Casting About Singapore: Jurong Bird Park

I've gotten behind again in my posts-- JK

[Saturday 21 Feb, 2010]-- Up in the northeast end of Singapore (Jurong) is the Jurong Bird Park. This is a popular tourist and family destination, and is a combination of bird zoo and theme park, perhaps similar to Marine World in the United States. The park is on several acres of wooded land on the edge of the city, with birds of all sizes, colors, and shapes from around the world. The birds can be viewed by strolling through the park (or zoo if you prefer), visiting several areas of bird specialty (birds of the wetlands, birds of prey, parrots, etc). In many of these areas the birds are not constrained by cages, which is a great way to view them. There is also an ampitheatre, with short shows, starring the birds. The bird park also serves as a bird sanctuary-- there are several "residents" that are refugees. One set of birds were found in captivity by bird smugglers, another came to live there after wandering many miles off course from its native habitat in mainland Asia.

We had a Sunday afternoon on our hands and decided to go check it out. I found the park a great visit, and saw some amazingly colorful and fascinating birds. (If you go, bring mosquito repellent-- there were a few out that day.).

Here are some images from the Jurong Bird Park:

Enter stage left-- the flamingos troupe in during the bird show at Jurong Bird Park

One of the stage "actors" making a pass around the theater. Members of the audience were provided with large rings which they held out. The birds would from the stage above the audience, and through the rings.