Rare Asian birds at Jurong Bird Park’s Wings of Asia aviary

SINGAPORE — Housing one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of rare Asian birds; the rejuvenated Wings of Asia aviary at Jurong Bird Park was launched today (Jan 21) after a three-month makeover.

When complete, it will house more than 500 birds, representing 135 species. Of these, 24 are threatened species with 11 being new additions. Five of the 11, such as the Javan green magpie, rufous-fronted laughingthrush and racquet-tailed parrot, will be displayed for the first time in the park and are expected to arrive soon.

Plans are also underway to kick-start a breeding programme for these birds whose numbers are declining rapidly in the wild due to habitat loss and degradation, as well as excessive trapping for the cage-bird trade.

Some of the threatened species that have been successfully hatched and raised under the park’s conservation breeding programmes are the Bali mynah, Luzon bleeding-heart dove and the black-winged starling.

Previously known as the Southeast Asian Birds Aviary, the 2,600 sqm exhibit was revamped to expand its smaller aviaries, overhaul its aviary mesh and refresh its educational displays, among other works.

Chairman of Wildlife Reserves Singapore Claire Chiang said: “Over the years, Jurong Bird Park has been actively involved in the conservation of Asia’s most precious birds, from boosting the numbers of threatened species to working with multiple agencies, to repopulating birds in their native habitats. The unveiling of Wings of Asia represents another feather in our conservation cap and we hope this crown jewel will inspire visitors to appreciate, understand and protect Asia’s winged wonders.”