Gallop into the Year of the Horse and ring in the Lunar New Year at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve from 17 February to 3 March 2026 with a festive line-up of activities across Mandai Wildlife East and Mandai Wildlife West. Guests will be welcomed by vibrant displays and interactive photo-worthy installations, including calligraphy topiaries spelling “马” (horse), bringing the Year of the Horse to life. From auspicious gold coins to specially themed animal enrichment, and engaging digital trails, there are plenty of activities to bring joy, luck and blessings for the year ahead.
Be among the first 188 visitors each day at Curiosity Cove, the newly opened indoor playscape, or any of the five wildlife parks – Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, River Wonders, Bird Paradise and Rainforest Wild Asia – to receive a limited-edition gold coin embossed with the year’s zodiac animal. This exclusive collectible makes a special keepsake for the festive season.
Animal ambassadors take centre stage during presentations, unveiling festive greetings and “selecting” lucky numbers, adding a playful touch to the celebrations. Across the precinct’s five wildlife parks, visitors can also observe animals participating in festive-themed enrichment activities. At Singapore Zoo’s Wild Africa, watch the Grevy’s zebras, the largest and most threatened species of zebras in the wild, as they explore themed enrichment activities designed to engage their senses while encouraging natural foraging behaviours. Be sure to say hello to the female zebra foal who is just three months old and already winning the hearts of visitors! This “stripe of good fortune” is a joyful reminder of the new beginnings the season represents, and a timely symbol of balance, harmony and luck.
Breakfast in the Wild, Singapore Zoo’s iconic experience, continues to delight guests with hearty meals and encounters with animal ambassadors such as the orangutan, African penguin and the Bengal eagle owl. This Lunar New Year, the experience gets a festive twist with special appearances from the loveable falabellas – the world’s smallest breed of horses – captivating guests with their gentle charm. To mark the Year of the Horse, Singapore Zoo is also launching a brand-new experience, Hello from the Wild: Horse. Guided by animal keepers, guests can enjoy an up-close interactive encounter with a pony and falabellas, learning about these gentle and curious animals.
Continue the fun and embark on the Horse-picious digital trails on the Mandai App to unlock clues, discover fun facts and reveal each park’s star animal. Completing the trail earns a limited-edition keychain as a memento of the visit to the Mandai Wildlife Reserve. Young visitors can also join Ranger Buddies characters Al and Min for a “Huat’s Up Ranger Buddies” celebration, featuring craft workshops at Curiosity Cove and discounts when they purchase mission kits at Singapore Zoo!
After exploring the parks, visitors can browse retail outlets across the Mandai Wildlife Reserve for festive apparel and accessories – from tangerine bags, purses to red packets made from plantable paper that grow into flowers and herbs.
With wildlife encounters, engaging trails, seasonal shopping, and family-friendly programmes, the Mandai Wildlife Reserve offers a memorable way for families to welcome the Lunar New Year and create lasting traditions together. Local residents with WildPass enjoy all-year-round discounted access to the five parks and Curiosity Cove, from S$31.50. WildPass holders receive free entry for themselves when accompanied by one paying adult during their birthday month, providing a memorable way to celebrate a special day surrounded by wildlife and family fun.
GALLOP INTO A HORSE-PICIOUS NEW YEAR! (17 FEB – 3 MAR 2026)
Public Spaces – Mandai Wildlife East and Mandai Wildlife West
Lion Dance Performances
Experience the vibrant energy of lion dance performances across the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, symbolising prosperity, good fortune and celebration while enlivening the festive spirit.
📅 17, 18, 21, 22, 28 Feb & 1 Mar 2026
🕙 9.30am
📍 Entrance of Bird Paradise, Mandai Wildlife West
🕙 11am
📍 Open area outside multi-story car park, Mandai Wildlife East
➡️ Related Read: Where to see Lion and Dragon Dance this Lunar New Year 2026
Singapore Zoo
Hello from the Wild: Horse
Meet the gentle and curious pony and falabellas – the world-s smallest breed of horses – at Singapore Zoo-s KidzWorld. The 20-minute guided session features up-close interactions and opportunities to gently groom the falabellas and participate in target training activities with the pony. Led by their keepers, the experience offers insight into the animals’ unique personalities and characteristics.
*Guests are advised to wear covered shoes for this programme and must be at least 1.2 metres in height. Price does not include park admission.
📅 15 Feb 2026 onwards, on Tuesdays and Sundays
🕙 10.30am – 10.50am (20 mins)
📍 KidzWorld, Singapore Zoo
Capacity: Up to 8 pax
Price:
– $43/pax
– WildPass: $38.70/pax (10% off)
– Friends of Mandai: $34.40/pax (20% off)
Festive Star Animal Enrichment – Grevy’s zebra
Grevy’s zebras at Singapore Zoo.
Watch our Grevy’s zebras explore festive enrichment, including hanging treats, firecracker-inspired devices and more. Be sure to look out for our newest zebra foal at Wild Africa. For an up-close encounter with our zebras, join the feeding sessions at $8 per food portion. Proceeds go towards supporting the care of our animals and conservation efforts in the region.
📅 17 Feb to 3 Mar 2026
🕙 10.15am & 2.15pm, daily
📍 Wild Africa, Singapore Zoo
You can get tickets via Klook, Fever, Pelago and KKday.
🧧🏮 CHINESE NEW YEAR 2026 🏮🧧
Feeling adventurous and hoping to soak in the Chinese New Year atmosphere? We have compiled a list of Where to go during Chinese New Year 2026 and CNY Lion Dance Performances 2026, especially for our readers.
Looking for CNY goodies for your home? Here’s where to buy pineapple tarts and bak kwa in Singapore.
Planning a feast for the festivities? Check out these Chinese New Year Buffet Catering Services for a hassle-free celebration.
Want to shower your family and friends with blessings and bountiful gifts this CNY? Here is a list of unique CNY gifts and hampers to consider gifting!
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