An aviary named after Rwanda's Nyungwe National Park was unveiled in Singapore, on July 4, thanks to a partnership between Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and Mandai Wildlife Group. Located in Bird Paradise within Mandai Wildlife Reserve, the 1.55-hectare aviary will now be called Rwanda Nyungwe Forest Heart of Africa and will showcase Rwanda as a leading eco-tourism destination. ALSO READ: 10 reasons why Nyungwe National Park should be your next adventure This partnership will allow visitors to learn about Nyungwe's rich biodiversity, which includes over 1068 plant species, 322 bird species, and 13 primates. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Rwanda's four national parks, Nyungwe offers multiple touristic attractions, including a canopy walkway, and the recently opened zipline and rope course. ALSO READ: PHOTOS: Nyungwe park unveils new attractions, targets Rwf4.8bn takings in 2025 This unveiling of the newly named aviary took place at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, where conservation experts and travel industry leaders met to experience a taste of Rwanda’s natural heritage and build new connections that will further position the country as a tourism hub and a top destination for luxury eco-tourism. With over 800 birds, Rwanda Nyungwe Forest Heart of Africa is the largest aviary in Bird Paradise. These birds include numerous species of African starlings, pigeons, turacos, and hornbills. ALSO READ: How Rwanda will benefit from Nyungwe forest’s UNESCO World Heritage status Officials said the partnership provides Rwanda with a valuable platform to showcase its rich biodiversity to an international audience, raise awareness of conservation efforts, as the country positions itself as a luxury, eco-tourism destination. “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 RDB Chief Tourism Officer Irene Murerwa, adding that the collaboration with Mandai Wildlife Group is a unique component of Rwanda’s global tourism growth strategy. “By offering a glimpse of the Nyungwe experience at one of the world’s leading wildlife destinations, Rwanda is bringing its story of conservation and natural beauty to new audiences, inviting them to experience its wonders firsthand.” ALSO READ: A weekend of birding and tranquil beauty in Nyungwe National Park Modelled after the forested valleys of continental Africa, the aviary features elements inspired by Nyungwe National Park, such as the canopy walkway that offers different vantage points of the birds’ densely forested home. According to Cheng Wen-Haur, the Deputy CEO of Life Sciences and Operations and Chief Life Sciences Officer at Mandai Wildlife Group, the reserve serves as a window into the wild, fostering meaningful connections between people and wildlife to inspire a stronger commitment to protecting nature. “With the steadfast support of visionary partners like the Rwanda Development Board and Rwanda High Commission in Singapore, we are empowered to share compelling conservation stories that resonate across borders, he said. Together, we show how international collaboration can nurture a shared love for nature and a united commitment to its protection.” Launched in 2023, Bird Paradise is located within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, a world-leading wildlife and nature destination that offers encounters with wildlife and fosters education and appreciation for wildlife. The Mandai Wildlife Reserve is home to four other iconic wildlife parks, namely Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, Night Safari, and the newly opened Rainforest Wild Asia, alongside other nature-themed indoor attractions and green public spaces.
