NATIONAL ZOO

Mr Lee Teck Him asked the Minister for Law and National Development whether the Government proposes to set up a National Zoo and when.

Mr Barker: Mr Speaker, Sir, the feasibility of setting up a zoological garden within the catchment area of Seletar where a site of 260 acres is available, is under consideration by the Public Utilities Board. Sizable water catchment areas totalling 8,600 acres are vested in the Board and the need to put these large areas of land, which would otherwise be sterilised, to such maximum public use as is compatible with the over-riding necessity of ensuring a safe water supply has resulted in the development of MacRitchie Park as well as the present proposal.

The concept envisages moated enclosures and spacious paddocks to house a variety of mammals and reptiles, a development which will have immense educational benefit for the younger generation and also serve as a tourist attraction. The natural environment would be retained as far as possible and concrete bars and wiremesh fencing kept to a minimum. Towards this end, in the middle of this year, the Board invited a Mr E. H. 'Thong, Director of Whitsney Zoo in England, to advise on all aspects and possibilities of the construction of a wild life sanctuary and limited zoo. Mr Thong, who was in Singapore for five weeks, has submitted a detailed report which suggests that the proposed area at Seletar would be highly suitable for the purpose and can be made into an attractive zoo park.

The Board has also had the advice of Mr Straham, Director of the Tarronga Zoo in New South Wales, Australia, who was also in Singapore for a short period. Mr Straham is also of the opinion that the area could be developed into one of the best zoos in this region. A number of other experts have also been consulted. The financial implications of the project, the amount of subsidy required and the effectiveness of possible anti-pollution measures are amongst the many problems that are being carefully examined. Once these evaluations are completed, it is hoped to be able to proceed with the implementation of this venture which will complement the proposed aviary at present under construction at Jurong.