How does the new facility differ from existing veterinary services at Mandai?

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The New Mandai Wildlife Centre Hospital Offers Dedicated Native Wildlife Rehabilitation Distinct from Existing Zoo Animal Care

The newly opened hospital at Mandai Wildlife Centre is a specialised facility designed exclusively for the treatment, rehabilitation, and release of Singapore’s native wild animals, distinguishing it significantly from the veterinary services previously available for zoo animals. Unlike the existing veterinary hospitals at Mandai, which cater to the health needs of zoo residents, this new centre functions as a comprehensive rehabilitation hub. Its establishment marks a substantial enhancement of the nation's capacity for wildlife rescue and conservation efforts, focusing on returning native species to their natural environments.
Dedicated Rehabilitation Focus for Native Species

This new hospital prioritises the care of injured, orphaned, and endangered native wildlife, aiming to facilitate their successful return to the wild. The veterinary team manages a diverse range of cases, including dehydrated hawk-eagles, orphaned fruit bats, and abandoned palm civet kits. The primary objective is to provide specialised care that maximises the animals' chances of survival and reintegration into their natural habitats, a mission that contrasts with the ongoing care requirements of animals within a zoological setting.
Advanced Rehabilitation Infrastructure

The facility is equipped with specialised infrastructure tailored for rehabilitation purposes, including a 10-metre flight and exercise yard, a movable surgery table, diagnostic imaging tools, and an intensive care ward. These features are specifically designed to support the recovery and readiness for release of wild animals, facilitating their physical rehabilitation and behavioural conditioning necessary for independent survival in their natural environments.
Research and Conservation Integration

Beyond its direct treatment role, the hospital also serves as a crucial research hub. It actively collects biological samples and tracking data, which are vital for advancing the understanding of native wildlife medicine and addressing existing knowledge gaps. This research component supports broader conservation goals by providing data on species’ health, movement patterns, and the impact of environmental factors, such as traffic accidents and barbed wire injuries, on native fauna like the Sunda pangolin and reticulated pythons.
Shift in Admission Trends and Specialised Care

The opening of this dedicated facility coincides with a notable decrease in annual wildlife admissions at Mandai's previous rescue facility. This decline, from over 2,700 cases pre-2015 to approximately 1,100 between 2022 and 2025, is attributed to the emergence of additional rescue centres and increased public awareness reducing unnecessary animal transfers. This shift allows the specialised veterinary team to concentrate on species requiring intensive and specialised care, ensuring that resources are directed towards the most critical cases.

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How does the new facility differ from existing veterinary services at Mandai?

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