I REFER to Mrs Ng Shien's letter on Tuesday, 'Zoo didn't address high prices, long queues'. Wildlife Reserves Singapore did provide a solution to Mr Kamar Lim's complaint about high charges by giving him an alternative of taking up a package, where the prices will be more competitive, instead of purchasing tickets individually.
The long queues may be regrettable but that should be expected due to the school holidays and the end of examinations for many students. That said, Wildlife Reserves could indeed implement a better queuing system to deal with the crowds. Tickets for the Singapore Zoo are priced at $16.50 per adult, which, in my view, is competitive and reasonable.
This is especially so if you were to compare it with zoos around the world.
In terms of value added, the Singapore Zoo gives visitors that and more. As Mrs Ng said, 'the constant re-invention of the zoo to draw tourist crowds is commendable''.
It is not for nothing that ForbesTraveller.com cites the Singapore Zoo as one of the best in the world. This 're-invention' requires a lot of money and the entry price is just one of the ways for the Singapore Zoo to obtain funds in order to improve itself and continue attracting visitors.
Lastly, it is for entirely different reasons that people visit Palawan Beach.
Instead of comparing the zoo with Palawan Beach, perhaps Mrs Ng should compare it with attractions in Sentosa such as the Dolphin Lagoon, which charges $19.90 per adult ticket.
Isn't that entry fee 'exorbitant' compared to the zoo's?
As for the zoo's food prices, if we are willing consumers, we should not complain about it.
