10 Animal Adventures

Kids love animals! Here’s a list of different critters and the Singapore spots where your little ones can interact with them.

GOATS

Hay Dairies Goat Farm is the place to go for a slice of farm life. With more than two decades in the goat business, the dairy has more than 1,000 goats and offers farm visits for all ages. You’ll learn about the farm’s history and how to care for these cute animals, while also seeing milking and feeding sessions.

3 Lim Chu Kang Lane 4 | haydairies.sg

CROCODILES

At Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, saltwater crocodiles – Singapore’s largest carnivores – hunt for fish and small animals, while birds hang out over the freshwater wetlands. Disclaimer: You have to be pretty lucky to sight a croc, but the reserve is well worth a visit in any case!

60 Kranji Way, #01-00 | nparks.gov.sg

RABBITS

“Home of winning rabbits!” proclaims the website of Rabbit Head Quarters (RHQ), and we reckon if you hop down here with your kids it’s a win too. RHQ is run by bunny-lovers with the goal of improving the quality and standards of rabbits in Singapore. You can buy a bunny, hang out with them or send your own for a groom. 48 Jalan Limbok | rabbithq.com.sg

BIRDS

The numbers speak for themselves: 3,500 different birds across 400 species. Celebrating its 50th anniversary last year, Jurong Bird Park is heaving with birdlife, from penguins and parrots to hornbills and toucans. There are feeding sessions, interesting shows, a water park for kids and more.

2 Jurong Hill | mandai.com/en/jurong-bird-park

FISH

The S.E.A. Aquarium (rwsentosa.com) should of course be your first port of call for anything to do with marine life, but for a different kind of interaction, try fishing in a longkang at ORTO. This pastime was popular in the 60s, and today you too can step into a pool and chase after fish with a net!

81 Lorong Chencharu #01-01 orto.sg/activities/longkang-fishing

CATS

Want a cat with your cup of tea? The Cat Café is an adorable eatery that doubles up as a home for stray and abandoned kittens and cats, and a place where you can interact safely with feline friends. The café serves drinks and pastries and comes stocked with cat toys and treats. Purr-fection! 241B Victoria Street | fb.com/sgcatcafe

MONKEYS

Take your little monkeys to see Singapore’s little monkeys at MacRitchie Reservoir. Whether you’re meandering along the boardwalks or hiking through the jungle, a macaque won’t be too far away. If you do encounter one, keep your distance – they can be naughty blighters! Lornie Road, Bukit Timah | nparks.gov.sg

CAUTION REQUIRED! OTTERS

They might be otter-ly cute, but as we all know from the recent incident in the Botanic Gardens, you don’t want to get on an otter’s bad side. There are thought to be 100 or so on the island; keep an eye out for the signs that read “What to do you when you encounter otters” – and follow the instructions!

BUTTERFLIES

Have a close encounter of the fluttery kind at Butterflies Up Close, Singapore’s only indoor butterfly enclosure. The humidity and temperature are controlled to ensure a thriving winged population of beautiful butterflies from the island and around the region.

15 Science Centre Road | science.edu.sg

EVERYTHING ELSE!

Home to over 2,400 animals across 300 species, Singapore Zoo features a unique open zoo setting, where wildlife can roam freely in habitats simulating their natural homes. You’ll meet reptiles, giraffes, primates, elephants, kangaroos, big cats, bears and more. Don’t miss the daily shows.

80 Mandai Lake Road wrs.com.sg/en/singapore-zoo