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Opened on 27 June 1973, the Singapore Zoological Gardens caters to the recreational, educational and cocial needs of Singaporeans and tourists to the Republic. It is tagged " The Open Zoo" which reflects the absence of physical barriers in enclosure design. Instead, cascading waters, lush vegetation and moats cleverly mask the hidden barriers to enhance the illusion of freedom and natural jungle-like atmosphere for the animals. Surrounded by the tranquil water of the Seletar Reservoir, the location of the Zoo makes it a relaxing getaway from the concrete confinement of the city.
The Zoo began with a humble collection of 270 animals of about 72 species. To date, a total of over 2,000 animals of 240 species are displayed in some 70 exhibits.
The Zoo's approach of displaying animals in their breeding groups, but also the manner in which different species coexist together in one enclosure. This reflects the harmonious coexistence of animals residing together in the wild. An example typifying this naturalistic concept is Wild Africa, where the white rhinoceros resides with the eland, an antelope. Another is the sealion/penguin exhibit where coastal togetherness is depicted through the display of sealions with penguins and pelicans.
One of the more appealing attractions at the Zoo is the Animal Shows. The Animal Shows - Primate and Reptile shows and Elephant & Sealion shows - started in the late 70s at various open areas within the Zoo. The Amphitheatre which has a long pool with glass panels for aquatic acts can seat 1,500 and can accommodate up to 2,000 spectators.
The Animal Shows are specially designed to incorporate the natural behaviors of the animals to educate visitors in an entertaining presentation. During the shows, conservation messages are disseminated to the audience to heighten their awareness of the environment. Furthermore, the shows are also meant to stimulate the minds of the animals and to help fight boredom.
Another major breakthrough for the Zoo was the introduction of underwater viewing exhibits. The first in 1988. - the underwater viewing polar bear exhibit - enable visitors to "rub noses" with the Zoo's polar bears. Visitors are enthralled by the underwater antics of these graceful animals. In the years that followed, underwater antics of these graceful animals. In the years that followed, underwater-viewing exhibits were designed for the crocodiles and false ghavials followed by the sealions and penguins and lastly the pygmyhippos.