The school holidays may be over, but there are plenty of new reasons to visit Singapore Zoo. Its third and latest behind-the-scenes tour, Backstage Pass: Elephant Encounters,  launches on  9 August 2024 , while an enhanced edition of  Breakfast in the Wild rolled out on 5 July .

The brand-new Backstage Pass: Elephant Encounters allows participants to go beyond the regular visitor experience. They delve behind-the-scenes to learn more about the five female Asian elephants and how they are cared for at the Singapore Zoo.

Led by a knowledgeable guide, guests will be introduced to interesting characteristics of elephants and witness how the Elephants of Asia habitat incorporates enrichment devices to keep the animals mentally and physically stimulated.

Then, venture into an off-exhibit area and come face-to-trunk with the elephants while getting a first-hand glimpse into the care routines that help ensure the well-being of these gentle giants.

This includes ‘pedicure’ or nail filing to prevent overgrowth and the risk of infections, as well as a demonstration of Positive Reinforcement Training.

This training method uses rewards – usually food – to encourage animals to voluntarily exhibit specific behaviours. For the elephants, this involves presenting their body parts for daily checks or offering their feet for a pedicure!

Guided by the expert keepers, selected participants can get the opportunity to make contact with an elephant and get a feel of its ears and the stiff hairs on its body.

The tour would not be complete without the memorable experience of feeding them their favourite treats – watch the elephants stretch out their trunks to be fed by hand with carrots and bananas, while learning fascinating facts about the herd and interacting with their keepers. Guests may just find out which elephants are best friends and the unique quirks of each individual.

For more information and to make a booking for Backstage Pass: Elephant Encounters, please visit https://www.mandai.com/en/singapore-zoo/things-to-do/explore/tours/elephant-encounters.html.  The tour will be available daily from 9 August 2024, 2pm to 3pm. Tickets are priced at $118.40 per person on weekdays and $148 on weekends. Friends of Wildlife members enjoy a 20 per cent discount.

Starting 5 July 2024, the latest iteration of Singapore Zoo’s iconic dining programme introduced two new animal ambassadors, the Californian sea lion and African penguins.

These charismatic additions join the existing line-up of animals, taking turns to make an appearance at the interactive sessions. Guests will continue to enjoy the main 45-minute presentation from 9.15am.

The presentation features animals such as the orangutan, fennec fox, green iguana and Bengal eagle owl where guests learn about the unique features of the different animals from their keepers.

Another new highlight is the volunteer segment with the Bengal eagle owl or Malay fish owl, where a guest can witness its impressive 270-degree head rotation up close by holding a target stick and walking around the owl.

This enhanced experience offers a delightful start to your day as you tuck into a hearty buffet breakfast amidst the wonders of the animal kingdom, with opportunities for learning and unforgettable moments.

Breakfast in the Wild runs daily from 9am to 10.30am. Tickets are priced at $47 for adults and $37 for children aged six to 12, while children under six would need to be accompanied by one adult each.

Enjoy a promotional bundle with up to 20 percent off Singapore Zoo admission and Breakfast in the Wild. This exclusive offer is for weekday bookings and local residents only. More details and bookings are available at https://www.mandai.com/en/singapore-zoo/things-to-do/dine/breakfast-in-the-wild.html.