Ifah SakinahNo doubt, 2020 has been a challenging year thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic that cut a swathe through the globe. But, the past twelve months weren’t all doom and gloom for all. Some, like Wildlife Reserves Singapore, saw a ray of hope amidst the tough times.
Last year, it welcomed the arrival of almost 400 new babies across its four parks, namely Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, Jurong Bird Park and River Safari. The brood consists of 107 species of which 29 are listed as threatened under the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.
Come along and discover some of the adorable additions at Wildlife Reserves Singapore.
A pair of Malayan tiger cubs
Image credit: Wildlife Reserves Singapore Official Website
Two Malayan cubs were brought into the world at Night Safari bringing glad tidings just before the year drew to a close. It marked the first successful birth of the species at Wildlife Reserves Singapore in 23 years. The birth of the two newborns is a significant milestone in zoology considering the fact that they are at the brink of extinction.
Wild populations of the animal have descended rapidly over the years owing to poaching activities. There are an estimated 150 Malayan tigers living in the wild as of date.
A Malayan tapir
Image credit: Singapore Wildlife Reserves Official Facebook Page
Meet Bintang (star in malay)! Bintang is a Malayan tapir born on 29 June 2020 at Night Safari. Having won the hearts of many when he made his appearance on various platforms across social media, the zookeepers gave him the sobriquet.
The IUCN’s places Malayan tapirs on its endangered red list.
Also read:Newborn Lion Cub Simba Warmly Welcomed in Singapore Zoo
A Goodfellow’s tree kangaroo
Image credit: Wildlife Reserves Singapore Official Website
Makaia and Nupela, resident Goodfellow’s tree kangaroos at Singapore Zoo, became proud parents of a male joey on 4 February 2020. Named Malolo, he was conceived under the Global Species Management Plan (GSMP). His unique name translates to rest in Tok Pisin, a language spoken in Papua New Guinea. The male marsupial certainly lives up to his name as he can be seen kicking it back with his mother.
According to Wildlife Reserves Singapore, the global population of Goodfellow’s tree kangaroos under human care is now at 58.
Other newborns at Wildlife Reserves Singapore includes:
- Black-legged poison frogs
- Western long-tailed hornbill
- Celebes crested macaque
- Madagascar day gecko
- Golden-breasted starling
- Red ruffed lemurs.
