Singapore Zoo lets visitors get closer to white
tigers
By Evelyn Choo, Channel NewsAsia |
Posted: 09 February 2010 0023 hrs
SINGAPORE: Remember the white tigers that made the
headlines when a man went into their enclosure and got mauled to
death at the zoo?
One year on, the Singapore Zoo is asking visitors to get to know
these very same tigers and how they are trained.
Meet Omar - a 10-year-old Bengal tiger who resides at the Singapore
Zoo.
And today is that time of the week when Omar goes for his
conditioning session with his keeper. He is taught to respond
correctly to stimulants and gets rewarded with a meaty treat.
Francis Lim, Curator at Singapore Zoo, said: "In the past, we had
to sedate the animal. That means we have to knock the animal down,
let them sleep so we can do a close examination. But with this
operant conditioning, we don't have to do that. It's safe for the
animal, it doesn't compromise the animal's health."
For the zookeepers, it is part of a bond that has been built over
seven years.
Mohamed Nasir, Zookeeper at Singapore Zoo, said: "There was one
time when Omar was really ill. He was really, really down because
of his kidney. He was really sick, and you can really feel the
pain. He is like our family member. Omar is a bit bossy since he is
the only male here. And like a typical male he has this ego in him.
And he always has to be the first one."
For $28, visitors can witness this intimate session, but they have
to stay behind the line and keep their voices down.
For the less adventurous, visitors can take a peek at what the rest
of the animal kingdom are up to this Lunar New Year season. -
CNA/de
