Travel Daily Media had the privilege of being among the first to be enthralled by the revitalised Singapore Oceanarium at Resorts World Sentosa as it served as a living backdrop to welcome delegates to this year's Singapore MICE Forum on Wednesday, 23rd July.
Previously known as The SEA Aquarium, the revitalised attraction is more than just another array of aquariums, but more of a learning institute seeking to teach visitors about the vital role played by marine ecosystems in the global environment and how they can help maintain and even restore aquatic habitats.
The new Singapore Oceanarium is part of Resorts World Sentosa's SG$6.8 billion expansion and is another way by which Singapore seeks to boost its tourism offerings in the wake of its upcoming 60th National Day on 9th August.
Sentosa Development Corporation CEO Thien Kwee Eng said of the new attraction: “As we transform and elevate our island’s offerings, Singapore Oceanarium is a welcome addition to Sentosa’s suite of world-class attractions, strengthening our proposition as a beloved island destination for both locals and overseas guests.”
This unique specimen of jellyfish may be found among the displays welcoming guests to the Oceanarium
More than just another attraction
TDM had the opportunity to speak with Gloria Tan, assistant director of sales planning at Resorts World Sentosa, who explained to us that the new Singapore Oceanarium wants visitors to come away with more than just a memory of having seen exotic species of marine wildlife.
According to Tan: "The new oceanarium was redeveloped to become more like an institute of learning rather than a mere attraction with conventional exhibits. It's a place where visitors of all ages can learn more about life in the water, from the prehistoric organisms that first populated the seas to the endangered species we stand to lose forever if we aren't careful. Knowing the creatures underwater could help prevent extinction of species; otherwise, the creatures we see today may only be museum displays tomorrow."
Indeed, what makes the revitalised Singapore Oceanarium unique is its four-point commitment to conservation which is as follows:
- Population Singapore Oceanarium plays an important role in species conservation through the ethical and sustainable management of the animals under their care. Through participating with international zoo associations and collaborating with like-minded aquariums, it supports international breeding programmes and population management best practices. As such, its team works constantly towards placing threatened species under their care to have the best opportunities for conservation and population recovery efforts in the wild.
- Place The rapid degradation of natural habitats due to anthropogenic causes and climate change is, inevitably, the primary driver of biodiversity decline worldwide. Protecting and restoring these habitats is more critical than ever to prevent mass extinction of species. Singapore Oceanarium’s efforts are rooted in “place”, in sites of socio-ecological importance. On top of its research, animal care and conservation capabilities, Singapore Oceanarium also strives to position itself as a place for education, outreach and connection.
- People People are at the heart of conservation, and protecting the planet takes combined effort. Here, it involves the shared knowledge and expertise of collaborators, partners, team members, and the public. As such, Singapore Oceanarium strives to empower individuals and organisations to learn from one another, develop capacities and and expand its network for a positive, lasting impact for the world's oceans.
- Policy Policy provides the foundation for sustainable, long-term impact as it dictates the allocation of national and international resources, as well as keeping stakeholders accountable for their actions. Singapore Oceanarium aims not only to play its individual role as a driver of conservation, but also to influence policies that guide businesses, governments and international bodies in the collective fight against biodiversity loss.
Consoles are placed in strategic areas of the Oceanarium, encouraging visitors to learn more through games
A more interactive approach to enjoying the sights
Today's Singapore Oceanarium is divided into 22 sections, each of which details an archaeological epoch in the development of marine life, a specific cluster of species based on region, or the ongoing efforts in conservation throughout the globe.
As such, guests are able to explore from fossils and living specimens of species far older than human civilisation such as coelacanths and horseshoe crabs, to titans of the sea that include blue whales and whale sharks, to delving into the work of conservationists and oceanologists who are racing against time to protect threatened and endangered species from the adverse effects of climate change.
Throughout the Oceanarium, guests can also do more than just gawk at marine life swimming in their tanks: several displays within reach are equipped with touchscreen technology, offering specific facts about different organisms and underwater habitats.
Some of the digital displays are standalone consoles which offer games that make learning more about aquatic life enjoyable as visitors of all ages can channel their inner archaeologist or oceanographer in the art of exploration.
