In March 2025, Singapore’s Rainforest Wild Asia will debut as a new wildlife park featuring rare animals, including the endangered Francois’ langur. Native to China and Vietnam, these monkeys are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with only about 2,000 left in the wild. Rainforest Wild Asia will also house the endangered Philippine spotted deer and showcase 29 animal species overall, including tigers, sun bears, and tapirs, in an expansive 13-hectare park—roughly the size of 20 football fields—lushly planted with 7,000 South-east Asian trees and shrubs.
The park will immerse visitors in diverse rainforest habitats across ten zones, providing experiences that range from ground-level forest trails to elevated canopy walkways. Guests can explore via wheelchair-accessible paths or, for a more adventurous experience, safely harnessed climbs and abseils. Mike Barclay, CEO of Mandai Wildlife Group, emphasized that the immersive design of Rainforest Wild Asia aims to foster a deeper connection to nature, offering visitors the chance to see animals like the Francois’ langurs in naturalistic settings, such as the canopy habitat called The Karsts. Other zones, including The Canopy and Rock Cascade, will feature the Javan langur, red-shanked douc langur, and Malayan tiger.
Additional attractions include The Cavern, chambers inspired by the ancient Mulu Caves of Sarawak, Malaysia, recreated with digital scans and in partnership with the Sarawak Forestry Department. Visitors can explore subterranean paths to encounter exotic species like racer snakes and giant black scorpions. Beyond Rainforest Wild Asia, the Mandai Wildlife Group plans to open the Mandai Rainforest Resort in 2025, and future expansions will include Rainforest Wild Africa, inspired by the Afro-Tropical and Madagascar landscapes, bringing a new dimension to Singapore’s wildlife conservation efforts.
Source: Strait Times
