Bright Moments Amid COVID Chaos
Even though 2020 left us juggling more than we bargained for, there’s a silver lining that’s almost worth all the chaos.
Meet the New Cub Squad at WRS
- Tiger Cub – The king of the jungle finds fun in pranks and squishy cuddles, proving you don’t need a throne to be the “boss.”
- Leopard Baby – Small, stealthy, and ready to master the fine art of disappearing between leaves, hilariously reminding us that “stay in place” can also be a style.
- River Otter – Their playful splashes are a splashy reminder that life’s too short for boring routines.
So, while we’re still perfecting mask etiquette and practicing social distancing, the newest arrivals at Wildlife Reserves Singapore are the hugs and giggles we’ve been missing. Their adorable antics almost make this whole pandemic feel like a bit of a blessing!
1. Goodfellow’s Tree Kangaroo
https://www.instagram.com/p/CGZngZCgnyE/?utm_source=ig_embed
Name: None yet
Gender: Male
Born: Feb 4, 2020
First up, meet this adorable, as-yet-unnamed tree kangaroo joey, who was born to proud parents Nupela and Makaia in early February this year. Starting out the size of a jellybean, the joey has graduated to spending more and more time out of Mama Nupela’s pouch – and roughhousing with mummy instead!
2. Red Ruffed Lemurs (yes, more than one!)
Names: None yet
Gender: Unknown
Born: Feb 22, 2020
Born to proud parents Bosco and Minnie, these tiny lemur twins are a true miracle birth – especially considering the last red ruffed lemur to be born in Singapore Zoo was their father Bosco, who was born here 11 years ago.
On top of that, getting red ruffed lemurs to reproduce is notoriously tough, as they only mate once (!) per year, during which the females are only fertile for one out of the few days that they’re sexually receptive.
3. Malayan Tapir
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Name: Bintang
Gender: Male
Born: June 28, 2020
He may be young, but this cutie has already stolen our hearts. Aptly named Bintang, which means “star” in Malay, this tapir is the first male calf born at Night Safari in almost a decade.
Over the last few months, Bintang has grown from an adorable baby to an adventurous calf who enjoy taking dips in the kiddy pool and exploring the great outdoors of his exhibit (under the watchful eye of Mama Satki, of course).
4. Celebes Crested Macaque
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwqoOZFl3tt/
Name: Joyo
Gender: Male
Born: July 2020 (Exact date unknown)
This close-knit family of Celebes crested macaques recently welcomed baby Joyo into their troupe.
Joyo, whose name is an Indonesian moniker meaning “victorious”, joined Mama Dewi, Papa Doni, big bro Agung and (honourary) aunt Ria in early July, just as crowds began returning to Singapore Zoo after the end of Circuit Breaker.
These social creatures form tight family units, and Joyo can often be seen snuggling with Dewi and Ria during grooming sessions.
5. Manatee
https://www.instagram.com/p/CD3frs0l-2Y/?utm_source=ig_embed
Name: None yet
Gender: Male
Born: August 2020 (Exact date unknown)
Manatees are the epitome of ugly cute, and this nameless newborn calf is no different. Born to River Safari icon Canola, who was also born here in 2014 and hand-raised by River Safari aquarists, the male calf has recently begun eating solid foods, preferring sweet potato leaves and cabbage above other veggies.
6. A lot of birds
Jurong Bird Park’s Feathered Fiesta
While you’re scrolling through the latest pop‑culture buzz, guess what? The birds at Jurong Bird Park have been celebrating a tiny, fluffy revolution of their own. Since the start of 2020, the park’s nests have gone from empty to extra‑full, with over 100 new chicks making their grand entrance.
The Writing of a New Generation
These little darlings aren’t just backyard fluff. They’re the future of some of the planet’s most cherished—and endangered—species. Here’s the lineup of feathered prodigies that have taken up residence:
- Blue‑eyed cockatoos (the last ones seen in Singapore were four years ago, so you know they’re rare finds)
- Red‑fronted macaws (bright, bold, and ready to own the sky)
- Yellow‑backed chattering lories (there are eight of these chatterbox‑style birds, playing a little choir of wings)
- White cockatoos (the fancy white feathers that add a touch of class)
- Black‑faceted spoonbills (their sleek silhouette is a true beauty)
Why This Matters
It’s more than just a fun fact for the Instagram feed. The successful hatching at Jurong showcases the park’s promise of safeguarding these species for future fam‑e‑ly stories. Every little chick is a vote for wildlife conservation, ensuring that Singapore’s skies stay vibrant and iconic.
It’s Not Just Bird‑watching; It’s Bird‑watching with a Cause
If you’re planning a visit, gear up for a film‑strip of baby birds that’ll make your heart flutter faster than your phone’s scroll bar. And who knows? You might headline the next viral Fox‑Trotter “how to make the world a better place” clip.
So, next time you see a chick on the nest, remember: these feathered friends are pestle‑in‑wings crafting Singapore’s future, one tiny heartbeat at a time.
