Top 10 Unbelievable Facts about Jurong Bird Park

Jurong Bird Park. photo by aamanatullah-Wikimedia

Top 10 Unbelievable Facts about Jurong Bird Park

Jurong Bird Park is located in the Jurong area of Singapore. This is an industrialized place with numerous production activities. The idea of the park came from Dr. Goh Keng Swee in 1968.

He intended to create a place where people could enjoy nature. The park is filled with 5000 birds. These come from approximately 400 species. The park forms one of the most iconic attractions in Singapore.

At its initiation, the park had approximately 60 bird species that accounted for an estimate of 1000 birds. There are numerous extraordinary facts about this park that are difficult to believe that most people do not know.

1. Jurong Bird Park had birds perform Kitschy tricks

A parrot playing basketball. photo by Leonid Mamchenkov-Wikimedia

During the 1990s, the iconic bird show of the park made an impression on the audience by making birds do things that only human beings have the ability to do. Birds were made to play basketball, ride bicycles, and do other amazing human stunts.

This was a great show to participate in. In the world, how often do you see an animal ride a bike, play basketball, or do human stunts? It takes a lot of human effort.

2. Birds in the Park showcase their abilities

Birds in Jurong Bird Park are trained to showcase their natural abilities. For example, during the bird show, they engage in cheeky practices with the presenter.

Some even swoop above the heads of the audience in specific patterns. It is such an astonishing show. Most people visit bird parks to see the variety of birds that are present.

However, this is a unique part where individuals get entertained by the birds. Apart from identifying the bird species, one gets to learn their behaviors too!

3. Jurong Bird Park is the third most expensive attraction to look at in Singapore.

Singapore has hundreds of attractive sites and animals. Individuals visit to see tigers, elephants, and historic sites, among other varied attractions.

However, Jurong Bird Park is the third most expensive attraction in the country. It comes after the tigers and elephants. Being a green escape from the city, the park attracts thousands of visitors each day.

Despite the little upkeep fee required to maintain the park when compared to a zoo, it is a top tourist attraction. The park was constructed for $3.5 million on 1971 January 3^rd.

4. It has bred more than 200 bird species

Pelicans. photo by Marcin Konsek-Wikimedia

Since its initiation, the park has bred more than 200 species of birds. This is a large number of species that individuals may not get to see over a lifetime!

The Bali mynah and other threatened bird species like the blue-throated macaw are all bred in this park. Very few parks in the world get a chance to encounter such a large number of species.

The park has several paths that individuals use to view the birds. In some other places, there is a walk-in flight aviary that gives tourists a perfect view.

5. The Jurong Bird park has hosted Queen Elizabeth II as a tourist

Her Majesty the Queen. photo by Joel Rouse-Wikimedia

In 1972, the Jurong Bird Park management got a chance to host royalties and other great people in history. There are birds in most parts of the world. Hosting leaders of nations for bird shows and exhibitions is an honor.

Queen Elizabeth II visited Jurong park during that year. Other great people who got attracted by the site and paid a visit include The Duke of Edinburgh and Prince Philip. Over time, the place is developing creating an attraction for people all over the world.

6. It has won the Tourism Host of the Year Twice

A visitor to Jurong Bird Park. photo by Sheba-Wikimedia

This is a great award in the history of Singapore. Usually, it is awarded to the best tourism hosts each year by the Singapore Tourism Board.

The park won this award for two consecutive years. 1999 and 2000. The park has won several other awards including the Highly Recommended, Tourism for Tomorrow International awards by British airways.

In 1995, it won the Large Leisure attraction of the Year, Tourism awards. The place is growing fast, making it outstanding in the world. When most individuals visit Singapore, they schedule their visit to the park.

7. Jurong Bird Park is the first Park to Breed the Black Hornbill successfully.

Asian Black Hornbill. photo by David Berkowitz-Wikimedia

The Jurong Bird Park became the first one to breed the black hornbill successfully in captivity. This is a very difficult species to breed in any environment.

It is selective when it comes to reproduction. When there are no large supplies of fruits and large-sized trees around, this type of bird will not breed.

It does not reproduce in regions with limited resources. Making it breed in captivity in a park that fails to meet its requirements is a difficult task.  

8. Jurong Bird Park allows guests to feed birds

Feeding animals in zoos parks and other conserved spaces are not allowed in most places. However, in the Lory Loft, guests are allowed to feed different species of lories and Lorikeets.

This is done by the Singapore Tourism Board as a way to create one of the best tourism experiences for families.

9. The park has one of the greatest man-made waterfalls

The waterfall aviary provides guests with one of the most beautiful 10 view sites in the park. It is 35 meters tall. Individuals walk across suspended bridges to enjoy nature and take pictures.

10. Jurong Bird park hosts the king of the Skies Show

Crested hawk-eagle. photo by snowmanradio-Wikimedia

This is a show hosted to show the audience how birds of prey dominate the skies. These birds hunt and feed on smaller birds, insects, and other mammals.

As much as the conservation of birds and other endangered bird species is concerned, birds of prey are let to demonstrate their speed, hunting skills, and strength.