Last Updated on 2016-06-23 , 12:28 pm
You would have heard the recent news about the closing down of Underwater World Singapore (UWS), a place many of you would have childhood memories of.
With this place having been a part of our lives, here are some things for you to know about this world of sea life.
It was the biggest tropical fish oceanarium in the whole of Asia
When Underwater World Singapore first opened in 1991, it cost over $20 million to build. The 83-metre long tunnel formed a huge part of its structure and led to it being the biggest tropical fish oceanarium in Asia.
It used to be a huge attraction and was one of the main reasons for the surge in visits to Sentosa.
It is owned by the same company that owns Tiger Balm
It may sound hard to believe but it is true. It was first developed by the Western Australian government and changed hands twice before Haw Par Corporation took over.
Yes, they are the ones who are famous for their Tiger Balm ointment.
It is the oldest attraction in Sentosa
For all the late 2000 kids, before RWS and Universal Studios, there was the underwater world. Having been around for 25 years makes it the oldest attraction in Sentosa and therefore, also the first.
It is where many of the 90s kids will remember having camps and sleeping under the sharks. It is an experience that we will always remember.
The beloved pink dolphins, fur seals and otters have been moved to an aquarium in China
Although this has come under scrutiny and invited displeasure from local wildlife conservation groups, according to Underwater World Singapore, the facility they chose in China was one of the finest. These animals will be housed in Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in Zhuhai.
It is said to have strong staff support with expertise in marine mammal veterinary and husbandry care, as well as an active breeding and conservation programme according to UWS.
It came under controversy in 2014 for its treatment of the marine animals
A report written by the Wildlife Watchers (Singapore) in collaboration with the Sea Shepard Conservation Society (SCSS) criticised UWS for not taking care of its otters and pink dolphins.
It raised concerns regarding the health and conditions of the animals especially after a dolphin was spotted with a visible infection and a wound on her bottom jaw.
It was found that that dolphin had developed skin cancer and was under the care of a vet. However, during that period, UWS came under pressure to appease the public and wildlife conservation groups.
It will be reducing ticket prices to its 1991 opening price
$9 for adults and $5 for children compared to above $20 for both adults and children, is a deal worth taking. This deal starts on 7 June 2016 and will end on June 26, which is the last day of Underwater World Singapore.
It is currently looking for a home for its marine animals
Other than the endangered and vulnerable species that have already found homes, there is a huge number of marine wildlife that is still homeless.
Animal Concerns Research & Education Society’s (Acres) chief executive Louis Ng is hoping that Singapore’s other wildlife attractions such as Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore Zoo and River Safari would be able to take in the remaining animals at UWS.
He said that transferring animals is better than capturing animals from the wild as it is only sensible that if these animals need to be put somewhere, they should be put in places with the right facilities.
About 70 UWS staff will be affected by the closing
According to UWS, it was said that the workers will be compensated according to Singapore’s Employment Act.
It also said that it will assist the staff, within its means, to look for alternative job opportunities and also consider them for internal deployment. It is also working with unions for assistance with these processes.
It has been active in charity work
From people with disabilities to helping senior citizens, UWS has carried out events and helped support a number of charities.
UWS will be having a month of charity activities this month (June) as a mark to its closing. It will also give beneficiaries from charities it has worked with free admissions to the attraction.
Its closing is not a significant impact on the tourism industry
Although it is sad to hear, it is, unfortunately, the truth as attractions such as the SEA Aquarium and Universal Studios have caused stiff competition for UWS. Visitors to UWS started dwindling since the opening of RWS in 2012 and have continued to drop since.
It is also not a huge impact for Haw Par Corporation as the closing would not affect their earnings or net assets.
For all of you of you are sad to hear about this, now is the time to go and reminisce the good old times. Also, with the tickets being so cheap, you can even go more than once!
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