Exhibits

         There are many different kinds of exhibits here, in Jurong Bird Park. But the exhibits that catches my eye were the 'Penguin Coast' and the 'World of Darkness'. The 'Penguin Coast' exhibit was the first exhibit we went as it was the first exhibit we saw after entering the park. The exhibit was quite big and it can fit many people in it. The exhibit was quite dark, but not too dark, so the penguins won't be surprised seeing the visitors behind the glass, and it was also wheelchair-friendly due to the ramps that leads to the second floor of the exhibit. From the second floor, we can see the penguins clearer and we can also see the whole exhibit from up here. There are many kinds of penguins in the exhibit. We can also find some of the species of the penguins in 'Happy Feet', there too, such as the Rockhopper Penguin. Seeing these penguins up close is different from seeing penguins on television. I felt thrilled seeing them with my own eyes as we can only see them in Jurong Bird Park or in the television.

*The 'Penguin Coast' exhibit

*Picture credits to owner

The Rockhopper Penguin

            

          The 'World of Darkness' exhibit is specifically for owls. The exhibit was dark, even darker than the 'Penguin Coast' exhibit. It was nearly pitch-black, but it was understandable as owls can be seen during night time so, the staffs made the exhibit looked as if it was during the night. At first, I was hesitant to enter, due to its darkness, but after entering, I saw many different species of owls, and some of it I didn't know existed. Here, I saw owls that was in the movie 'Harry Potter', which is the Snowy Owl. At first I saw only one Snowy Owl but after looking into their enclosure closely, there was another one, camaflouged to the man-made snow in the enclosure. These owls are so facinating to see in real life than in the television or in the computer. I felt really happy seeing them awake as usually they are asleep at that point of time. 

The Snowy Owl

        Overall, both exhibits were really fun to see and interesting as well. The penguin exhibit is brighter, making it easier to see than the owl exhibit, as we have to focus our eyes to the darkness of the exhibit. Also the owl exhibit is situated right in the corner compared to the penguin exhibit, making it hard to notice if we just walk past.

Shows and Feedings

        The show called 'High Flyers Show' really fascinates me. The show includes many colourful birds, like flamingoes, parrots, and even toucans! The birds were really trained well making the show go on smoothly. These birds would fly low above our heads, making the show more interesting to us. The audience were encouraged to volunteer so, those who wanted to volunteer have to be patient, which is one of the things they can learn from volunteering. Some volunteers are required to hold a hoop, and a few birds would fly through it, while some are required to hold a rope, with three knots in the middle and both ends of the rope, containing bird feed. Some birds will then fly to the rope and eat the bird feed in the knots. At some times, some birds would not do as told but it's okay as they're birds. Overall, it was a great show and I won't forget it.

The 'High Flyers Show'

*One of the volunteers holding the hoop

*Picture credits to owner


       The bird feeding place is also interesting. But to feed the birds, we have to buy a small container containing bird feed. It is quite costly but I think it is worth it. I didn't get to experience though, due to the lack of time, but looking at the faces of those got to feed the birds, I felt happy seeing them getting up close with the birds to feed them with enthusiasm.

Recommendation

        Comparing the Jurong Bird Park with the Singapore Zoo, the zoo has more variety of animals than the bird park. Of course it is because the park is specifically for birds... But even so, both places of attraction has it pros and cons. The zoo varies from animals. From lions, to bears, and many more; whereas the bird park varies from birds. From penguins, to flamingoes, to vultures, and many more. But, the zoo is too big to be conquered in 4 hours (just like our school trip) and to conquer it in that short time, we have to plan on what we want to see, or even better, ride a tram, which is quite costly in my point of view. The bird park too, has it disadvantages. It has lesser shows compared to the zoo, making us can't really experience in hand much seeing the birds in action up close.

 The map of Jurong Bird Park

The map of Singapore Zoo

         I suggest visiting the Discovery Centre in the future.  This is because, it is not only entertaining, it is also educational for us. It has exhibits that relates so much to Singapore, for example, it has a 'Dream Lab', which we can navigate through a home setting to access more information about future plans of Singapore. We can find out more about Singapore's future plans through graphics, photos, footages and even personal interviews collected. With these, we can learn about the future plans of our home country interestingly.

         The Army Museum of Singapore is also situated there. Through the museum, we can understand the making of a citizen soldier and appreciate various Operations that the Army has undertaken. Also, we can understand more about the duties of the Army from the museum.