Rwanda and Singapore’s Wildlife Partnership: A Celebration of Conservation

In a significant move highlighting global conservation efforts and eco-tourism, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), alongside the Rwanda High Commission in Singapore, recently celebrated a unique partnership with the Mandai Wildlife Group. This collaboration officially names the Rwanda Nyungwe Forest Heart of Africa aviary at Singapore’s Bird Paradise, a vibrant testament to Rwanda’s rich biodiversity. The celebratory event took place on the sidelines of the prestigious International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Asia Pacific.
Opened in 2023, Bird Paradise is a jewel within the vast Mandai Wildlife Reserve, renowned as a world-leading destination for wildlife and nature lovers. The reserve is also home to four other iconic parks – Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, Night Safari, and the newly launched Rainforest Wild Asia – along with a host of indoor, nature-themed attractions and sprawling green spaces. This remarkable destination offers profound opportunities for visitors to connect with wildlife, fostering education, deepening appreciation for various species, and inspiring a stronger bond with the natural world.
Stretching across 1.55 hectares, the Rwanda Nyungwe Forest Heart of Africa stands as the largest aviary in Bird Paradise. It’s a bustling habitat for over 800 birds, including a diverse array of African starlings, pigeons, turacos, and hornbills.
Designed to mirror the lush, forested valleys of continental Africa, the aviary incorporates features directly inspired by Rwanda’s own Nyungwe National Park. A standout element is the elevated canopy walkway, offering visitors distinct vantage points of the birds’ densely wooded home. This strategic alliance provides Rwanda with an invaluable platform to showcase its stunning biodiversity to an international audience, raise awareness about crucial conservation initiatives, and firmly establish the nation as a premier luxury, eco-tourism destination.
Visitors to Bird Paradise are invited to immerse themselves in an experience that evokes Rwanda’s celebrated Nyungwe National Park. This park, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, serves as a vital sanctuary for chimpanzees, rare primate species, and more than 300 types of birds.
“We are very proud to partner with Mandai Wildlife Group to showcase Rwanda as a leading eco-tourism destination and inspire conservation the world over,” stated Irene Murerwa, Chief Tourism Officer at the Rwanda Development Board. “This partnership reflects our commitment to strengthening international ties, promoting sustainable tourism, and sharing the story of Rwanda’s natural treasures with a global audience.”
This collaboration with the Mandai Wildlife Group is a distinctive and essential component of Rwanda’s broader strategy for expanding its global tourism footprint.
By offering a captivating glimpse of the Nyungwe experience within one of the world’s foremost wildlife destinations, Rwanda is effectively bringing its powerful narrative of conservation and natural splendor to new audiences, inviting them to discover its wonders firsthand.
Sharing the very spirit of Nyungwe in Singapore also allows more people to connect with nature, learn about Africa’s incredible ecological richness, and truly grasp the importance of its preservation.
Dr. Cheng Wen-Haur, Deputy CEO of Life Sciences & Operations and Chief Life Sciences Officer at Mandai Wildlife Group, emphasized, “The Mandai Wildlife Reserve serves as a window into the wild, fostering meaningful connections between people and wildlife to inspire a stronger commitment to protecting nature. With the steadfast support of visionary partners like the Rwanda Development Board and Rwanda High Commission, we are empowered to share compelling conservation stories that resonate across borders. Together, we show how international collaboration can nurture a shared love for nature and a united commitment to its protection.”
The event at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve gathered a diverse group, including conservation experts, prominent figures from the travel industry, and media representatives. They came together to experience a taste of Rwanda’s natural heritage and to forge new connections, all of which will further solidify Rwanda’s growing reputation as the ‘Heart of Africa’ and a top choice for luxurious eco-tourism.