Asia's first ZooSchool opens in June, offering immersive nature programmes, alongside the brand-new Colugo Camp for unforgettable family overnight stays at Mandai Wildlife Reserve.
Calling all curious kids and adventurous families! Get ready for a whole new level of wildlife exploration as the Mandai Wildlife Reserve unveils a thrilling lineup of experiences, including the highly anticipated ZooSchool, Asia’s first nature-inspired educational facility located within a wildlife park. Opening its doors in June 2025, this exciting partnership between Mandai Wildlife Group and NTUC First Campus promises to ignite a passion for nature in children from preschool to 12 years old.
Wild Wonders Await at ZooSchool
ZooSchool isn't your average classroom. It’s an immersive learning environment nestled within the heart of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, offering unique programmes that blend education with hands-on exploration across Singapore Zoo and Bird Paradise.
Developed by early childhood development experts at NTUC First Campus and with programmes anchored in the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, ZooSchool offers a dynamic and immersive learning environment where children engage directly with nature. They will learn about animal behaviours and conservation through wildlife encounters, behind-the-scenes experiences, and interactions with veterinarians, animal care experts and sustainability advocates.
By tapping into children’s natural curiosity, these programmes also focus on developing essential life skills such as teamwork, resilience, and confidence, while introducing practical survival skills like basic first aid, knot tying and navigation. Each session provides an interactive learning experience through purposeful play, creative projects, and outdoor adventures.
Young explorers can look forward to:
- Engaging with Experts: Imagine learning about animal behaviour directly from veterinarians and animal care professionals, and understanding the vital work of sustainability champions.
- Developing Essential Survival Skills: Beyond animal facts, children will acquire practical skills like basic first aid, knot tying, and navigation – skills that build confidence and resilience.
- Curated Outings: The launch programme features exciting 3-day holiday camps during the June holidays, offering curated adventures within Singapore Zoo and Bird Paradise.
- Nature-Inspired Learning: Programmes are designed to encourage outdoor play and physical exploration, making learning an exciting adventure.
- Future Preschool Programmes: Keep an eye out for additional programmes tailored specifically for preschools in the coming months.
Complementing the outdoor learning is a 1,300-square-metre, purpose-built facility at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve. This facility features configurable, immersive indoor environments and classrooms inspired by natural ecosystems. It also has a sensory-rich multi-level outdoor playground designed to ignite imagination and support physical development through active exploration.
Programmes for Public
At Wild Rescue Rangers Holiday Camp, young adventurers (6 to 12 years old) will go on a 3 days day camp to uncover animal survival secrets, navigate the wild with map reading and orienteering, and even learn basic first aid skills – just like real explorers!
But that’s not all—young adventurers will become conservation champions, creating enrichment activities for zoo animals, discovering how to protect endangered species, and tackling exciting challenges that build confidence, creativity, and leadership.
For a shorter experience, Wild Wonders participants will experience a game of adventure in this 2 hours programme while learning about the wildlife and conservation efforts at the wildlife parks. Choose between exploring the diverse animal kingdom through exciting challenges at the Singapore Zoo, or embark on a quest to solve the mystery of the celebrity bird at Bird Paradise!
ZooSchool offers sessions available for both members of the public and preschools. Bookings can be made at https://zooschool.mandai.com
Extend the Adventure: Introducing Colugo Camp!
For families craving an even more immersive wildlife experience, the Mandai Wildlife Reserve is also launching the brand-new Colugo Camp in the third quarter of 2025. This permanent campsite offers a unique overnight stay experience unlike any other.
What to Expect at Colugo Camp:
- Safari-Style Tents: 20 beautifully appointed safari tents (air-conditioned) with stunning views, providing comfortable accommodation for up to four people per tent.
- All-Inclusive Experience: Enjoy a hassle-free getaway with meals and guided explorations within the wildlife parks included in the package.
- Communal Facilities: Access to communal dining and shower facilities, fostering a sense of community amongst campers.
Colugo Camp will continue to be complemented by seasonal glamping favourites - Glamping in the Wild at the Singapore Zoo and Glamping with the Penguins at Bird Paradise. All camping experiences include curated programmes to ensure that every stay will be both fun and educational.
The experience is located at Mandai Wildlife East, within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve. It is expect to open in the 3rd quarter of 2025. Bookings will be available year-round.
Bookings for Colugo Camp
Families can register their interest and receive updates on bookings at www.mandai.com/colugocamp.
Colugo Camp offers a fantastic opportunity for families to connect with nature on a deeper level, creating lasting memories with unique wildlife encounters. Imagine waking up to the sounds of the rainforest and embarking on guided explorations right from your campsite!
More to Explore at Mandai Wildlife East
Beyond ZooSchool and Colugo Camp, families can look forward to even more exciting additions at Mandai Wildlife East:
- Dining Alley: Opening progressively from May 2025, this vibrant space will feature a mix of popular homegrown brands like Song Fa Bak Kut Teh and Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine, alongside international delights such as Roberta’s Pizza from New York and Japan’s Sushiro with its innovative Digiro concept. The Courtyard restaurant also opens in the evenings from today, offering Asian and Indian buffets, with all-day dining to follow.
- Green Canvas: While perhaps more relevant for corporate gatherings, this versatile forest-themed event space (adjacent to the Mandai Rainforest Resort) could potentially host family-friendly events and exhibitions in the future.
- Exploria and Curiosity Cove: Two new nature-themed indoor attractions are also on the horizon, promising even more opportunities for discovery and learning.
The Mandai Wildlife Reserve is evolving into a truly comprehensive destination for families seeking both fun and educational experiences in nature.
With the launch of ZooSchool and the upcoming Colugo Camp, now is the perfect time to plan your family's next wild adventure! Don't miss out on these unique opportunities to ignite a love for nature in your children and create unforgettable memories.
*Photo Credits: Mandai Wildlife Reserve
