This June, visitors can look forward to exciting new wildlife encounters along Night Safari’s walking trails. This includes the park’s first walk-in exhibit for its civets. In addition, it’s also the debut of two new unique nocturnal mammals, the Brazilian Porcupine and Grey-handed Night Monkey. Want to know more about these debuts at Night Safari? Then keep on reading!
Night Safari New Exhibit
The walk-in civet exhibit, located along the Leopard Trail, is home to seven Common Palm Civets and seven Small-toothed Palm Civets. You can explore the environment, which is densely forested and features manufactured vines and branches that allow the civets to demonstrate their natural climbing ability. Civets are arboreal animals that spend most of their time in trees. Feeders are carefully positioned in spots along the walkways throughout the 677 square metre habitat so guests may watch the civets’ feeding and foraging behaviours up close.
It is safe for visitors to share the same open space as the civets, and signs are posted reminding visitors not to approach or feed the creatures. It is important for visitors to stay on the authorised paths.
“Common Palm Civets and Small-toothed Palm Civets are species native to Singapore. Common Palm Civets are well-adapted to urban spaces and have been sighted in residential areas. 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,” said Saravanan Elangkovan, Deputy Vice President of Animal Care at Mandai Wildlife Group.
New Species
The Brazilian Porcupine and Grey-handed Night Monkey, both new to Night Safari, will live in the new mixed-species habitat at the Fishing Cat Trail, which will feature small arboreal mammals native to South America. The Brazilian Porcupine has a long prehensile tail that aids in climbing, and the Grey-handed Night Monkey is one of the world’s few real nocturnal primates. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List classifies Grey-handed Night Monkeys as Vulnerable.
In the Fishing Cat Trail exhibit, a couple of Brazilian Porcupines made their debut. Furthermore, a pair of Grey-handed Night Monkeys will be joining them later this month. Both species came from European zoos, as recommended by the European Studbook (ESB) programme. The ESB is an international studbook that publishes breeding and transfer guidelines in order to maintain genetically diverse populations in human care. The display will also include the Kinkajou, a tiny mammal related to raccoons and Coatimundis.
Saravanan Elangkovan added: “The new habitat on the Fishing Cat Trail has been furnished with dynamic climbing features such as vines and swinging branches for the animals to exhibit their natural behaviours. Being in a mixed species habitat promotes cross interactions amongst the individuals and stimulated them mentally and physically.”
Night Safari Awards
Night Safari has continued to innovate nearly three decades after becoming the world’s first nocturnal zoo. They’ve ensured high standards of animal care and welfare. All while educating people about the world of wildlife and inspiring them to coexist with animals and nature. The Themed Entertainment Association awarded Night Safari the coveted Thea Classic Award 2022 in April this year. They were also praised for new experiences and continuing excellence over 28 years of existence.
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