Light the Way Panda Party
Plant pledges and ‘grow’ a bamboo forest for pandas, sign up for a new behind-the-scenes experience, read about Kai Kai and Jia Jia’s adventures in Singapore, and be part of a Panda Lantern Parade – these are some of the activities visitors can look forward to at River Safari’s Panda Party, which aims to increase public awareness on the plight of giant pandas and the efforts to save them.
Panda Party 2014 marks the second anniversary of giant pandas Kai Kai and Jia Jia in Singapore, and celebrates Jia Jia turning six on 3 September and Kai Kai turning seven on 14 September. This year’s theme “Light The Way” highlights the threats that pandas face and encourages individuals to take actions to ensure a brighter future for this iconic animal.
Ms Claire Chiang, Chairman, Wildlife Reserves Singapore, said, “As ambassadors of one of the world’s most endangered species, giant pandas Kai Kai and Jia Jia have brought joy to many visitors in the last two years. We hope the love for pandas can be transformed into initiatives to protect the species, and help light the way for their future. The Panda Party is an excellent occasion to invite the public to celebrate with a cause and be inspired to protect not just pandas, but threatened wildlife all around the world.”
Aside from the one million visitors who come to River Safari annually, the park aims to spread conservation messages beyond its gates. This year, giant panda mascots will be making special appearances at two CapitaMalls to spread the festive cheer and collect conservation pledges to spur the public into action.
To kickstart the festivities during the Panda Party week, River Safari will organise a private birthday bash for Kai Kai and Jia Jia on 5 September. This occasion will also mark the launch of a new children’s book that tells the adventures of the two pandas in Singapore. In addition to invited guests, 50 lucky members of the public will be able to partake in this event which includes a Panda Lantern Parade to shine lanterns of hope for the future of giant pandas.
During the Panda Party week from 6 to 14 September, visitors to River Safari can expect a line-up of festivities from free guided tours at the Giant Panda Forest to interactive show & tell sessions where they will get the opportunity to feel a panda skull replica and get a whiff of panda poop. Visitors can also plant pledges to help symbolically ‘grow’ a lush bamboo forest for the bears. Kids can enjoy panda art and craft, from face painting to clay modelling activities.
To commemorate this year’s Panda Party, River Safari will launch a new behind-the-scenes tour where participants can get up-close with pandas before the park opens and assist keepers in preparing breakfast for Kai Kai and Jia Jia. This premium experience brings participants to back-of-house areas such as the pandas’ dens, kitchen and bamboo storage room.
As part of the festivities during the Panda Party week, visitors can bring home a free panda lantern with purchases at River Safari’s retail and F&B outlets. In addition to this birthday treat, visitors can look forward to new panda-licious treats such as Panda Chocolate Mousse and wild discounts on panda merchandise.
Source: WRS
