Source: www.spf.gov.sg News Release 16 Aug 2007

STATEMENT ON RECOMMENDATION BY WRS’S ANIMAL WELFARE AND ETHICS COMMITTEE FOR INUKA THE POLAR BEAR TO REMAIN IN SINGAPORE

During a committee meeting on January 27, 2007, Wildlife Reserves Singapore’s Animal Welfare & Ethics Committee (AWEC) has made a recommendation that Inuka the polar bear should remain in Singapore and not be relocated to a temperate country following his mother’s demise.

AWEC made the decision after considering several factors:

The life span of both Inuka (17 years old) and his mother Sheba (30 years old) indicate that both polar bears are faring well in this environment. Moving Inuka to a temperate facility after losing his mother will add further stress, since he will be removed from an environment that he is already familiar with.

The transport of a full grown polar bear to an institution in a temperate country will be a stressful situation and carries its own share of risks; most extreme being that Inuka may die during transportation or during the introduction process in the new facility.

Depending on when Sheba passes on, Inuka may have only limited breeding potential because of his age, and if sent to a temperate institution, will probably not contribute to the captive breeding effort.

While the initial decision was to move Inuka to a temperate country upon the demise of his mother Sheba, the AWEC committee believes retaining Inuka in Singapore Zoo was in his best interest, considering that Sheba is still very healthy and Inuka has only three years left to be sexually reproductive.

AWEC members weighed heavily the pros and cons.
On one hand, logic prevails that Artic animals should reside in temperate climates as they thrive better.

On the other hand, mother polar bear Sheba has thrived beyond the average lifespan and Inuka who was born here in the tropics is now 17 years old. Initially, it seems more humane to relocate Inuka after his mother’s passing away.

However, as Singapore Zoo and AWEC continue to study and review the matter, it became clear that it may be more distressing for Inuka to lose not only his mother but also the home and keepers he has had since he was born in Singapore.

AWEC and Singapore Zoo, nevertheless, will continue to keep an open view. With new discoveries every so often in veterinary science, captive animal breeding and management around the world, there will be a need to again assess the situation at that point in time when Sheba passes on.

BACKGROUND: AWEC

AWEC was formed in May 2001 to provide counsel and advice on matters relating to the welfare of animals. Of the 14 members, 9 are independent professionals from various fields.

AWEC members comprise:

Chairman
Professor Leo Tan
Director, National Institute of Education
Chairman, NParks

Immediate Past Chairman
Professor Tommy Koh
Ambassador-at-Large, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Secretary
Biswajit Guha
Assistant Director (Zoology), Singapore Zoo

Committee Members

Dr Chua Sin Bin
Chief Executive Officer, Agri-food and Veterinary Authority

Dato Mikaail Kavanagh
Former-Executive Director, WWF Malaysia

Bernard Harrison
Principal Partner, Bernard Harrison & Friends

Ms Carla Barker
Chairman SPCA

Ms Fanny Lai
Executive Director, Singapore Zoo & Night Safari

Dr Geh Min
President, Nature Society Singapore

Dr Jean-Paul Ly
Consultant, Animal Recovery Centre, Singapore

Dr Peter K L Ng
Director, Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research, National University of Singapore

Dr Ho Yew Kee
Executive Director, Secretariat, Wildlife Reserves Singapore

Dr Wong Hon Mun
Executive Director, Jurong BirdPark

Source: www.zoo.com.sg News Release 3 May 2007

Source: www.singaporeflyer.com.sg

SINGAPORE FLYER OFFERS LOW INTRODUCTORY PRICE!

Fly high for the best view of Singapore for the affordable price of just $29.50! Singaporeans can now snap up the experience of a life-time on the Asia’s latest world-class iconic attraction - the Singapore Flyer - at a fraction of the price of tickets on other observation wheels around the world.

This introductory offer is amongst a suite of exciting product packages announced by Adval Brand Group Pte Ltd, the exclusive sales, marketing and ticket distribution agent for the Singapore Flyer at the Asean Tourism Forum - Travel Exchange (TRAVEX), held at Suntec Convention Centre from 31 January - 2 February 2007

The iconic landmark attraction is set to usher in 2008 with a big bang when operations take flight early 1st quarter.

According to Ms Patsy Ong, Managing Director, Adval Brand Group Pte Ltd: “The Singapore Flyer is Singapore’s iconic must-see attraction. We have therefore deliberately kept the introductory price low so that every Singaporean can afford to have this exhilarating experience - seeing Singapore 165 metres up in the sky! This is definitely a bargain as compared to similar experiences at other observation wheels overseas.????

Capsules can also be booked from $1,000 onwards and are ideal for anniversaries, weddings, parties, class reunions and corporate networking events. The capsules can be themed to suit every occasion.

During the pre-launch period, visitors will also receive a limited edition commemorative launch pack to mark the momentous opening of the hottest attraction in town. A loyalty programme is also currently being developed with merchants & retailers to reward Singapore Flyer visitors with dining and shopping discounts at the Flyer’s three-storey Lifestyle Hub.

Thanks to its strategic location, the Singapore Flyer will feature the significant transformation of the Marina Bay landscape with the development of the exciting new Integrated Resort and the new business financial centre, exemplifying a whole new level of success for Singapore - from its humble beginnings of a simple fishing village to its current global standing as a highly successful cosmopolitan city with one of the first giant observation wheels within the region.

Added Ms Ong, “Public response and interest in the Singapore Flyer has been nothing short of overwhelming! We have received no less than 50 enquiries a month for the past three months! There is tremendous interest from the public and corporations who are looking forward to be amongst the first to enjoy this spectacular attraction.

“By participating in high profile events like the Asean Tourism Forum - Travel Exchange (TRAVEX), we are confident that we are generating a lot of awareness to the rest of the world, through these travel agents and trade partners.
“As we count down towards the official launch in 2008, we strongly urge Singaporeans to make plans to be a part of this national iconic experience,” added Ms Ong.
Singapore Flyer Managing Director, Mr Peter Purcell, said, “Unlike a ferris wheel which is merely a joyride, the giant observation wheel offers a whole new dimension in terms of its unique venue in the sky. The Singapore Flyer is the one and only opportunity to experience Singapore and its rich heritage and history through a 360-degree panoramic and scenic view of the Lion City.”

Mr Dayne Lim, Director Cluster Development (Sightseeing and Cruise), Singapore Tourism Board, The Singapore Flyer is poised to be an iconic attraction that will significantly enhance the tourism landscape in Singapore. A welcome addition to the Singapore skyline, the Singapore Flyer will inject much vibrancy and excitement to the Marina Bay area and offer visitors an unforgettable Uniquely Singapore experience.

Pre-bookings for flights on the Singapore Flyer are available now at www.singaporeflyer.com.sg.

For sales, marketing and ticketing enquiries, please contact Adval Brand Group Pte Ltd, tel: 6734 8829, fax: 6734 3329, email: sfsales@adval.com.sg

Source: www.singaporeflyer.com.sg Press Release 31 Jan 2007