Launched in 2023, Bird Paradise is located within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, a world-leading wildlife and nature destination. The Mandai Wildlife Reserve is home to four other iconic wildlife parks â€" Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, Night Safari and the newly opened Rainforest Wild Asia, alongside other nature-themed indoor attractions and green public spaces.
The aviary was unveiled in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the Rwanda High Commission in Singapore, and the Mandai Wildlife Group during the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Asia Pacific, held from June 30 to July 3, 2025.
Covering 1.55 hectares and home to over 800 birds, the aviary is designed to mirror the lush, mountainous terrain of Nyungwe. It features a canopy walkway and forested landscapes modelled on Rwanda's southwestern rainforest, offering visitors a sensory immersion into one of Africa's most biodiverse ecosystems.
'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. 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,' said Irene Murerwa, Chief Tourism Officer, Rwanda Development Board.
The aviary hosts a range of African bird species, including turacos, hornbills, and starlings. While the birds span the continent, the design cues are unmistakably Rwandan, with the walkway and forest structure offering perspectives similar to those found in Nyungwe itself, a rainforest known for its chimpanzees, rare primates, and over 300 species of birds.
Mandai Wildlife Group, which manages the reserve, sees the partnership as part of a broader effort to foster global environmental awareness.
'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," said Dr Cheng Wen-Haur, Deputy CEO of Life Sciences & Operations and Chief Life Sciences Officer, Mandai Wildlife Group.
"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 initiative also feeds into Rwanda's wider strategy to boost eco-tourism. By spotlighting Nyungwe in one of Asia's premier nature destinations, Rwanda hopes to attract travellers seeking immersive, sustainable experiences.
The event at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve brought together conservation experts, travel industry leaders, and media to experience a taste of Rwanda's natural heritage and build new connections that will further position Rwanda as the 'Heart of Africa' and a top destination for luxury eco-tourism.
Nyungwe, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is often described as Rwanda's ecological crown jewel. Now, its spirit lives on in Singapore, inviting thousands of visitors each year to discover the natural beauty and conservation efforts behind the 'Heart of Africa.'
Wycliffe Nyamasege
