Fragile Forest

Step into this massive biodome and marvel at the richness and diversity of the rainforest - recreated in the form of a 20,000 cubic metre flight area - one of the largest in the world.

Fragile Forest invites visitors to journey through the various stratas of a rainforest – starting with getting to know the invertebrates and other creatures typically found on the forest floor like the Madagascan hissing cockroaches, rhinoceros beetles and the many colourful varieties of frogs and toads.

As you hike past the mudskippers and stingrays in the mangrove swamps and head higher up to the tree canopies, you will inevitably stop in your tracks to admire the splendor of rainforest species - butterflies, lemurs, crowned pigeons, iguanas and mousedeer as they co-exist in this breathtaking ecosystem.

Make your way up to the observation deck to come up close to everyday life in the tree canopies - where sloths and lemurs roam freely and flying foxes and lories glide just above your heads.

In this complex rainforest ecosystem, the Earth’s treasured and threatened species live among mighty trees, delicate ferns, palms, shrubs and the undergrowth. Here you will be treated to the cacophony of insects and tranquil sounds of cascading waters but don’t forget that this is a slice of the forest that, in the outside world, is disappearing at alarming rates every day.

Through ‘live’ educational displays such as the butterfly lifecycle observation booth, we aim to educate and increase people’s understanding of the planet’s delicate ecosystems. The inclusion of the cultural aspect of the Asmat tribe of Irian Jaya also aims to reflect human beings’ close relationship with the natural world. The tribal element, highlighted in the architecture of the indoor areas and the prominent display of Asmat artifacts, serves to remind visitors of the plight of forest tribes as a result of deforestation.

As one walks through Fragile Forest, it becomes clear that modern human beings are just as dependent on rainforests as the forest people. It is our hope that at the end of their journey, all our guests will be inspired to appreciate the gifts of our rainforests and do their part in helping to save it.

Experience the fragility of the rainforest and mangrove ecosystems firsthand, in this adventure to remember.

Lesser Mousedeer If you see bushes rustling in the undergrowth, it will likely be one of these smart little fellows. Known in Malay... read more

Lesser Mousedeer If you see bushes rustling in the undergrowth, it will likely be one of these smart little fellows. Known in Malay folklore for their intelligence, these smallest of hoofed animals are quick to identify signs and sounds of an impending feast. They sometimes follow behind monkeys during meal times to pick up leftover fruit and leafy tidbits that the latter leaves behind on the forest floor. hide

Ring-tailed Lemur These sun-loving primates of Madagascar are highly social animals. At the Fragile Forest, you can usually spot... read more

Ring-tailed Lemur These sun-loving primates of Madagascar are highly social animals. At the Fragile Forest, you can usually spot them basking in the sun with their arms outstretched or huddling up together to groom each other. hide

Two-toed Sloth This South American native looks like a primate but is actually a cousin to anteaters and armadillos... read more

Two-toed Sloth This South American native looks like a primate but is actually a cousin to anteaters and armadillos.  It spends much of its life upside down, whether it’s eating, sleeping or even giving birth and only descends to the ground to defecate. Not known for its speed, a sloth when it decides to move, can take up to a month to travel 1 kilometre! So, you’ll have plenty of time to catch it in action as it makes its way across the highway of vines in the canopy of the Fragile Forest. hide

Malayan Flying Fox The wingspan of the Malayan variety of flying fox can grow up to 1.5 metres, the largest of any bat species... read more

Malayan Flying Fox The wingspan of the Malayan variety of flying fox can grow up to 1.5 metres, the largest of any bat species in the world. These creatures prefer upper branches of very tall trees possibly due to their large size and the need for a “free-fall” take off. Bats need to turn the right side up before they are able to fly off. You’ll be able to observe them at very close range, hovering upside down on upper tree branches tucking into juicy pieces of fruit left by our zookeepers. hide

Enjoy a VIP behind-the-scenes tour of Fragile Forest as we take you to the insect breeding complex of Fragile Forest. Discover how we breed and maintain butterflies, scorpions, stick insects and other invertebrates in our Wild Discoverer Tour.