Singapore Zoo opened in 1973 on the edge of Upper Seletar Reservoir, one of the first zoos to replace cages with moats and hidden barriers. Today it keeps about 2,530 animals of 315 species and the largest captive colony of orangutans in the world; families can take breakfast in the company of the animals at Breakfast in the Wild.

Next door in the Mandai reserve is Bird Paradise, opened in May 2023 after Jurong Bird Park closed in January that year, with about 3,500 birds of 400 species in large walk-through aviaries. The two parks fit into one day, with the Night Safari to follow in the evening.