Pinoy in Singapore

A little over a year ago, the White Tigers of the Singapore Zoo were put in a not so good spotlight even though it wasn’t their fault.

Omar

This year of the Tiger, get your chance to get up close and personal with one.  Get behind the scenes with 10-year old Omar the White Tiger at the Singapore Zoo and see how beautiful and majestic these animals are and hopefully be inspired to save the dwindling tiger population in Asia.  (If you should know, Omar wasn’t the tiger that was involved in the fatal attack last 2008.)

Learn how the animals are conditioned to follow certain instructions so that they don’t need to be sedated when being examined.

I’ve personally been behind the scenes with these tigers during my Zookeeper attachment when I volunteered for the Singapore Zoo Docents (which incidentally was short lived because I got pregnant and was advised to stay away from tourist places to avoid the H1N1).   It was also Omar that I got to see super up close because I think he’s the “most predictable” of the three tigers.  And the moment I laid my eyes on him, the first word that came to mind was Majestic – followed by awesome and beautiful.  I love his icy blue eyes!  I’d pay the $28 to see him again, it’s easier than cleaning poop in cages which I had to do to get to see them.  (I still had fun though )

Here are the details from the Singapore zoo website:

White Tiger Behind-the-Scenes Encounter
Visitors will get a once-in-a-lifetime chance to get a behind-the-scenes sneak peek at how our White Tiger, Omar is trained using Operant conditioning.

Date : 13, 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 27 & 28 Feb 2010
Time : 4.30pm (20-minute per session)
Venue : In-Park
Price : $28 per person (regardless of age)

For bookings, please call 6269 3411 or email info@zoo.com.sg for further enquiries.

Terms & Conditions:

• A minimum of 5 working days is strongly recommended for confirmation of your preferred tour date.
• Bookings are subjected to availability on a first-come-first-served basis.
  Behind-the-Scenes tour is a weather-permitting event and will be cancelled in the event of bad weather.
• 50% charge of total payment will be imposed in the event of a cancellation within 3 days prior to scheduled tour date.
• Not applicable with other promotions or discounts.
• Price excludes admission charge.
• Programme  is recommended for children 12 years and above.
• Credit card details are required to secure bookings.
• Visitors are to make payment for the balance amount due on day of tour, before 3pm. Singapore Zoo reserves the right to release reserved slots to walk-in guests after 3pm should payment not be received.
• Singapore Zoo reserves to right to alter any of the Terms and Conditions without any prior notice.