Learn more about how you can collaborate with us. The 58-year-old however, remains unperturbed and barely flinches, his experience in handling the bird (and be on the receiving end of such treatment) evident. Q. Despite his size, which intimidated quite a few keepers, Saw came to know of George as a gentle giant who was very calm and "doesn't display any aggressiveness". Meet the national bird of Philipines, the Philippine Eagles, and spend some time observing the frugivorous Red Crested Turacos., Lets take a look at Jurong Bird Park ticket options, Jurong Bird Park ticket prices, opening hours, and everything else you need to know to plan your visit., Please keep in mind that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, entry into the bird park will be restricted. You have to accept that they come, they go. Since it is a hop-on hop-off tram, you can simply get down at the zone you wish to explore and hop on to the next tram once you are ready to move to the next attraction., The Jurong Bird Park combo tickets are ideal for those who are short on time and wish to explore the city in detail. Thankfully, he passed his probation with flying colours, and Saw has gone on to present for hundreds of people, even esteemed ones like the former President of Singapore S. R. Nathan, the late Lee Kuan Yew and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. You will have to take East-West MRT line bound trains for Tuas Link, and alight at Boon Lay (EW27). | Saw explains that this would complicate things should the bird not want to be handled, fed, trained or cared for by any other people. Great for kids", "Get a bowl of nectar to feed the birds for $3. Copyright 2020 Mothership. Jurong Bird Park offers several unique activities and experiences like the High Flyers Show, Wildlife Tours, and camping. You start at 6am in the morning and at this time you gotta do this, and then after that you gotta perform something else at another time," Saw said of the strict schedule they followed.
But another bird [of the same species] may not like it. It is the largest such park in terms of the number of birds, and occupies an area of around 50 acres. Several measures have been set in place to ensure that all visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience during their visit to Jurong Bird Park Singapore.. Yes, You can choose from the two souvenir shops at Jurong Bird Park that sell a variety of merchandise including bags, plush toys, and other memorabilia. Is the Jurong Bird Park ticket price different for children? Working with birds is akin with navigating real life, human relationships, and Saw explains that even birds of the same species have different personalities. Non-commercial use only, not for resale. Home to more than 3,500 birds from 400 species, it features state-of-the-art facilities like walk-in aviaries and unique exhibits., Here, you will get to meet hundreds of varieties of birds, learn all about their habitats, and even closely interact with them! By the time the laggar falcon was retrieved, it was around 10pm. Lets take a closer look at your Jurong Bird Park ticket options.. March 27, 2021, 02:01 PM. It is run by Headout and works with attractions and tour operators to provide incredible experiences at the tap of a button. Unfortunately on that fateful day, the laggar falcon did not perform as expected. Jurong Bird Park features three F&B outlets - Hawk Cafe, Treetop Cafe, and Pizza Hut Express - where you can indulge in vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian dishes. Senior citizens (above the age of 60) who are also Singaporean residents can enjoy discounts on the Jurong Bird Park ticket price. Falcons were part of the hawk show, and presenters would swing a long lure round and round, much like Mongolian falconers seen in documentaries who hunt game on horseback. Q. A number of Jurong Bird Park tickets such as combo tickets, Jurong Bird Park tickets with transfers, tram rides, etc are available. A. Make the most of this unique opportunity to get to know more about these birds! Yes, Jurong Bird Park has reopened its doors to the public with many safety and social distancing measures in place to ensure that all visitors have a safe experience. He cited the task of having to handle the birds, presenting from a script, and working the crowd concurrently, as one of the biggest challenges he faced during his probation period, which was a lengthy six months. You will be provided with a food mix, along with water and honey, which can be fed to these parrots. Wir verwenden die neuesten und tollsten Technologien, die es gibt, um Dir das bestmgliche Website-Erlebnis zu bieten.Bitte aktiviere JavaScript in den Einstellungen Deines Webbrowsers, um fortzufahren. Despite the high-flying decades spent on stage, Saw retains no delusions of grandeur about who truly dominates the shows. To overcome that barrier of fear, newbies like Saw would literally sit down (at the exact amphitheatre I interviewed Saw at) for several hours with the birds perched on their arms, as part of a training procedure called manning. 296,966,339 stock photos, 360 panoramic images, vectors and videos, Share Alamy images with your team and customers. 194, which will take you to Jurong Bird Park. Who can enjoy free entry to Jurong Bird Park? A. A Black-chested Buzzard eagle lands on the gloved hand of a bird handler at Condor Park in Otavalo in Ecuador. At the time of booking your Jurong Bird Park ticket, you will be asked to choose a time slot of your convenience. What's included in a Jurong Bird Park ticket? The bald eagle, whose name is Suzy, finishes gobbling up the small chunk of meat treat after accomplishing its trick, and proceeds to nip at Saw's forearm, leaving marks on his skin. I repress the urge to stroke its feathers like one does to a pet bird, and yet, feel a healthy amount of respect for this being whose intelligence shines clearly in its ochre eyes. This ticket has the following options that you can choose from -, With the COVID-19 restrictions relaxing across the world, Jurong Bird Park reopened its doors to the public on 30 July 2020 with tighter Vaccination-Differentiated Safe Management Measures (VDS) taking effect from 13 October 2021, along with strict adherence to safety protocols. Jurong Bird Park houses two gift shops, each featuring a variety of soft toys, caps, tee-shirts, and other memorabilia. Q. As the then-hawk show had just opened the same year he started working at Jurong Bird Park, Saw was one of the pioneer presenters there. My eyes catch sight of Suzy's talons, which dig into Saw's arm, currently sheathed in a protective gauntlet. Saw handles the birds with ease and familiarity, and with his salt and pepper hair, and tan, weathered face, the man looks truly at home in the outdoors. This will not only save you from long entry lines but will also make your experience a safe one. However, he adds that he has to step aside to give others a chance. Watch the majestic Philippine Eagles, some of the largest eagles in the world, and meet the vibrantly colorful starlings and turacos at the brand new African Treetops zone. Stories of Us is a series about ordinary people in Singapore and the unique ways theyre living their lives. Here's a snippet of a recent one. Six other persons are being investigated. What truly struck me though, was Saw's dedication to the job. Saw, who has been working as a trainer for birds of prey at the Jurong Bird Park for the last 33 years, and who is now the senior manager of Animal Presentations, swivels around for me to get an eyeful of the magnificent avian. | Spanning over an area of 12 hectares, the park is home to a wide variety of animals and plants. And I'll just continue walking and after a few metres away I'll stop and call him 'George! Although he was "a bit intimidated at the start", he assured that all keepers and presenters are trained on how to handle the creatures carefully. Get an instant quote for one of our industry-leading volume pricing deals. | "Oh okay sure," I said as I inched back warily towards the metal railing at the edge of the grassy plain, phone ready in my hands. From the Boon Lay, you will have to take a bus- Bus No. Depending on the Jurong Bird Park ticket, you'll get to enjoy various in-house activities and bird shows. Foursquare herunterladen fr dein Smartphone und die Welt um dich herum entdecken! Q. All visitors are expected to follow social distancing guidelines. Watch these creatures of the night come alive once the sun goes down. George the Andean condor. Unfortunately, George died in 2018 due to medical complications, and having worked with him since the 1990s, Saw greatly misses the gigantic bird. Captions are provided by our contributors. This interest was sparked by his father, who returned home one day when 16-year-old Saw was watching television, with a cage containing a tiny Oriental White-eye, a popular songbird. The white-tailed eagle is a very large eagle widely distributed across Eurasia. And for this reason, they have developed a number of courses and programs through which they seek to educate children through guided tours, workshops, and other immersive experiences.. Jurong Bird Park is the largest bird park of Asia and it contributes to wildlife protection and sustainability while being responsible for global conservation of over 3,500 birds from 400 species. This will not only save a considerable amount of your time but also ensure that social distancing is maintained. Neo had just given birth to her second child in January. Unvaccinated children under the age of 12 may be included in the group of 2. It is a no-no for any one bird to become too attached to a trainer, and vice versa. After some time you get used to it.". Being a trainer and presenter also requires a keen sense of intuition and understanding of the birds on an individual basis, Saw reveals. By Car Or Taxi: via PTE & CTE Expressway. Bird Handler with a hooded vulture at Jurong Bird Park, In-flight, the magnificent hooded vulture, Landing white-tailed sea eagle at Jurong Bird Park. At the time, there were only six birds of five different species starring in the show, as compared to the numerous individuals seen in the Kings of the Skies shows these days. One can imagine the bafflement the audience that day likely felt. All rights reserved. The group had reached the canal before 6am on Mar. Shows will admit maximum 50 people with only groups of 2 vaccinated people will be allowed entry. By Train: East-West Line- Boon Lay (EW27). Recommend to go there around feeding time for animals as you'll see them from up close". This was to build a relationship between the trainer and the raptor for the former to familiarise themselves with the heft of the bird in their arms (a bald eagle like Suzy can weigh up to 6.3kg), and for the birds to be comfortable with a new human's presence. Scientific name Haliaeetus albicilla. Photo by Ashley Tan. These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled. Find the right content for your market. "Things like this happen you know, and its part and parcel of the job. This website is not the official website of the Jurong Bird Park. Worth it, but bring the exact amount in cash. Children two years of age and under can enter free of charge. I mean, they've got powerful beaks, powerful feet," Saw said, alluding to the potential for injuries to occur. The unpredictable nature of the birds of prey also adds that element of fun and excitement, which he views as a new challenge. About The intended subject of my shot was currently positioned on the arm of a staff member at the other end of the arena, and at the sight of an almost imperceptible flick of a hand, swooped over to land perfectly on Clarence Saw's arm. Jurong Bird Park is home to 19different hornbill species. ", "Amazing place to watch how do birds live actually. Top photo courtesy of Clarence Saw and by Ashley Tan. In search of more freedom, Saw, aged 25 then, decided to fly the nest. Let's take a closer look at how they contribute to global conservation, The only park in the Asia Pacific to have an Avian Hospital, Jurong Bird Park places great importance on wildlife conservation. But having cared for and trained raptors, as well as worked as a presenter in the hawk shows now known as the King of the Skies show alongside the raptors for nearly half his life, Saw understands that the birds' compliance to tricks belies their unpredictability. The tram will take you around the park, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Q. What is the best way to purchase Jurong Bird Park tickets? They dont really afraid of people, so good nature photos to come. After all, he has never considered switching careers throughout his impressive 33 year stint at Jurong Bird Park. If you are lucky you might catch their head flagging wing saluting twist preening routine! These birds of prey, which include hawks, eagles, falcons and vultures, retain their natural instincts and can pose a formidable threat. Copyright 30/07/2022 Alamy Ltd. All rights reserved. Visit the Flamingo Lake exhibit and learn many more interesting facts about these creatures., The Breeding and Research Centre is made up of an incubator room and a nursery room where the eggs of endangered birds are taken to. And yet, it's clear that Saw has a certain bond with George. A. A. Are there souvenir shops at Jurong Bird Park? "I look forward to coming to work everyday," Saw reveals. Flamingos are one of the two groups of birds that produce milk to feed their babies! Look at those long talons. Q. We are just out here to make the birds look better.". The Jurong Bird Park is one of the largest such bird parks in the world, setup in the year 1971. There are no longer any falcons at Jurong Bird Park partly due to this incident, as well as the lack of space to accommodate the range and speed at which they fly. He needn't have worried much Saw went through plenty of training to get him accustomed to his new and unconventional job. Jurong Bird Park is best explored on foot. "On the day that they told me to start work, they brought me down to this place [at Jurong Bird Park], and told me this will be where I'll be working and what I'll be taking care of, it came like a surprise and a shock to me. Discover up to 5000 marvelous birds spread across 400 species. "The kind of things that I do, I will not be able to do it anywhere else. The birds would then twirl in the air and dive for the lure, making for a rather thrilling experience for the audience. At the Lory Loft, visitors can hand-feed these bundles of colours. Four zoological institutions in SingaporeJurong Bird Park, Night Safari, River Safari and Singapore Zoo are managed by the Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS). The Parrot Paradise provides visitors with the unique opportunity to observe many endangered South American species. "It was getting too regimented for me. Nine more have been discharged from hospitals or community isolation facilities. Visit Asias largest bird park at your own comfort with this Jurong Bird Park ticket. Stelle sicher, dass deine Infos aktuell sind. "Sometimes you think you come out here and present a show, it's very glamourous and all that. In fact, the park is considered to be the first of its kind to breed the black hornbill under human care. But I always instil this mindset in my staff that we are not out here to be the stars. Yes, you can book your Jurong Bird Park tickets online. Stories of Us: Clarence Saw, a former military policeman, shares with us the highs and lows of working as a trainer-presenter at Jurong Bird Park and caring for the fearsome birds of prey. ", "The best experience of the whole zoo! This is perhaps, telling in and of itself after all, the greatest attachments to and the best memories Saw has of his job are of the birds he cares for, and less so of any physical area within the park. Does Jurong Bird Park offer dining options? Along the way there will always be some other things distracting them, you know, so we have to be prepared for the unexpected.". One particular memorable incident (for perhaps both the right and wrong reasons), which took place a few years after Saw started working, was when a laggar falcon took off midway during a show Saw was conducting. Therefore make sure that you wear comfortable shoes. ", It was his first time encountering birds of prey as well, and Saw described the mixed feelings he had at this new revelation "I was excited, but also at the same time, you know,wah, can I do this or not?". Some of the services available at Jurong Bird Park are: Here are some tips to keep in mind while visiting Jurong Bird Park: The Wildlife Reserves Singapore, through its various parks including Jurong Bird Park, contributes to wildlife protection and sustainability. This process was complicated by the fact that the transmitter signal from the tracking device would bounce off buildings, misdirecting the group and causing them to go round in circles. These birds are known for their preening techniques. As are all eagles, it is a member of the family Accipitridae which includes other diurnal raptors such as hawks, kites, and harriers. Mind you, this was May 1988 where computers and the Internet were still in their fledgling stages and sites like JobStreet and Glassdoor were a distant dream. There are a number of shows inside the park that provide people with a chance to get closer to birds (even though they do not get a chance to touch them), and in a exhibit, one can even get a photo taken with colorful birds right next to the person. Observe wildlife at night on the safari in an open-air zoo that is home to around 900 animals. Phone, Search for stock images, vectors and videos. Admission with Tram: Non-Singapore Residents, Jurong Bird Park - 40% Off on Child Tickets for Indian Tourists. Choose from multiple tickets, tours and combo options by verified operators. All rights reserved. The show focuses on large birds such as hawks, vultures, etc. Alamy and its logo are trademarks of Alamy Ltd. and are registered in certain countries. Learn more about the hyacinth macaw, the golden conure and the red-fronted macaw. A shuttle will pick you up from certain designated areas in the city and drop you at the park, making your experience a hassle-free one. Foursquare 2022 Liebevoll hergestellt in NYC, CHI, SEA&LA, "The show is entertaining, educational and varies depending on local events. A. 28. A. At no point at all did I expect I would be working with the largest [birds]. "It's part and parcel I guess, in this line of work. Children 12 years of age and under must be accompanied by a paying adult at all times. "It's really just sitting there, and then it's just you and the bird.". The Birds Eye Tour even offers you a chance to hold and handle these birds of prey! Q. Heres what you can expect to see on your Jurong Bird Park tour. Saw sheepishly reveals that he felt a certain amount of panic in that moment, but at the same time, excitement that he would be venturing out on this "wild goose chase". In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is advisable to pre-book your Jurong Bird Park tickets for a safe and comfortable experience. Embark on an avian adventure and discover up to 5,000 birds, with 20% of them being endangered. A budget-friendly ticket to adventure awaits you! A. This comes into play during actual shows and performances, and Saw has to be aware of which bird he is handling and the limits he can push with the bird. A. Duration: 30 minutes from the city. Yes, Jurong Bird Park has several cafes and restaurants that serve both vegetarian as well as non vegetarian food. Children below the age of 3 can enjoy free entry into the Jurong Bird Park while children between the ages of 3 and 12 can enjoy discounted Jurong Bird Park ticket prices. This is in stark contrast to those who are caught up in a constant pursuit of happiness or career milestones. | Are COVID-19 safety measures being put in place at Jurong Bird Park? Privacy policy. Should I buy Jurong Bird Park tickets in advance? Visit the Caribbean flamingos, famous for their tri-colored bills. I could actually walk around with him and he'll just walk by my side. This will ensure that social distancing is maintained and that there is no overcrowding at the venue. Q. Did you know? Shooting videos or clicking still pictures for commercial purposes without prior permission is not allowed. I mean where else will I be able to work outdoors, which I love so much, be with birds I admire and until today, am still learning from. With the help of a tracking device, which were attached to all falcons back then, Saw and other staff slowly and labouriously pursued the escapee bird all the way to Keppel Shipyard, which is around 8km away from Jurong Bird Park. It doesn't mean that it's going to be smooth all the time. The amphitheatre where the shows take place. It was the first time he had seen such a bird, and Saw initially paid it no mind. Enjoy an exciting family day in the company of some remarkable avian species at Asia's largest bird paradise - the Jurong Bird Park. All visitors must wear face masks at all times. And maybe for Saw, who was unexpectedly thrust into this role, this is his greatest achievement to love one's job so much that time simply flies by. Q. As time went by, one songbird became two, and then three, and Saw soon found his home filled with more than 10 birds chirping and twittering. This open-air, free-flight aviary will allow you to observe close interactions between the birds, giving you an immersive experience. Hand sanitizers will be provided throughout your visit. Jurong Bird Park is open throughout the year, eves of and on public holidays and selected school holidays., Address: 2 Jurong Hill, Singapore, 628925. A. Although Saw might be getting on in years, he has no plans to retire anytime soon, patting his thighs and proclaiming that he will continue working for as long as his legs allow. With this Jurong Bird Park ticket, you will not only gain entry into the park, but also to the other attractions and experiences of the city such as Night Safari, River Safari, and Singapore Zoo, allowing you to enjoy a comprehensive tour of the city.. Saw however, merely sees this as occupational hazard and a learning point. Ashley Tan It is located on the slope of Jurong Hill and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Singapore. The birds are the stars. Here you will find Marigold lorikeets, Dusky lory, and Asian fairy-bluebird.. Visit this state-of-the-art aviary and discover the birds that are native to Africa and its neighboring islands like Madagascar and Seychelles. He describes George fondly as a "very special bird". Its most distinctive characteristic is its massive size the Andean condor is the largest flying bird in the world by combined measurement of weight and wingspan, up to 15kg and 3.5m respectively. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jurong Bird Park has introduced a set of new rules and guidelines for a safe and enjoyable experience for all its visitors: With more than 850,000 visitors annually, Jurong Bird Park is a family-friendly bird park that spans a massive 20.2 hectares. You will see them flying together in flocks.. There is a designated smocking area outside the park entrance. No change given. A. Bird Handler with white-tailed sea eagle at Jurong Bird Park. A Bird Handler with white-tailed sea eagle at the Kings of the Skies Show featuring birds of prey at Jurong Bird Park, Singapore. Schreibe einen kurzen Hinweis, was dir gefallen hat, was du bestellt hast oder was du Besuchern sonst noch raten kannst. Hop on board for an exciting night-time safari and admission to the bird paradise of Jurong Bird Park both in one ticket. "This bird may be very comfortable, you're stroking and touching it, it's fine. Your Jurong Bird Park ticket is valid for the date selected during checkout. A. What's the validity for Jurong Bird Park tickets? If you like what you read, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Telegram to get the latest updates. Contact us Despite me standing more than two metres away, the gust of wind from the powerful flap of the bald eagle's wings riffles my hair. What are the different types of Jurong Bird Park tickets available? Despite the experience Saw had (somewhat), in no way did he expect to graduate from caring for cute songbirds to be assigned the fearsome birds of prey on his first day of work. Grab the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to feed the birds with your own hands, and learn more about them. Copyright 2000-2022 Dreamstime. Saw also elaborated on a certain unique relationship he had with surprise, surprise, an Andean condor. ', and he'll gather back his senses and come running back towards you.". "Even though there is some affection on the bird, but because it's the nature of our job, we have to realise that these are wild animals, we cannot treat them as a pet," Saw said. We Are Hiring Photos courtesy of WRS. Plus benutze unser kostenloses Tool, um neue Kunden zu finden. Explore the first of its kind wildlife park where you discover different animals and river basins around the world. A. With many different types of birds, shows, and experiences to explore, keep aside at least half a day to make the most of your visit. Do not forget to carry sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellants. So it's like people I can say things and joke about you but I cannot do it with this other person because he doesn't like it.". Q. When asked what he will miss most about Jurong Bird Park, as the bird park is scheduled for a relocation to its new premises at Mandai next year, Saw is unable to provide an answer. A. Saw decided to apply for the job without much hesitation: "I was thinking, hmmm, maybe I'll give it a go since I already have some interest in birds.". However, it was this system and daily discipline that compelled him to switch jobs. Andean condors are a species of vulture from South America, and this individual in particular was named George. Please ensure that you arrive at least 15 minutes before the selected time for a hassle-free experience. He was arrested for public nuisance and criminal force. Advertise with us Admission to Singapore Guided Night Safari. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, online booking of Jurong Bird Park tickets is advised. Surprisingly, caring for birds of prey was the last thing he expected when he left his prior job of six years as a military policeman. Q. Pre-pay for multiple images and download on demand. Spread over a massive area of 20.2 hectares, the Jurong Bird park is home to unique birds such as the emu and the Double-Wattled Cassowary. Q. Get up close and personal with the hunters of the avian kingdom. Can I book my Jurong Bird Park tickets online? He can stop sometimes [while walking] and he'll just stare at something and look around. While searching for a new job, Saw came across an advertisement for a vacancy as a "trainer presenter" at Jurong Bird Park in the Classifieds section of the newspaper. Personal prints, cards and gifts, or reference for artists. Contactless payment is accepted at the Jurong Bird Park. Visitors can choose from these tickets according to their convenience. While Saw's new career might have gotten off to a flying start, things were not always smooth sailing. A trainer handling a large predator bird at a show called 'Birds of Prey' in the Jurong Bird Park in Singapore. Prepping to become a presenter was an "intensive" and gruelling process for Saw, due in part to his lack of presentation skills and experience in the field. "You can train them, but over the years I've realised you can't tame them," he said. "This falcon just went straight, and straight, and straight until we lost sight of it.". Photo by Ashley Tan. Who can enjoy discounts on the Jurong Bird Park ticket price? I'm not the kind of 'behind the desk' person.". Some experiences and programs may be temporarily unavailable. | He wistfully harks back to the days spent with George: "He's so intelligent, and he picks up things so fast in training. After being a presenter for 28 years, Saw has since taken a backseat, and is mainly involved in mentoring and training staff to present shows, although he yearns to be back in the limelight "I would love to [present again]" he chuckles. He gradually became involved in the care of the birds, helping to feed and bathe them and clean their cages. Aimed at promoting biodiversity, it is Singapores first nocturnal wildlife park, housing over 900 animals while focusing on the conservation of its endangered animals through captive breeding. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is highly recommended that you purchase your Jurong Bird Park tickets online before arriving at the venue. Learn about the Park's conservation, educational, and sustainability efforts to help threatened species thrive once more. At the Jurong Bird Park, spanning 20 hectares, you can explore more than 3500 vibrantly feathered birds. Back in the army, Saw's duties comprised enforcing law, order and discipline on soldiers and carrying out policing and security operations. Smocking is not allowed. Be it breaking away from conventions, pursuing an atypical passion, or the struggles they are facing, these stories remind us both of our individual uniqueness and our collective humanity.
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