One of Singapore’s oldest and most popular attractions is Jurong Bird Park. However, after more than 50 years, the park has announced that it will cease operations and close. It turns out this isn’t all bad news, as the iconic park will be transformed into an ecotourism hub in northern Singapore. Read on to find out more about this win for ecotourism in Asia.

Jurong Bird Park in Singapore to close

Jurong Bird Park is world famous and is home to some 3,500 birds, including parrots, penguins, flamingos and eagles. It will now join the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari, along with a new, luxury Banyan Tree Resort. This will then form an ecotourism hub in northern Singapore.

The iconic park’s last day of operation at its current location will be January 3, 2023. This date will be 52 years exactly since the park opened in 1971. In the image at the top of this article, readers can see Rahman, a man who has worked at Jurong Bird Park since its inception. No doubt, he will remain on the staff at the new location. Meanwhile, the new Mandai eco-hub is set to open in 2023.

Jurong Bird Park’s Vice President Daisy Ling made a statement on Tuesday, August 30, to announce the closure. She said:

There are many of us who joined the organization in its early days and have been here over the decades.

About the Singapore park

Jurong Bird Park was built at an initial cost of $2.5 million and is spread over 20.2 hectares. Since it was built, the park attracts around 850,000 visitors each year who flock to see the famed waterfall aviary, as well as many bird exhibits and shows. Singapore Tourism says Jurong is the largest bird park of its kind in Asia.

When the park first opened in 91971, there were only 1,000 birds of 60 species. However, since that time the park’s capacity has greatly expanded and is now thought to house birds from more than 400 species.

Various incidents at Jurong Bird Park

According to CNN, officers at the park have also been involved in a number of high-profile rescues and rehabilitation efforts over the years. Back in 2018, a hornbill in the park was fighting an aggressive form of cancer. The bird received a 3D-printed prosthesis, fitted on top of its bill by park veterinarians.

In another incident last December, a rare wild cinereous vulture drew national attention after it veered from its migratory path and landed in Singapore. While veterinarians found no visible injuries, the bird was unable to fly. Once it received treatment at the park’s on-site hospital, the vulture eventually took flight with encouragement from the park staff.

On another occasion, the flamingo flock in the park received a lot of public attention. This came after a chick named Squish was seen walking in the breeding and research center in a pair of shiny blue shoes. The shoes were fitted to develop the bird’s leg strength and protect its foot pads from the hard ground.

Up until its planned closure in January, the bird park will continue regular operations. For anyone able to visit before the closure, the staff is arranging a series of tours, activities and heritage trails to focus on Jurong Bird Park’s history.

The park is open from Thursday to Sunday, on public holidays and selected holidays, from 8.30 am to 6 pm. The last admission is at 5 pm.