Singapore | HP3203 Conservation Psychology

On October 17^th, 2019, the class had a second field trip at Singapore Zoo, which is located near Upper Seletar Reservoir. The trip was organized in a way to guide the students to observe the zoo exhibits from a psychologist’s perspective. While the students could explore the zoo at their own pace, they were tasked to complete a list of activities during the visit. Taking on the role of zoo psychologists, students needed to observe the behavior of regular zoo visitors and the design of various zoo exhibits in engaging the zoo visitors. The students also attended a one-hour lecture by Mr. Haniman Boniran from Wildlife Reserves Singapore, Education Program. During the lecture, the students learned about the conservation effort done by Wildlife Reserve Singapore, an organization that manages Singapore Zoo and other wildlife parks in Singapore. Through these various activities, students learned that the role of wildlife parks such as Singapore Zoo in educating the public about conserving nature and wildlife.

A group photo taken at the entrance of Singapore Zoo.

Students were encouraged to pay attention to signs around the zoo about conservation messages, such as the one in the photo.

While admiring the white rhinoceros, visitors can learn about how to conserve the species through information boards displayed around the exhibits.

Students learned not just about the wildlife, but also on how they could play a part in conserving wildlife.

The class visited Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve on September 11th, 2019. After arriving at the nature reserve at around 4pm, the class followed Prof Gumert’s lead and headed east to explore the Coastal Trail. During the visit, students were required to observe how the environment affects their feelings and thoughts, and how they behave while being surrounded by nature. They were encouraged to explore the nature reserve alone to be more deeply immersed in their own experience with nature. It happened to be low tide when the class visited the nature reserve, and the roots of the mangroves could be clearly seen.

After that, the class headed west and walked along the Migratory Bird Trail. There are multiple bird observation hides and an observation tower along the trail for bird watching. Various birds can be spotted during the migratory season that starts around September. Other than birds, students were able to observe monitor lizards as well as two estuarine crocodiles, one halfway through the trail and another near the main bridge. After exploring the Migratory Bird Trail, the class ended the field trip and left Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve at 7pm.