Singapore 2012

Welcome

Theme: Many Voices, One Calling

Wildlife Reserves Singapore is proud to host in conjunction with the ICZ the 4th International Congress on Zoo Keeping, from September 9th to 13th, 2012. This conference themed ´Many Voices, One Calling´ hopes to bring together keepers and zoo professionals from around the World for the objectives of enhancing the professionalism of Zoo Keepers and the welfare of the wild animals in their care.

Delegates from every country have much to contribute. We encourage keepers to share their knowledge and experiences in the field of Zoo Keeping with their fellow keepers at this momentous event. We heard Many Voices committing to our One Calling!

Program

Sunday September 9 Registrations
14:00 - 18:00 Venue Jurong Bird Park Icebreaker
18:00 - 20:00 Jurong Bird Park (includes food and basic drinks).

Monday September 10 Venue Jurong Bird Park
09:00 - 00:10 Opening ceremony in Bird show amphitheater (+ group photo)
10:00 - 10:45 Morning Tea
10:45 - 12:30 Keynote address and Papers
12:30 - 13:30 Lunch
13:30 - 15:00 Papers
15:00 - 15:30 Afternoon Tea
15:30 - 17:00 Papers
17:00 - 22:00 Silent Auction/function Jurong Bird Park + meal & soft drinks (cash bar)

Tuesday September 11 Venue Jurong Bird Park
09:00 - 12:00 Papers Jurong Bird Park
12:00 - 13:00 Lunch
13:00 - 17:00 Workshops Singapore Zoo and Jurong Bird Park
17:00 Dinner at Singapore Zoo Ah Meng Terrace + Night Safari

Wednesday September 12 Venue Jurong Bird Park
09:00 - 12:00 Papers Jurong Bird Park
12:00 - 13:00 Lunch
13:00 - 17:00 Workshops Singapore Zoo and Jurong Bird Park
19:00 - 23:00 Gala dinner - Venue TBA

Thursday September 13 Venue Jurong Bird Park
09:00 - 12:00 Papers Jurong Bird Park
12:00 - 13:00 Lunch
13:00 - 15:30 Papers and closing ceremony

Note: Trade exhibition will be occurring during day sessions Monday - Thursday at Jurong Bird Park. Posters will be on display for the duration with presenters by their posters for questions during selected tea breaks.

Steve Martin was one of the Keynote speakers at the congress.
Steve Martin began his career producing free-flight bird shows over 35 years ago and then began teaching the art and science of behavior change to zoo keepers a few years later. He is now an instructor at the AZA Animal Training School, the Elephant Management School in Hamburg, Germany and has served as an animal behavior and visitor experience consultant for over 85 zoological facilities around the world.

Papers & Posters

The response to the call for papers was excellent.

During the conference papers representing 16 countries will be presented and posters representing 17 countries will be shown.

Abstracts of the papers and a list of the posters can be seen below (in no particular order).

Abstracts of the papers and a list of the posters can be seen below (in no particular order).

Choose a paper or the list of Posters Walking the Walk, Aukland Zoos' journey to become palm oil free One Step Closer: Auckland Zoo and the Red Panda Initiative Moving forward in conservation though keeper training a curators responsibility Planning Enrichment Behavior Management Successful Treatment of Unicular Pyogranulomatous Keratitis in a Captive Dugong (Dugong dugon) Captive husbandry, breeding, and handrearing of Fairy Bluebirds (Irena puella) The management of a breeding group, black-capped squirrel monkeys (Saimiri boliviensis) in Apenheul Primate Park AICAS Animal Welfare Group: a tool for everyone Oriental Small-clawed Otter (Aonyx cinereus) Introductions: When things are taken out of your hands! The monitoring of rhino health through bleeding at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre Lwiro Primate Sanctuary (CongoDR) and our involvement with Wildlife Positive Reinforcement as a replacement of the antique training methods in elephant camps in Thailand Working together - Save the Drill in Cameroon Zoological Horticulture Training and Conditioning for Improved Management and Enrichment of Spotted Hyenas, Crocuta crocuta, at Monarto Zoo Role of Zoo Keepers in conservation education Breeding captive Palm Cockatoos, Probosciger arterrimus, at Zoos South Australia: Past, present and future directions A study on Behaviour & Effective Enrichment Utilization by Blind Bears The Endangered Primate Rescue Center (EPRC) States of positive welfare: The concept of 'Flow' The Introduction of Camels (Camelus dromadarius) to an African Elephant (Loxoxdonta Africana) at Taronga Western Plains zoo, TWPZ African Painted Dog (Lycaon pictus) Hind Leg Amputation and Re-introduction to Pack Environmental enrichment and captive breeding program of proboscis monkey at Surabaya Zoo Indigenous Programs at Taronga Conservation Society Australia Choosing Mr Right: mate choice increases captive breeding and conservation success Maternal sex determination and its potential effects on avian conservation initiatives Feeding the lemurs Keeping the Passion Alive Bonds between Zoo Professionals and their Animals Zoo New England's Keeper Training Program: One Example of a Successful Zookeeper Professional Development Program Orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) infant hand-rearing and reintroduction to an orargutan group Artificial Incubation and Hand Rearing of Great Pied Hornbill (Buceros bicornis) Captive Management and Breeding Behaviour of the Bird-of-Paradise (Family: Paradisaeidae) and Bowerbird (Chlamydera cerviniventris) at the Jurong Bird Park Husbandry of American Paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) in the tropics Management and Display of Proboscis Monkeys (Nasalis larvatus) at the Singapore Zoo Free-ranging Orangutan (Pongo spp.) Exhibits at the Singapore Zoo Quarantine Animal Enrichment and Training: An Intricate Task Maternal Behavior of a Female Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) Breeding and Weaning of Malayan Pangolin (Manis javanica) Conservation Breeding of the Negros bleeding-heart pigeon, Gallicolumba keayi (Clarke, 1900) (Aves: Columbidae) ZSL's Successful Breeding Management and Reproductive Research Of Captive White-naped Mangabeys, Cercocebus atys lunulatus Roars like a lion or TWEET like a twitter! Enrichment & Training In Reptiles The ASZK Husbandry Guidelines Registry - are wikis the way to go? Euthanasia in zoos and wildlife parks - What should be the keeper response? Can we agree on a policy position? Emerging and Re-emerging Zoonotic Diseases in Zoos and Wildlife Sanctuaries in Malaysia Free Flight Challenges Brought by the stork The experience of selection and preparation animals for their participation in social, educational and cultural programs of Saint-Petersburg Zoo Zoo Leipzig, host of the 2015 ICZ Conference - an impression Asian rhinos in Singapore, and their survival in the region Problem-Solving Process Addressing Self-injurious Behaviour of a White-Bellied Sea Eagle (Haliaetes leucogaster) at Wildlife in Need Rescue Center The need for an evidence based approach to captive animal management Medical Husbandry Training at the San Diego Zoo Integrated Animal Management, Bear Care in China & Vietnam List of Posters

Singapore information

Singapore General Information

Singapore is a generally safe cosmopolitan destination. It is a melting pot of cultures with areas such as Chinatown, Little India and Arab Street displaying the cultural backgrounds which exist in Singapore. It has a number of exciting attractions including Jurong Bird Park, Night Safari and Singapore Zoo.

Population: 4.5 million
Area: 648 square km, 648 square miles.
Languages: English, Malay, Chinese (Mandarin), Tamil
Water: Singapore´s water is safe to drink

Important Things to Note

Visas

Apart from visitors from China and India, most foreigners coming into Singapore do not require visas for entry and may be given up to a 30-day social visit passes upon their arrival in Singapore. However, it is best to consult your local consular office for the latest information with regards to coming into Singapore.

If you would like to stay in Singapore for a longer period, you may apply at the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) upon your arrival. However, you should have your valid passports, onward or return tickets, onward facilities (such as visas or entry permits) to your next destination and of course, sufficient funds for your stay in Singapore. Passports must have at least 6 months validity.

Should you lose your passport while in Singapore, please make a police report immediately, then head to the ICA (right across from Lavender MRT Station at 10 Kallang Road) to get a temporary visa. Finally, inform your respective embassy so that you can get through immigration when you reach home.

Women in an advanced state of pregnancy (six months or more) who intend to visit Singapore should make a prior application with the nearest Singapore overseas mission.

Money

The currency used in Singapore is the Singapore dollar (SGD). Money changing services can be found not only at the Singapore Changi Airport but also most shopping centres and hotels around the island. You can also access the automated teller machines (ATMs) located everywhere (even in the most obscure bits) in Singapore, that accept most of the main credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express.

Weather

Singapore is known for its hot and humid weather, with little variation throughout the year. The average daytime temperature is 31ºC (88ºF), dropping to around 24ºC (75ºF) in the evenings. The monsoon season can bear down pretty heavily on our tropical weather from November onwards, so be prepared for rain on a daily basis during this period. Bring a poncho or similar light rain coat.

Cell Phone Usage

Singapore´s international dialing code is +(65). While in Singapore and if you have international roaming service on your cell phone, you don´t have to press +(65) as it will automatically connect you to the local numbers here.

(No) Smoking

Besides air-conditioned areas such as shopping centres, restaurants, entertainment outlets and cinemas, smoking is also an offence on the SMRT (Singapore Mass Rapid Transit system), public buses, taxis and in lifts. Recently, the smoking ban has also been imposed on public eateries and within a 5 meter radius from most building entrances, except for allocated smoking areas that are clearly marked with bright yellow boxes. A maximum fine of SGD 1,000 may be imposed on first-time offenders.

Drugs

You should not become involved with drugs of any kind: possession of even very small quantities can lead to imprisonment or the death penalty.

Health

Singapore has good health care however it is strongly recommended that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.

Medical Services

Raffles Hospital (585 North Bridge Road): (65) 6311 1111
Singapore General Hospital (Outram Road): (65) 6222 3322
Gleneagles Hospital (6A Napier Road): (65) 6473 7222
National University Hospital (5 Lower Kent Ridge Road): 6779 5555 (24-hour general line), 6772 5000
Tan Tock Seng Hospital (11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng): (65) 6256 6011 (24-hour general line), 6357 8866 / 8766

Airport Transfer

To and from Singapore Airport
When you make your hotel or tour package bookings, remember to enquire about airport transfers. Most tour packages are inclusive of transfers to and from Singapore´s Changi Airport. If these details are not in your itinerary, you may want to call your hotel and arrange for transport. Otherwise, the taxi stands at the airport are abundant and well-manned by operators who will be familiar with your transportation needs.

Several companies provide airport transfer services, which you can book even before you travel to Singapore, a half or full day in advance. Among them are Limo Taxi and Limousine Cab, best booked for groups of four and above. Surcharges apply for rides to and from the airport, starting at SGD 45.

To Singapore Zoo and Jurong Bird Park
During the conference, a shuttle service will be available to and from certain delegated hotels in the morning and afternoon and after events.

Other transport options include taxis at approximately SGD 20 depending on starting point, or click here for further options to zoo.

Further options to Jurong Bird Park (main conference venue): birdpark.com.sg

GST Refund Scheme

Enjoy tax-free shopping in Singapore at locations with the ´Tax Refund´ logo. As a visitor, the 7% Goods and Services Tax (GST) that you paid on your purchases can be claimed when you leave Singapore. Simply spend SGD 100.00 or more at participating retailers to qualify for refunds.

Refunds may be claimed either directly from retailers or at Changi and Seletar Airport. Please note that this scheme is not applicable if you leave by land or by sea. Ask for GST Refund Forms from the retailers, as they are not available at the airport. GST Refund Forms must be completed with the dealer´s signature and stamps, and then validated by Customs at Singapore Changi Airport before your departure.

The refund amount is valid after an administration fee is deducted from the GST. Always check with retailers to find out if you can claim the tax before confirming your purchase. There are two GST refund schemes, and you are advised to check on the minimum purchase amount to qualify for the GST refund as it varies between retailers.

For more information on the two Central Refund Agencies, please contact:
Global Refund
24-hour Hotline: +65 6225 6238
Email: taxfree@sg.globalrefund.com
globalrefund.com

Premier Tax Free
24-hour Hotline: 1800 829 3733
Email: info@sg.premiertaxfree.com
premiertaxfree.com

Consumer Advisory

Most Singapore retailers have fair business practices, but there are a small number of shops and restaurants that might make your shopping experience less than ideal. Here are some smart shopping tips to ensure that your retail experience is a pleasant one.

Always do price comparisons to get the best deals

Prices can vary widely between shops because distributors are not obliged to abide by each product´s Recommended Retail Price (RRP). Ask the retailer also if the 7% Goods and Services Tax (GST) applies. Also note that purchases above SGD100 in a single receipt entitle you to GST refunds if you leave Singapore by air. Please read the section on the GST Refund Scheme for more information.

Note that purchases made are usually final

In Singapore, retailers generally enforce strict return, and exchange or refund policies the moment payment is made. Always ask your retailer about their policies before making payment for your purchase.

Check receipts or invoices for accuracy

Do remember to ask for a receipt of invoice whenever you make a purchase, and keep it for reference. Also check that prices and item descriptions are correct to ensure that you do not pay more than what is required. Remember to check that gifts, when applicable, should be indicated as such.

Verify what your ´international warranty´ covers

International warranties are not standardised, and you should always ask and verify that your warranty is valid in your home country. Ensure that both your invoice and warranty card bear your retailer´s stamp and signature. In the case of electronic goods, note down the product´s serial number as well.
Also note that there are no international warranties on the purchase of mobile phones.
A ´worldwide local warranty´ means that the warranty is available only in the country of purchase - ´worldwide´ here refers to the availability of the product, not the warranty.
Parallel imported items have no warranty, and retailers usually do not entertain returns, refunds or exchanges.

Check before leaving the store

Before making payment, make sure that you test the item you wish to purchase, and take time to check that the promised accessories and peripherals are included in the package, and work as they should.

For additional assistance or complaints, call Tourist line between 8am to 7pm daily at 1800 736 2000 (toll-free in Singapore), or (65) 6736 2000 (from overseas).

Useful Links

The following links and numbers may be useful should you need guidance around the island or emergency help:

yoursingapore.com : General Singapore travel information
streetdirectory.com : Most useful for addresses and phone numbers of your intended locations, and even provides several route options to your destination
embassiesabroad.com : Has an extensive list of all the embassies in Singapore
trust.yoursingapore.com : Has a comprehensive list of licensed travel agents in Singapore
guides-online.yoursingapore.com : Useful list of tour guides in Singapore searchable by languages spoken and area of expertise
onemap.sg : Find where you want to go and how to get there
app.stb.gov.sg : Singapore Tourism Board Offices Worldwide
digitallibrary.yoursingapore.com : The Digital Library
smartraveller.gov.au : Australian Embassy advice for travellers

Emergency Hotlines
Police - 999
Ambulance - 995
Fire Brigade - 995
Flight Information - 1800 542 4422

Credit Cards
American Express - 1800 396 6000
JCB - (65) 6734 0096
Diners Card - (65) 6416 0800
Visa - 800 448 1250
MasterCard - 800 110 0113

Foreign Embassies
Germany (50 Raffles Place) - (65) 6533 6002
Australia (25 Napier Road) - (65) 6836 4100
USA (27 Napier Road) - (65) 6476 9100
UK (100 Tanglin Road) - 6424 4200
Canada (1 George Street) - (65) 6854 5900
France (101 Cluny Park Road) - (65) 6880 7800

Singapore Visitors Centres @ Changi

Need advice to get you started sightseeing, eating and shopping your way around Singapore? Pop by any one of the following Singapore Visitors Centres to make your stay in Singapore a memorable one.

From 1 April 2011 to 31 May 2011, SVC @ Changi Terminal 1, Arrival Hall will be temporary closed for renovation works.

For assistance, please visit the Singapore Visitors Centres located at Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 Arrival Halls.

Singapore Visitors Centre @ Changi Terminal 2 Arrival Hall
Opening hours: 6.00am to 12.00am daily
Nearest MRT station: Changi Airport (CG2)
Services and facilities available: Tourist enquiries and hotel reservations

Singapore Visitors Centre @ Changi Terminal 3 Arrival Hall
Opening hours: 6.00am to 2.00am daily
Nearest MRT station: Changi Airport (CG2)
Services and facilities available: Tourist enquiries and hotel reservations

Singapore Visitors Centre @ Orchard
Address: Junction of Cairnhill Road and Orchard Road
Opening hours: 9.30am to 10.30pm daily
Nearest MRT station: Somerset (NS23)
Services and facilities available: Tourist enquiries, hotel reservations, booking of tours, sale of attraction tickets and internet access

Singapore Visitors Centre @ ION Orchard
Address: ION Orchard Level 1 Concierge
Opening hours: 10.00am to 10.00pm daily
Nearest MRT station: Orchard (NS24)

Singapore Visitors Centre @ Bugis Street
Address: Along Cheng Yan Place, next to Iluma Shopping Centre
Opening hours: 11.00am to 10.00pm daily
Nearest MRT station: Bugis (EW12)

Tourist line
Operating hours: 8.00am to 7.00pm daily
1800 736 2000 (toll-free in Singapore)
(65) 6736 2000 (from overseas)

Pre- & Post-conference tours

The ICZ has been working with a number of partners to find some great options for keepers to travel before and or after the conference to locations of conservation interest within the region with like-minded people.

The tours we have on offer are as follows:

Pre conference

Borneo Malaysia Tour - RAW Tours - 4 days - 4-8 September. Click here for a detailed itinerary
Bali and Komodo - 4/5-8 September. Click here for a detailed itinerary
Peninsula Malaysia - Tour East - 7-8 September. Click here for a detailed itinerary
International Rhino Foundation - Indonesian National Parks -10 days - 28 August - 8 September. Click here for a detailed itinerary

Post conference

Sumatra Tour - RAW Tours - 7 days - 15-21 September. Click here for a detailed itinerary
Sulawesi Bunaken Diving - 15-18 September. Click here for a detailed itinerary
Sandakan - Kinabatangan-Tour East - 14-18 September. Click here for a detailed itinerary
International Rhino Foundation - Indonesian National Parks - 10 days - 14-23 September. Click here for a detailed itinerary
Bali Tour - Bali Mynah with Begawan Foundation - 3 Days 14-16 September. Click here for a detailed itinerary

Registration & ICZ liability

Note that each tour operator will invoice you once you have indicated your preferences in the registration process (some prices may vary slightly due to currency variations).
Many of these tours rely on minimum numbers and may not run if these are not obtained.

ICZ is not liable with regards to any issues with these tours and offer them in good faith based on knowledge of tour operators.