Madagascar

What lurks beneath the playful exterior of the animated film “Madagascar”? Here at the Singapore Zoo, within the Madagascar exhibit, you can uncover the truth about the island’s top predator: the fossa. Forget the goofy portrayal in the movies. The real fossa is a creature of sleek power and quiet intelligence. Madagascar, the exhibit, offers a glimpse into the fossa’s world, far from the Hollywood caricatures. Two fossas call this exhibit home: Varus, a nine-year-old male, and Kabibi, a five-year-old female. Varus, bold and inquisitive, explores every corner of his enclosure. Kabibi, shyer, prefers the quiet comfort of her den. The Singapore Zoo carefully manages their interactions, rotating their presence in the exhibit due to their solitary nature. Daily interactive sessions provide a unique opportunity to witness these elusive creatures up close. Watch as keepers engage Varus and Kabibi in medical conditioning exercises. They use positive reinforcement, rewarding the fossas for touching a target stick, allowing for close monitoring and health checks. The exhibit itself is designed to mimic their natural habitat. Spring-loaded branches sway beneath their weight, simulating the movement of trees in their native forests. This enhances their balance and keeps their muscles strong. Madagascar in the Singapore Zoo isn’t just an exhibit; it’s a conservation effort. Varus and Kabibi were brought here under the European Endangered Species Programmes, a breeding program designed to protect these vulnerable animals. The fossa is classified as vulnerable in the wild due to habitat loss and hunting. Here, at Madagascar, they are safe, playing their part in ensuring the survival of their species. So next time you think of “Madagascar,” remember the real stars: Varus and Kabibi, ambassadors for their kind, reminding us of the importance of conservation and the fascinating reality behind the animated facade.