Night Safari launches new feeding sessions with Indian rhinoceros

To get Newari ready for his debut at the exhibit’s feeding platform, Night Safari’s animal care team has been working with Newari for over six months. Of the two brothers, Newari is the bigger foodie and more comfortable around people, especially when it involves his favourite treat — carrots! Aside from the exciting chance to feed an Indian rhino, guests will also get to interact with the animal care team. Hear from Newari’s caretakers and learn more about this intriguing species through anecdotes and fun facts they have to share.

Unlike their African cousins, the Indian rhinos have one horn and thick, armour-like skin. During the feeding sessions, you can observe how the folds of their skin shift when they move. These gentle giants are vegetarians and love grazing on tall grasses, leaves and fruits. As tough as they may look, Indian rhinos are faced with threats of habitat loss and poaching in the wild. While they once used to be found across most of Asia, wild populations are now only largely observed in India and Nepal.

Guests can visit the Indian rhino habitat next to Night Safari’s East Lodge at 7.30pm on operating nights^[1] to participate in the feeding for a contribution of $10.bAll contributions from feeding sessions come with Conservation Included and will go into supporting conservation projects in Singapore and Southeast Asia. Feeding sessions must be booked online. With limited slots available, book in advance and secure slots. The new feeding experience is also available to guests who sign up for Night Safari’s exclusive behind-the-scenes tour programme, Safari Adventure Tour.

Newari is a 5-year-old Indian rhino that hailed from Al Bustan Zoological Centre in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Along with his 8-year-old brother, Thulie, they made their debut at Night Safari’s new Indian rhino exhibit in April last year and have settled in well.

Indian rhinos are listed as vulnerable under the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, with an estimated population of about 3,700 mature individuals left in the wild in India and Nepal. Through meaningful interactions such as feeding, Night Safari hopes guests will come away with a sense of appreciation for the rhino species and be inspired to care for our planet and support conservation efforts which help protect nature and wildlife like these majestic animals.

^[1] Night Safari is open from Thursdays to Sundays, eves of Public Holidays and Public Holidays. The park will also remain open during selected school holidays. Operating hours are from 6.30pm to 12.00am.