A Panda Relationship Develops Between China and Singapore's Wildlife Reserves

By Isabel Cheng

Singapore - Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS), parent company of Jurong Bird Park, Night Safari and Singapore Zoo will receive a pair of male and female Giant Pandas from China Wildlife Conservation Association (CWCA) as part of a joint collaboration to promote giant panda conservation, raise public awareness of conservation and implement a giant panda breeding research programme. The pandas are symbolic of the close relationship between Singapore and China as the Republic celebrates the 20th Anniversary of friendly Sino-Singapore relations. This was announced by President Hu Jintao following a meeting with President S R Nathan earlier this evening.

The two pandas, which are scheduled to arrive in Singapore in the second half of 2011, will have a new home at the River Safari, the fourth and latest nature park by WRS. Preliminary work for River Safari has begun and construction is due to be completed by mid-2011. Visitors will be able to see the pandas when River Safari opens its doors in early 2012.

Both WRS and CWCA will ink their commitment to the conservation collaboration through an Agreement with the objective of knowledge exchange on reproductive science and education on wildlife in China.

The partnership will be sealed at a signing ceremony on November 12 in the presence of President Hu Jintao and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, signaling high-level support from both governments.

“We are pleased that the pandas mark the strong and continuing friendship between the two countries. The strong support from both our governments will give us great impetus to work with our Chinese counterpart in global nature and wildlife conservation, and to learn, adopt and implement best practices. This collaboration will also boost greater interest in the areas of conservation, especially for the giant pandas,” said Ms Claire Chiang, WRS’ Chairman.

To support this conservation effort, CapitaLand Limited, one of Asia’s largest real estate companies with a strong presence in China for 15 years, has pledged a conservation donation to support the 10-year collaborative programme.

Mr Liew Mun Leong, President and CEO of CapitaLand Group, said: “Over the last 15 years, CapitaLand has actively participated in China’s urbanisation. Today, we have an extensive presence with a portfolio worth over S$20 billion (on a when-completed basis) comprising about 100 projects spanning 40 cities across China. This conservation donation is yet another testament of CapitaLand’s long-term commitment to China. This collaborative effort will raise cultural exchange and understanding between the two countries and further strengthen the strong relationship between Singapore and China.”

Husbandry and Veterinary Care
“With WRS' Wildlife Healthcare and Research Centre established since 2006, we have the necessary infrastructure in place - latest technology in veterinary equipment and animal management team with extensive field experience - to care for the giant pandas. Through close collaboration with the CWCA, we will be even better positioned to achieve our objectives of promoting giant panda conservation and raise public awareness of conservation. Along with all Singaporeans, we eagerly await the arrival of the pandas,” said Ms Fanny Lai, WRS’ Group CEO.

WRS has identified a team of zookeepers and veterinarians to look after the husbandry needs and veterinary care of the pandas. During the next two years, zookeepers will receive training on the husbandry, nutrition and housing of pandas. A researcher on the team will monitor as well as study the husbandry, nutrition, behaviour and reproduction of the pandas.
In addition, a team of panda experts from China will come to Singapore to provide training as well as expert guidance on creating the ideal environment for the pandas.
Caring for pandas is not new to WRS. In 1990 one of WRS’ parks, Singapore Zoo, welcomed and cared for two giant pandas “An-An” and “Xin-Xing” for 100 days.

Exhibit, Housing and Conservation Education
In line with the needs of the pandas, their new home at the River Safari will be designed and constructed to meet the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) standards.
As a strong proponent of conservation education, WRS will be looking at enriching visitors’ experience with panda conservation interpretives, educational programmes and behind-the-scenes experience on panda care.

River Safari
River Safari will be located along Mandai Lake Road, adjacent to Night Safari and Singapore Zoo. The new attraction will be Asia’s first river-themed animal park comprising of boat rides, display of freshwater habitats and other highlights offering close-up multi-sensory experience for the young and old, with the aim to create greater awareness of freshwater habitat conservation. The development will be built with environmental sensitivity and minimal impact on the Mandai Nature Reserve area.

About Wildlife Reserves Singapore
Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) is the parent company of award-winning attractions: Jurong Bird Park, Night Safari and Singapore Zoo. WRS parks are world-class leisure attractions, providing excellent exhibits of animals and birds presented in their natural environment for the purpose of conservation, education and recreation. In 2008, Jurong Bird Park served 900,000 visitors, the Night Safari had more than 1.1 million visitors and Singapore Zoo welcomed more than 1.6 million visitors.

WRS parks are the first zoological institutions in Southeast Asia to achieve both ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 certifications, which indicate compliance with the highest standards in environment, health and safety standards.
In the areas of conservation and research, WRS parks have undertaken multiple projects, which focus on species such as the oriental pied hornbill, pangolin and orang utan, through collaborations with various organisations and institutions. Recent conservation efforts include hosting a regional Asian pangolin conservation workshop and the inauguration of Wildlife Reserves Singapore Conservation Fund to save endangered native wildlife. All WRS parks are designated wildlife rescue centres by the governing authority.

WRS office is located at 80 Mandai Lake Road Singapore 729826. More information can be found at www.wrs.com.sg  

About China Wildlife Conservation Association (CWCA)
China Wildlife Conservation Association (CWCA) is a non-profit national organization under the framework of China Science Association. As the largest ecological conservation organization in China, CWCA became one of the non-governmental organizations of International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, IUCN. CWCA has 31 provincial and 622 regional branches throughout China with over 200,000 members. CWCA was founded by conservation enthusiasts who love wildlife; many of whom have worked in the areas of wildlife conservation, scientific research, wildlife breeding and domestication, and natural conservation. The mission of the CWCA is to promote sustainable development of China's wildlife with the objective of carrying out educational and scientific activities to promote academic communication and cooperation in China and abroad, and to conduct relevant international wildlife conservation projects.

About CapitaLand Limited
CapitaLand is one of Asia’s largest real estate companies. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, the multi-local company's core businesses in real estate, hospitality and real estate financial services are focused in growth cities in Asia Pacific, Europe and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

The company's real estate and hospitality portfolio spans more than 110 cities in over 20 countries. CapitaLand also leverages on its significant asset base, real estate domain knowledge, financial skills and extensive market network to develop real estate financial products and services in Singapore and the region.

The listed subsidiaries and associates of CapitaLand include Australand, CapitaMall Trust, CapitaCommercial Trust, Ascott Residence Trust and CapitaRetail China Trust.

Photo credit: China Wildlife Conservation Association.

To view Singapore Zoo’s web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor, go to: http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-1378-Singapore_Zoo