Jurong BirdPark's Waterfall Aviary Reconstruction is Completed

By Isabel Cheng 

Singapore - Escape to Africa in a fun and chirpy way this December at Jurong BirdPark’s Waterfall Aviary. This newly upgraded exhibit offers visitors a refreshingly novel sneak into the rich flora and 1,500 freeflying
birds of the world’s second largest continent.

“Like the African tropical rainforests, the exhibit simulates the natural habitats for the birds in the aviary. The high cloud forests and mangrove swamps enhance the naturalistic environment.

The 35-metres high net ceiling allows these African birds more space to fly freely. Visitors can also learn from the African-themed interpretives and even spot these birds as they rest and perch shyly between shrubs and lush ferns,” says Ms Fanny Lai, Group CEO, Wildlife Reserves Singapore.

African Designs and Motif
The exhibit showcases the rich and historically significant African culture embodied in its geometric designs, mudwall patterns, jars and artifacts in vivid African colours.

African Hut
A new “African Hut” situated next to the waterfall serves as a lookout corner where visitors can view the waterfall, take in its scenery and watch free-flying African birds discreetly without startling them.

The Waterfall
Considered the highest man-made waterfall in the world in an aviary, the waterfall is Singapore’s iconic and premier attraction. It is one of the rare places where visitors can get up-close to free-flying birds in their habitat. The breathtaking scenery is unsurpassed and today, the waterfall has become a popular haven for couples even to solemnise their weddings.

Net Ceiling
The height of the aviary reaches up to as high as 35 metres or about 13 floors, defining a vast flight space for the bids and gives the impression of an open and truly natural habitat for them.

Suspension Bridge
From the sturdy African themed ‘Suspension Bridge’, one can absorb the beauty of the aviary and watch colourful birds in motion. The bridge is part of the main aviary walkway. The gentle slope is designed to suit the young, elderly and even the handicapped in mind. Smaller pathways branch from it leading to the Bird Feeding Platform or to the Observation Posts.

Observation Posts
From the two Observation Posts, visitors can get a first-hand view of the birds as they feed and socialise. The climb up is no mean feat but is well worth the effort as it presents a tranquil solace and allows one a bird’s eye view of the beauty of the African Waterfall Aviary.

African Waterfall Aviary Feeding Platform
Another unique feature of the aviary is the Feeding Platform where breathtaking Starlings and Bee-eaters take centre stage daily for the feeding programmes daily at 10.30am and 2.30pm. These bold birds descend several times daily to peek into any leftover worms or meal from the feeding programme, where visitors get to toss a handful of mealworms into air and witness the criss-crossing and diving of these energetic birds.

Lucky visitors may even catch sight of the elusive Crested Guinea Fowls as they make surprise appearances.

For a closer interaction with some of the most colourful African Birds, Catch the scheduled feeding sessions daily at 10.30 am and 2.30pm