses. The admission ticket will be emailed to you with a QR code.

Kylie H

United States

Solo

3 weeks ago

+2 more

What an amazing experience! My Mind was absolutely blown with it all. Such a peaceful, beautiful, thoughtful creation. Singapore never disappoints. The package was perfect, I got to see so much. It was so wonderful. Tha pure magnitude and magnificence is hard to explain..... you need to feel and experience it.

Kathleen T

United States

Couple

Jan 2026

#Everything everything............... give me a break/60??????????????? ?????????????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Karen B

Couple

Dec 2025

+1 more

The bird paradise was amazing. Unfortunately it was raining by the time we got to the zoo so many of the animals were subdued but still well worth the money.

Ang Y

Singapore

Couple

Dec 2025

+1 more

We had a wonderful experience at the Singapore Zoo, especially as a family traveling with a baby. The zoo is extremely baby-friendly, with stroller-friendly paths, nursing rooms, and many thoughtful facilities for parents. The environment is clean, well maintained, and comfortable, with no strong animal odors, which made our visit very pleasant. The tram service connects different zones, making it easy to get around without feeling tired. There is also a children’s playground where kids can release energy and fully enjoy themselves. Food options are reasonably priced and surprisingly tasty. Overall, it was a relaxing and enjoyable visit, and we would happily return again in the future. It is an ideal destination for families with young children visiting Singapore again.

Hemant P

India

Group

Dec 2025

+1 more

The customer support was incredibly helpful. But of course of those of you wondering if this is value for money, it absolutely is.

Why is Singapore Zoo a must-visit attraction?

1/5

World-Class “Open Zoo” Experience

Unlike traditional zoos with cages and bars, Singapore Zoo features open-concept enclosures—moats, hidden barriers, and glass create a naturalistic setting where animals roam freely in landscaped, rainforest-like habitats. This immersive setup makes visitors feel part of the ecosystem rather than observers behind glass.

Incredible Animal Diversity

Home to over 2,530 animals across 315 species, including rare residents like orangutans, white tigers, and ring-tailed lemurs, the zoo offers diversity like few others. Many animals are active and engaging, making for lively and memorable sightings.

Interactive Experiences & Presentations

Daily shows like Splash Safari and Into the Wild, feeding opportunities with elephants, giraffes, and more, and keeper talks bring visitors up close with wildlife (sometimes literally!). Sea lions perform tricks, trainers share animal care insights, and kids (and adults) can feed gentle giants.

Conservation & Research

Singapore Zoo runs the Wildlife Healthcare & Research Centre, which supports rescued species, breeding programs, and important wildlife research. Conservation is part of every ticket and encounter; from rescue stories to hands-on educational initiatives that inspire visitors about wildlife protection.

Cleaner, Greener, Accessible

Set in 28 hectares of tropical greenery just an hour from downtown, the zoo is not only beautifully maintained, but also fully wheelchair-accessible. Paths are stroller and mobility-friendly, and many exhibits and shows are designed to be inclusive, and rest spots are abundant.

Zones at Singapore Zoo

Australasia

Step into landscapes inspired by the wild outdoors of Australia. This zone is home to marsupials that you won’t encounter anywhere else in the zoo.
Animals you’ll see: Grey kangaroo, red-necked wallaby, tree kangaroo, cassowary

Elephants of Asia

Meet the gentle giants of Asia in a spacious, naturalistic setting. Notice how their rounded ears set them apart from their African relatives while you learn about their social behaviors.
Animals you’ll see: Asian elephants

Fragile Forest

Walk through a biodome designed like a lush tropical rainforest. Here, you’ll find yourself surrounded by free-flying birds, butterflies, and tree-dwelling animals.
Animals you’ll see: Two-toed sloth, red ruffed lemur, fruit bats, butterflies, crowned pigeons, tropical birds

Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia

This 8,000m² zone mirrors Ethiopia’s rugged terrain and village-style architecture while showcasing its native wildlife.
Animals you’ll see: Hamadryas baboon, Nubian ibex, rock hyrax, serval, meerkat

Orangutan Island

Watch orangutans swing gracefully from tall towers and treetop pathways built to resemble their forest homes.
Animals you’ll see: Bornean orangutan, Sumatran orangutan

Primate Kingdom

Discover a series of moated islands designed as natural homes for various monkey species, each reflecting its unique habitat needs.
Animals you’ll see: Colobus monkey, ring-tailed lemur, cotton-top tamarin, macaques, patas monkey, capuchin

Reptile Kingdom

From massive snakes to tiny lizards, explore a sprawling complex of exhibits featuring reptiles from around the world.
Animals you’ll see: King cobra, Komodo dragon, emerald tree boa, Gila monster, Gaboon viper

RepTopia

A modern, interactive zone where you can get close to some of the most intriguing reptiles and amphibians on earth.
Animals you’ll see: Chameleon, monitor lizard, tomato frog, skinks, venomous snakes

Tortoise Shell-ter

A dedicated conservation space for endangered tortoise species, carefully managed to support their survival.
Animals you’ll see: Indian star tortoise, radiated tortoise, angonoka tortoise

Treetops Trail

Follow a layered forest trail that reveals how animals live at different levels of the rainforest, from canopy to ground.
Animals you’ll see: Gibbons, otters, mousedeer, pygmy hippo, babirusa

Wild Africa

Experience the sights and sounds of the African savannah in Singapore. Observe predators and grazers in wide, open-style habitats.
Animals you’ll see: Lions, giraffes, cheetahs, zebras, rhinos, African painted dogs, meerkats

Brief History of Singapore Zoo

1875: Singapore’s first zoo opened in the Botanic Gardens under Governor Sir Henry Ord but closed in 1905 due to high costs and animal mortality.
1928: William Lawrence Soma Basapa established the Punggol Zoo, which operated until World War II.
1957: The Singapore Miniature Zoo opened in Pasir Panjang, founded by Tong Seng Mun.
1969: The government authorized the formation of Singapore Zoological Gardens, contributing S$9 million and 260 acres of land.
June 27, 1973: The Singapore Zoo officially opened with about 300 animals from 70 species in 50 enclosures, pioneering the “open concept” design with moats and natural barriers instead of cages.
November 1974: Less than two years after opening, the zoo welcomed its one‑millionth visitor.
May 1982: The Breakfast with an Orangutan program was introduced, starring the beloved orangutan Ah Meng.
November 1985: The zoo opened its first amphitheatre for animal performances.
1990: Inuka, the world’s first polar bear born in the tropics, was born on December 26.
November 1998: The Fragile Forest, one of the world’s largest rainforest biodomes, opened with lemurs, sloths, bats, and butterflies.
2000: Wildlife Reserves Singapore was established to manage the Zoo, Night Safari, and Jurong Bird Park.
February 8, 2008: Ah Meng, the zoo’s iconic Sumatran orangutan, passed away at age 48 and was honored with a bronze statue.
2009: The Safari Zoo Run was launched in her memory.
Today: The Singapore Zoo is home to over 2,800 animals representing more than 300 species, with 26% threatened, and receives over 1.7 million visitors annually.

Frequently asked questions about Singapore Zoo

The Singapore Zoo is one of the world’s most celebrated rainforest zoos, home to over 4,200 animals across open, naturalistic habitats. It’s not just a place to see wildlife; it's a deep dive into biodiversity, conservation, and unforgettable animal encounters.