Meet Singapore’s Newest Night‑Owls
When you hear “foursome of feisty iconic females,” your mind probably pops up Beyoncé’s Black Pink or the ever‑swinging Little Mix. But the quartet that’s just turned up on the Wallaby Trail isn’t a pop‑band – it’s a team of fierce Tasmanian Devils now living at the Night Safari. Their debut in Singapore has everyone buzzing.
Why This Matters
- These marsupials are endangered, battling a nasty disease called Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD).
- DFTD spreads when devils bite each other during fights or courtship – it’s truly a horror‑story in the animal kingdom.
- By bringing them to Singapore, the National Parks Board is joining an international alliance to keep the species alive.
How We Prepared for Their Arrival
Dr. Luis Carlos Neves, Vice President of Animal Care for the Mandai Wildlife Group, explains the work behind the scenes:
“We partnered with Australian experts to design a habitat that feels like home, and we upskilled our care team to handle these unique marsupials.”
“It’s a privilege to collaborate with the Save the Tasmanian Devil Programme and the Department of Natural Resources & Environment Tasmania.”
“Meet Crumpet, Snickers, Jesse, and Panini – our new ambassadors for raising awareness.”
Home Sweet Habitat
The devils live in two sprawling outdoor enclosures that feature:
- Water fountains and rocky corners for natural excitement.
- Authentic Australian flora like eucalyptus trees and red‑flowered silky oak shrubs.
- One enclosure houses Crumpet and Snickers; the other shelters Jesse and Panini.
For those who prefer a bit of glass-eye, they can hop into two climate‑controlled indoor exhibits where visitors can watch them through transparent walls.
The Night Safari Advantage
Because the Night Safari operates after dusk, the devils enjoy their natural nocturnal rhythm without daytime disturbance. They’re awake, active, and unconditionally fun – just as you’d expect from the 4‑star “cuties” they are.
Ready for a Close‑up?
Peek at the footage – a video on TikTok captures their spirited antics (no stream‑link needed, just type “Tasmanian Devils Night Safari” into the app for full fun).
Bring a camera, a sense of adventure, and watch as these feisty little beasts make their mark in Singapore’s wildlife lineup. Let’s give a warm, nocturnal welcome to Crumpet, Snickers, Jesse, and Panini and celebrate their journey from the wild to our wonderland!
<img alt="" data-caption="Crumpet is the loud one.
PHOTO: Mandai Wildlife Group” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”06767e01-8e4b-4cd7-b350-50de682b0af5″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/Tasmanian_Devils_Crumpet.jpeg”/>
Meet Crumpet: The Field‑Frenzy Feline
Crumpet is not your typical, tame cat. According to Razak Jaffar, the Assistant Curator for marsupials at Mandai Wildlife Group, she’s a confident and assertive creature who enjoys the great outdoors.
- She spends hours roaming the yard, sniffing every blade of grass and charting secret alleyways.
- When the keepers come for a routine health check, Crumpet’s reaction? “Nope, not today!”
- So, if you want to catch her on a stroll, just let her adventure on her own terms.
Why Crumpet Loves the Wilderness
Unlike other animals that prefer cozy enclosures, Crumpet thrives in the wide, windy freedom of the open yard. Her bold personality makes every exploration a personal quest, and the keepers? Well, they’re best served as her curious spectators rather than her check‑up crew.
Takeaway: Respect Her Roam‑Rights
If you’re planning a visit, remember that Crumpet’s confidence means she won’t mind a friendly observation from a safe distance — instead of a forced, ticklish inspection. Let the wild vibes flow!
<img alt="" data-caption="Snickers is the supposedly, um, sweet one.
PHOTO: Mandai Wildlife Group” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”86b202dc-9f1c-4862-983a-aa3ab0af3ff6″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/Tasmanian_Devils_Snickers.jpeg”/>
Snickers vs. Crumpet: The Cat Chronicles
Snickers loves her quiet corner. When Crumpet starts flaunting their “king” vibes, Snickers retreats like a stealthy ninja, hunkering down in her cozy nest box.
Key Traits
- When Crumpet takes charge, Snickers pulls the snook‑short‑stop button and disappears.
- Worried about touching? Snickers keeps her cool—she’s practically a meditation guru when people try to pet her.
<img alt="" data-caption="Jesse is the relaxed one.
PHOTO: Mandai Wildlife Group” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”6b8019b2-9fe9-4304-b65a-fcda2f6d3647″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/Tasmanian_Devils_Jesse.jpeg”/><img alt="" data-caption="Panini is the inquisitive one.
PHOTO: Mandai Wildlife Group” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”390fda42-89d3-4874-be57-d0f6de5878df” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/Tasmanian_Devils_Panini.jpeg”/>html
Jesse & Panini: From Drama Queens to Best Buddies
Picture this: you’ve just introduced Jesse and Panini to each other, and the first moments are a full
open‑jawed howl‑and‑squabble fest. The air is thick with the sound of an animal karaoke
performance and a handful of raised voices—commentary on the importance of proper introductions.
Fast‑forward to today, and the dynamic has flipped. The duo now co‑snooze in the same nest box like
two co‑workers who’ve rented a tiny office just for gossiping. Want to see them fight the urge
to stay together? They become downright restless when they’re split, a classic sign that a good
friendship is truly a pair-ness therapy.
Why the Turnaround Happened
- Shared Interests: They discovered a common love for laziness and snacks.
- Respect Level: After the initial roar-fest, both realized each other’s boundaries.
- Co‑Sleeping Advantage: One gets to keep an eye on the other (and avoid lonely nights).
Takeaway
Jesse and Panini are a living proof that when drama fades into camaraderie, the best life is
shared.
<img alt="" data-caption="Razak Jaffar, Assistant Curator for marsupials, Mandai Wildlife Group.
PHOTO: Wonderwall” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”db014db0-7286-42ea-b603-2f966102d694″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/Tasmanian_Devils_Razak.jpeg”/>
Meet Razak, the Wildlife Park Veterans
- 17 years of experience juggling the daily routine of a wildlife park.
- Rafa helps us debunk common myths about the ferocious Tasmanian Devil.
Misconception: Tasmanian Devils have the word ‘devil’ in their name – they must be evil and linked to dark forces.
Listen Up—It’s the Tasmanian Devil’s Voice!
Ever wondered why Tasmanian Devils are named after those rattles? Their calls are a cocktail of caterwauling and screeching, a soundtrack you’re unlikely to enjoy on a solo forest walk.
The Sound Squad
- Sniff‑whiff bursts that might just turn your nose into a burrito.
- Full‑blown screams that’ll have you questioning if you’ve walked into a haunted house.
- A subtle hiss that whispers, “Don’t bird‑brain me.”
It’s a sound menu that keeps you on your toes (and probably on your feet, if you’re not a stringent forest fairy).
They’re Small, but They’re Bold
Like tiny, furry little hulk movies, Devils are full of swagger. They’re not shy about showing off or, to be frank, they’re not afraid of you. Think of them as the park’s resident confidence club.
If You Venture Into Their Enclosure
Picture this: you step into their territory, and they come sprawling out like a curious cat. They check you out—all the way. But don’t warn them about your aura—because if they’re not feeling the vibe, they’re quick to show it. No polite “excuse me,” just a bad attitude in the form of a puzzled stare and a puffed-up tail.
Bottom line: Keep your hands away from our “endless comedic” vibes, and you won’t leave with a scar—just a great story for your next camping trip.
Misconception: Tasmanian Devils are a kind of cat. Or dog. Or bear.
Meet the Curious Case of the Pouched Pals
Picture this: “They’re none of the above!” – you check a list of animal vibes and verify: marsupials, baby!
What’s a Marsupial, Anyway?
Think of them as the ultimate in‑house big‑family animals. They’re the ones that keep their babies snug in a pouch. If you’ve ever seen a kangaroo hop or a possum wing it, you’ve witnessed the pouch magic in action.
Birth vs. Development
- Unmet Reality Check: They don’t just drop a full‑grown teen into the world. Instead, they sprout tiny, under‑development kings and queens.
- Stage Two: Those whelps grow right inside a cozy, protective pouch‑bedroom before eventually stepping out to explore the big ol’ world.
- One Off: Not your typical mammal drama. They’re humming a whole different birth tune.
Wrapping It Up
So the next time you spot a creature that’s pouch‑crazy, remember: it’s not just a mammal; it’s a marsupial conqueror ruling the petri‑carnage of infant evolution. Pretty cool, right?
<img alt="" data-caption="Mandai Wildlife Group's veterinary team conducted a medical check on each of the Tasmanian Devils a month prior to their official debut in their new exhibit.
PHOTO: Mandai Wildlife Group” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”c903cac1-47c4-4e5f-bcc9-150029fd3bbe” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/Tasmanian_Devils_vets.jpeg”/>
Misconception: Tasmanian Devils are small, so they must be quite easy to take care of.
Tasmanian Devil: The Creepy Yet Quirky Carnivore
Did you know Tasmanian devils aren’t your everyday snack‑time craver? In fact, these feisty marsupials have a whole different playbook when it comes to grabbing a bite.
- Not a “just‑grab‑and‑go” type: Most critters love to munch right there and then. The devil, however, is a mismatch seeker—it will haul its prey buddy‑down to a hidden nook before diving in.
- Attention‑grabbers on the job: Because of their rascally personalities, working around a devil is like attempting a dance with a mischievous kitten—you’ve got to be on your toes.
- Climate‑confused companions: When you’re suddenly hosting a creature from a colder bush, you must keep a close eye on how it’s adapting. Watch for any mishaps or emotional shifts.
- Award‑winning jaws: With razor‑sharp teeth, devils can get wound‑up quickly. Regular check‑ups are a must to catch any scratches or bites early.
If you ever find yourself holding a Tasmanian devil’s hand, remember: it’s not just a cute or a menacing animal—it’s a creature with its own funky ways that deserve respect—and a whole lot of quirky.
Misconception: Tasmanian Devils seem very fierce, so they must be quite territorial.
Why Tasmanian Devils Aren’t the Bad Boys You Think
Myth vs. Reality
Most folks assume the little gray marsupials are all about drama—fiery fights and flaming solo stints. But turns out they’re more social butterflies than you’d imagine.
Friendly Food Feasts
Whenever they spot a carcass, a posse of devils rushs over and pulls a community dinner at once. No lone ranger vibes here.
Group Learning, No Solo Sessions
- In Tasmania, trainers urge the devils to hang in packs—especially the young ones.
- These gatherings teach them how to groove together, especially when biting into grub.
Hey, It’s Not Lone Wolf Life
These critters might hype the food, but you’ll never catch one at the far corner of the habitat. They scoot right up to each other, a real squad.
<img alt="" data-caption="Snickers (left) shows her signature yawn to Crumpet in their outdoor habitat.
PHOTO: Mandai Wildlife Group” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”aa9186ed-e2b6-48dd-8ae5-bbba54c2924e” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/Tasmanian_Devils_Snickers_Crumpet.jpeg”/>
Night Safari Tickets & Family Camp Guide
Step into Singapore’s Night Safari—a rugged adventure where the lights are lanterns, the audience is the whispering jungle, and the performers are the nocturnal wildlife that sprout to life after dusk. Whether you’re chasing the shy moonlit deer or just reveling in the thrill of slithering shadows, this experience turns a regular zoo night into an unforgettable adventure.
How to Grab Your Tickets
To get a ticket, hop over to the official tourism portal. Prices are straightforward: a single-day pass starts at around S$38, with family deals that bring the whole crew along. Special offers target early birds and late-night thrill seekers alike—handy if you’re a midnight lion who’s convinced the night shift is a better fit.
Entry Options
- Standard Night Safari pass – one ticket covers all the exhibits, plus the nightly guided tour.
- Family package – perfect for parents who want their kids to see kangaroos that are only comfortable hopping at dawn.
- Combination ticket – combine the Night Safari with a day at the Singapore Zoo for a week‑long wildlife escapade.
Highlights of the Night Safari
Here’s what’s on the menu:
- Nocturnal Show – a huge spotlight that scuttles on as the wildlife showcases their nighttime antics.
- Guided Turtle Tours – literally tours led by turtles wearing sunglasses.
- Australian Barbers – the famous Mandai Wildlife Group crew, trained in the jungle, keep the critters tidily groomed and ready for the night shift.
Family Camp: Relive Army Days
Separate from the safari, the family camp brings a quirky twist to the adventure. Here, you can:
- Check out mock barracks and learn what life was like when “off duty” was just a game of “can the snake hide in this jungle?”
- Explore recovery tents that served as makeshift shelters during historic campaigns.
- Distribute nostalgic rations and share laughs about your old “flavor” of soldiers’ snacks.
What to Expect – Activities in Singapore
- Wilderness Observation – see endangered creatures like the goodly spirit lamb and the greater swamp deer.
- Educational Tours – Mandai Wildlife Group experts guide you through the jungle’s secret pathways.
- Scenic Trails – enjoy a walk through dew‑slick vines that hum a lullaby of night.
Final Thought
If you’re craving an evening that’s laced with all the excitement of a normal zoo visit but with a pinch of history and humor, the Night Safari combined with a family camp is the ultimate combo. Tickets are ready, animals are buzzing, and the night’s whisper awaits your arrival. Book early and you’ll be in this wild night party before the dawn coffee rush!
