River Safari
The Newest Singapore Attractions in 2012

The River Safari, opening in the first half of 2012, is one the newest and most elaborate Singapore Attractions that promises to take you on a tour of the world's 10 most famous and influential river systems, three of which belong to the Amazon River.

Part of the Wildlife Reserves Singapore, this attraction uses pieces of the land from the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari. This area is part of the Mandai nature reserves and contains a freshwater habitat itself. The goal of the park is to raise awareness about the importance of conserving our freshwater habitats, which are being destroyed at an alarming rate.

The idea for the River Safari originally began as a small freshwater aquarium, but continued to grow with each brainstorming session. Eventually, it evolved into a boat ride down a simulated version of the Amazon River. The creators then decided that it would be even better to provide guests the chance to see the wildlife that lives along the rivers going about their normal activities, and from there, River Safari was born. Each ecological system was painstakingly researched to provide as authentic an experience as possible.

Highlights of the Rivers

The Mississippi

The Mississippi River, which stretches over approximately 3779 km, is the second largest and one of the most important rivers in the United States. The mighty river starts in Minnesota in the north and flows down through Louisiana in the south before draining into the Gulf of Mexico. The ecosystem of the river is as diverse as the states through which it travels. It is home to hundreds of species of flowers and plants, 50 species of animals, and 45 species of amphibians and reptiles, making it one of the most complex river systems in the world.

The River Safari's version of the Great Mississippi harkens back to its heyday in the late 1800's, when magnificent steamboats were the height of fashion. Expect to see some of the river's most popular residents, including the alligator snapping turtle and the beaver.

The Mississippi is also home to the Alligator Gar, a prehistoric looking fish that can grow up to 3 meters in length and weigh up to 200 pounds! This ray-finned fish used to thrive in large numbers, but is currently on the endangered species list. Including them in the River Safari may help bring them back from the brink of extinction so that future generations can enjoy them.

The Murray

Head "down under" to the Murray River, Australia's principal river that flows across 2,530 km, from the southeastern Snowy Mountains to the Indian Ocean. The Murray-Darling River Basin plays a significant role in Australia's economy, hosting 1.5 million hectares of irrigated crops and pastures. This 40-million-year old river is home to a diverse number of species, from the cuddly koala to the Beaded Dragon lizard.

At River Safari's version of the Murray, you'll explore three unique aspects of the river, beginning with the fresh water at the top, leading into the mangrove swamp, before becoming a salt-water body as it heads out into the ocean. Along the way, you'll catch a glimpse of the beautiful Rainbow Fish and the ancient Australian Lungfish.

The Amazon

The Amazon Rivers at River Safari actually consist of three separate experiences. You'll tour the river bank, see the amazing sunken forest, and embark on a quest down the simulated river itself aboard a boat. Read more about this three-part experience in The Amazon River Experience

Rivers of Africa

The Congo

The Congo River in Africa is the second longest on the continent and the eight largest in the world. It is also the world's deepest river, with some parts going down as far as 230 meters beneath the surface. The river flows over 4,000 km of the African continent, and is surrounded by tropical forests on both sides. Some of the world's most famous endangered species call the Congo River home, including the western gorilla and the forest elephant. The Congo River is an important ecosystem that helps sustain over 60 million people throughout six African nations.

At River Safari, you'll walk through the moist broadleaf forest that extends across the Congo Basin and make your way through the Congolian forest, where you may just meet a few crocodiles! Expect to see the brightly coloured Congo Tetra fish and the vicious Congo Puffer.

The Nile

Few rivers in the world are surrounded by as much mystery and history as the Nile River. Running through 6,670 km and nine countries, the Nile River is the longest river in the world. Without the Nile, the ancient Egyptians would not have survived the arid dessert of the country. Its annual flooding allowed the ancient civilization to thrive and grow valuable crops. The Nile's ecosystem is home to over 190 species of fish and 200 species of birds.

Featured residents of the River Safari's version of the Nile include the African Arowana, a carnivorous fish with a unique ability to live in even the lowest oxygen levels, and the shimmering African Tiger Fish. Along with the unique wildlife, River Safari's Nile will also send you back to the cradle of civilization, allowing you to explore ancient ruins and an authentic Bedouin tent.

Rivers of Asia

The Ganges

Revered as a goddess in the Hindu religion, the Ganges River is India's most important waterway, stretching across 2510 km, from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal. The Ganges is a very important part of Hindu ritual. In the morning, many worshippers can be seen floating flowers and other offerings to the goddess, and swimming in the water is supposed to cleanse away man's sins.

From an ecological standpoint, the Ganges River supports numerous fish and bird species, including ducks and brightly coloured parrots. Once upon a time, it also supported a large population of Asian Elephants. Today, the mammal population is significantly smaller. Deer, boar, and jackals appear along the river, and the Bengal Tiger still survive in the Sundarbans area. Unfortunately, human development has replaced most of the natural fauna found along the banks of the river, and pollution is threatening the wildlife.

At River Safari, the Ganges river experience takes you back to a day before pollution and encroachment by man. Walk down the temple-fronting ghat, a series of steps that lead into the animal enclosure, and keep your eyes out for the critically endangered Indian Gharal or the Striped Narrow-headed Softshell Turtle, two of the river's featured residents.

The Mekong

When it comes to biodiversity, the Mekong River in southeast Asia is second only to the Amazon. Starting at the Tibetan Plateau, this "mother river" runs an estimated 4,909 km, making it the 10th longest in the world. Extreme fluctuations in seasons along the river cause strong rapids and waterfalls, making navigating it very treacherous.

Like the Nile with the ancient Egyptians, the Mekong's annual floods help sustain life and provide supple grounds for planting crops, especially in poverty-stricken Cambodia. The Mekong River is home to a whopping 20,000 different plant species, 430 mammal species, 1,200 different types of birds, 800 reptile species, and 850 types of fish. In 2009 alone, almost 200 new species of plants, animals, and fish were discovered in the river.

The River Safari's Mekong features a replica of a floating village surrounded by lush vegetation. Keep your eyes out for the village's star resident, the Long-tailed Macaque. This smart little monkey loves to raid kitchens and beg for food. When that fails, he'll dine on insects, fruits, eggs, and leaves. If he can find a nice spot near the water, he may even dig for some crabs. The other star resident is in the river itself, but don't worry, you can't possibly miss this guy. The Mekong Giant Catfish is called "giant" for a reason- he can grow up to 3 meters in length and weight as much as 300 kilograms!

The Yangtze

The Yangtze River is the longest in Asia, and the third longest in the world, flowing 6,418 km from the glaciers in the Tibetan Plateau before emptying into the East China Sea at Shanghai. It is also one of the most important rivers in China, as its delta contributes to as much as 20 percent of the countries gross national product.

The river's ecosystem is home to at least three critically endangered species: the Chinese Alligator, the Finless Porpoise, and the Chinese Paddlefish. Pollution and commercialization of the river have caused more species to become extinct along the Yangtze than in any other river ecosystem in the world.

At River Safari, you'll catch a glimpse of the stunning Yunnan Protected Area, set against gorgeous towering cliffs. Keep an eye out for the critically endangered Giant Salamander. This massive amphibian is known for its ability to go without food for long periods of time.

The star resident of the Yangtze river experience, though, is the Giant Panda, one of the world's most famous endangered species. Conservationist zoos around the world are working hard to bring the Panda back from the brink of extinction, and River Safari joins that fight with their male ad female pair, featured in a meticulous reproduction of their natural habitat. With a little patience and luck, perhaps the River Safari pandas will be showing off their own new little bundle of furry joy some day.

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