relax
If observing the monkeys inspires you to take a relaxing
soak in the water as well, Shibu Onsen and Yudanaka
Onsen are two nearby hot spring town attractions which
cater to human enjoyment.
By Michelle Zhu
UNLEASH
THE
beast!
Jogokudani Monkey Park
6845, Hirao Yamanouchi, Shimotakai District,
Nagano Prefecture 381-0400, Japan
Admission: 500 yen (adult), 250 yen (child)
Open: 8am – 5pm (Summer season) / 9am – 4pm (Winter season)
Website: http://www.jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp
Thirst for Knowledge: Living Desert Zoo &
Gardens in California, United States
This native wildlife zoo takes pride in the preservation,
conservation and interpretation of desert landscapes and
species from around the world. Trek through and climb
desert ridges on the hiking trail, or opt for the guided
open-air tram. Boasting an impressive range of animal
and plant species from North America and Africa, the
zoo also offers a plethora of educational activities for
families and children aged 4 – 14, such as the Jr. Keeper
Program, Gecko / Raven Explorers, and even the overnight
experience of sleeping under the stars (Starry Safari).
In the process of fuelling your child’s fascination with the universe and everything
contained in it, creating opportunities for encountering wildlife species in their
natural habitats will in turn encourage and develop your child’s love and respect for
Mother Nature.
Travelling isn’t just a time for fun and family bonding, but an opportunity for
educational enrichment, too. It’s time to start planning for your next holiday’s
‘lesson’. Ditch those animal flashcards and get ready to soak up some amazing
wildlife experiences, while going ga-ga together over the cutest creatures to be
found beyond our concrete jungle of Singapore.
Here are our top picks for the top five wildlife attractions around the world.
Big (Koala) Bear Hugs:
Koala Park Sanctuary in NSW, Australia
Don’t come here expecting glitz and glamour, but if your
life-long dream is to embrace the wonders of nature in
a literal sense, this is probably as close as you’ll get. The
Koala Park Sanctuary is an open-concept, unassuming
haven built for koalas to live and breed safely under
protection against the dangers of fur-hunting. These
cuddly bear-like
marsupials enjoy
relative freedom as they
roam about in ten-acre
Eucalyptus woodlands,
as opposed to being held
captive in the local zoo.
Other native Australian
animals such as echidnas
and wedge-tailed
eagles also reside at the
sanctuary. Hand-feed
kangaroos, pet dingos
and of course, snuggle up
to and snap pictures with
the koalas at any time.
Fairy penguin/wombat shows and even sheep-shearing
activities are available at intervals throughout the day.
For just £35
(inclusive of
admission), you’ll get
your own personal
llama to walk through
the forest for an hour
– an unusual delight
well-suited for adults
and teenagers above 14
years of age.
Ashdown Forest Llama Park
Wych Cross, Forest Row,
East Sussex (RH18 5JN)
Admission: Refer to website
for seasonal admission prices
Open: 9am – 5pm daily.
Closed on Christmas, Boxing and New Years day.
Website: www.llamapark.co.uk
Bath & Monkey Business:
Jogokudani Monkey Park in Yamanouchi, Japan
Koala Park Sanctuary
84 Castle Hill Road, West Pennant Hills,
New South Wales 2125, Australia
Admission: AUD $26 (adult) and $15 (children aged 4 – 14)
Open: 9am – 5pm daily. Closed on Christmas day.
Email: [email protected]
Llama Love:
Ashdown Forest Llama Park in East Sussex, U.K.
Nestled in the home of Winnie the Pooh just 40
miles from London, you might not find Pooh Bear or
Christopher Robin at the Ashdown Forest Llama Park
(there are rustic Pooh-themed playhouses in the woods,
though) – but it’s a magical and memorable experience
all the same with nearly 100 llamas, alpacas and reindeer
amidst vast, undulating plains. These curious camelid
species are rarely found in the wild or at local zoos, and
are mild-mannered, lovable creatures that your children
might badger you to buy as pets.
30
Family & Life • Sept 2013
For your viewing and photo-taking pleasure, snow
monkeys (Japanese macaques) are treated to onsen (hot
spring) spas at the Jogokudani Monkey Park, free-ofcharge. The best time to visit the park would be in winter,
from January to February – due to the likelihood of heavy
snow and higher instances of monkeys being drawn to the
hot springs to keep warm from the cold – although the
macaques can be spotted at the Park all year round.
Those looking to beat the heat should note that this
attraction is best visited first thing in the morning –
else, sunscreen and large-brimmed hats are highly
recommended.
Living Desert Zoo & Gardens
47-900 Portola Ave., Palm Desert, CA 92260
Admission: USD $17.25 (general admission), $8.75
(children ages 3 – 12). Free admission for children under the age of 3.
Open: 9am – 5pm daily from October 1 to May 31
Website: www.livingdesert.org
Tiny Terrain, Big Adventure:
Penang National Park in Penang, Malaysia
Occupying only around 10 square miles, Ma