SINGAPORE – Make family time all the more special with these ideas and activities.

National Day deals, activities at Mandai Wildlife Reserve

If animals could speak, you and your children might hear the 11 Stars of Mandai proudly declaring: “I was born in Singapore.”

In celebration of National Day this August, the spotlight is on a line-up of beloved animal stars born and raised at Mandai Wildlife Reserve.

Among them is Singapore Zoo’s Ah Meng, a Sumatran orangutan who carries on the name of her late grandmother, once the park’s famous tourism ambassador. There is also Arlo the king penguin at Bird Paradise, Bayu the Malayan tapir at Rainforest Wild Adventure and Neha the elephant at Night Safari. Find out more at mandai.com/starsofmandai

The National Day specials continue on Aug 8 with Wild Day Out. Co-organised with the Kranji Countryside Association, this farmers’ market invites you to shop for locally grown produce outside the entrance of Bird Paradise. Go to mandai.com/wilddayout for details.

On Aug 9 from 5.30pm, catch the National Day Parade’s live broadcast on a giant screen outside the Singapore Zoo entrance.

Until Aug 31, you can also take advantage of up to 30 per cent off admission to two parks. Local residents can pair an outing to Singapore Zoo with a second attraction on the same day – choose from four options including Curiosity Cove and River Wonders. The bundled tickets cost from $59 an adult and $44 a child aged three to 12.

Keen to explore Rainforest Wild Adventure? Double up with Exploria or Singapore Zoo for a full day out, with prices starting at $65 an adult and $50 a child.