Few know that Malayan tapirs snore when they sleep, orang utans tease and play pranks on each other and horses nibble their keepers to ask for attention.
But such behaviours are a common sight for the animal keepers at Wildlife Reserve Singapore's (WRS) stable of attractions - the Jurong Bird Park, Night Safari, River Safari and Singapore Zoo.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month
No contract
ST app access on 1 mobile device
All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com
Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device
E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you
Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on May 20, 2018, with the headline Where the animals are like family. Subscribe