The $160 million river-themed wildlife park, River Safari - home to Pandas Kai Kai and Jia Jia - opened on Wednesday morning

Waiting for the gates to open were groups of kindergarten and primary school children, tourists, as well as Singaporeans who took a day off work for the occasion.

One such person was Mr Albert Foo, 66, who arrived around 8.30am for the opening ceremony and was one of the first in line to enter. "I've always liked animals and plants," he said. He took a day's leave from his job as a hotel front desk assistant and woke up at 5.30am to make it in time to see the gates open.

The River Safari is the newest addition to the Wildlife Reserves Singapore's portfolio of parks, which includes the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and Jurong Bird Park. The 12ha park houses one of the world's largest collection of freshwater animals. It opens daily from 9am to 6pm.