I have doubts about almost everything: I doubt that Darwinism is true, I doubt that the Earth is round, and I doubt that writing analytical essays is fun. But there is one thing I have no doubt about—“Bird Paradise” in Singapore is the most spectacular zoo in the world!

Bird Paradise is the largest aviary zoo in Asia. Built in 2023, and keeps over 400 species of birds. The park is divided into 10 sections, including the Wing Sanctuary (home to injured and endangered birds), Penguin Cove, and 8 other areas, each designed to represent a specific region or habitat.

The first place I visited was the Wing Sanctuary, and I was amazed by its complex landscaping and how it provides birds with natural hiding and resting spots. The plants in each cage are carefully selected to mimic the birds’ native habitats (this must cost a fortune!), creating the feeling of a miniature forest. Most of the residents here are injured birds. For example, the bird in this picture is a great hornbill that had cancer. After its diagnosis, veterinarians surgically removed the affected part of its casque and replaced it with a prosthetic made using 3D printing. It was fascinating to learn about this level of care.

Another highlight of the park is Penguin Cove, home to King penguins, Macquarie penguins, and Papuan penguins. I loved how much attention to detail was put into recreating their natural environment. According to the guide there, the zoo adjusts the lighting to match the seasonal day-night cycles of their native habitats and even simulates the aurora. The beach and underwater areas are modeled after Macquarie Island, where these penguins live in the wild. They even installed a machine that releases fish into the water, allowing the penguins to hunt just as they would in nature.

The other sections of the park are massive walk-through aviaries, each as large as half of my school. Tourists are allowed to enter these areas and explore. The largest aviary is called Heart of Africa, which is divided into three levels. The ground level replicates African wetlands and is home to birds like the purple swamphen and crowned crane. The middle level has shorter trees and is filled with colorful parrots. The top level features towering trees where starlings soar and nest. The aviary has wooden boardwalks on different levels, allowing visitors to view the birds from multiple perspectives. The birds are free to roam, fly, or hide wherever they choose, which makes exploring feel like a treasure hunt. My dad and I brought cameras and turned it into a competition to see who could spot more birds. It was so much fun! The picture below shows a chestnut-and-black weaver building its nest from grass. I had only seen this on TV, so witnessing it in person felt like a dream come true—a magnificent experience.

The other aviaries are just as stunning. Some feature waterfalls, while others have landscapes of a terraced fields.  (I want to write more but that will make my blog tooooo long lol)

Apart from the incredible birds and habitats, the park’s facilities are excellent. Wheelchair ramps are everywhere, and volunteers are quick to assist anyone who needs help. Rest areas with air-conditioning are located between each section, which is a lifesaver in Singapore’s heat (without them, I’d have been baked like a cookie!). The food is delicious, though a bit pricey, and the restrooms are spotlessly clean, which I greatly appreciate.

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