Singapore Zoo Backs Off Elephant Tricks—Turns Up the Natural Vibes Instead
It’s a day for the big, fluffy ones: the huge, majestic elephants that’ve been the star attraction at Singapore’s zoo are ditching the old “balance on a log” routine and stepping into their real‑life element. On Elephant Appreciation Day, the zoo will roll out a fresh, “no-commands” show that lets these pachyderms do what they love most—roller‑coaster, snack hunts, and splashing around.
Why the Change?
- Safety first: Put a physical barrier between all keepers and animals to keep both sides out of harm’s way.
- Welfare upgrade: Move from “do this, do that” to treating elephants as the lovable, expressive creatures they are.
- Educational win: Visitors get a real peek at each elephant’s quirks without treading on their comfort.
How’s the New Show Working?
Instead of shouting commands, keepers will sit just outside the enclosure, comment in a soothing voice and hand out treats (bananas, popcorn, the works) when the elephants do something cool, like lying in the water or figuring out a hidden toy puzzle.
These “enrichment toys” keep the animals mentally sharp, lessening the need for scripted performances.
Behind the Curtain
Dr. Cheng Wen‑Haur, the WRS deputy chief, says “the elephants will get to be just themselves.” For years, WRS has pushed toward “protected contact” — no shaky hand‑close interactions — and has also ended elephant rides and painting demos.
“We’re training our staff for positive reinforcement: the elephants do it because they’re rewarded, not because we push them,” he explains.
Since the 2015 shift, WRS has kept all key elephants safe, stopping risky hand‑contact and swapping it for treats and gentle cues. Six of the zoo’s eleven elephants live at the Night Safari, and all are on the path to full protected contact by 2028‑2030.
Safety Spotlight
Remember Chawang, the Night Safari’s hefty male who once launched a tragic 2001 incident? Since then, none of the six have gone rogue. Yet the zoo still wants to eliminate the chance for an accidental snap by moving everyone into the new system.
With an incoming wave of new keepers, “the risk factor goes up,” says Dr. Cheng. “We’re going to bring fresh faces to a job that used to be done by seasoned vets, so we need to keep everything tight.”
Keeper Insight
Ms. Nursyafiqah Mohamed Yusof, the zoo’s first female elephant keeper, was initially jittery. “They’re massive—average 3,000 kg. I was scared,” she confesses. But the barrier now offers peace of mind. “They’re pretty dangerous, yet the wall keeps us safe.”
The new format lets the crowd see each elephant’s distinct personality—why one loves to splash while another will linger by the trees. Thanks to Ms. Nursyafiqah’s positivity, the shows are a showcase of authentic, stress‑free behaviour.
Visitor Feedback
Ms. Shameni Marimuthu, who watched the preview on Sept. 13, clutched her bouquet of smiles. “I’m glad the zoo isn’t forcing tricks on them. It’s much less stressful,” she says. “It feels like I’m watching shy cousins instead of trained performers.”
So on this Elephant Appreciation Day, the Singapore Zoo’s huge, lovable cast is getting no license to learn tricks—just a chance to live: drink from the pool, chase treats, and show off personality in a safe, framed environment for the whole family to enjoy.
