I thought I'd compile a comprehensive list of locations at the Zoo, River Safari and Night Safari for colugo spotting. If one were to search carefully around all these locations, I'd say there is a 90% chance of seeing a colugo.
The Zoo has several colugo hotspots. In general, look for straight tree trunks. Colugos seem to prefer resting vertically.
Elephants of Asia exhibit is one of the most reliable spots. Both ends of the boardwalk have little pockets of forest that are frequented by colugos, especially the end near the Pavilion by the Lake. Colugos are often seen on the trees near the little viewing hut.
The Reptile Garden area is another reliable spot. Look around the Tortoise Shell-ter (including the back of it which faces the reservoir), Komodo Dragon and Giant Tortoise exhibits.
The walkway between the Estuarine Crocodile and Chimpanzee exhibits is also a good spot. There are a couple of tall, slender trees with straight trunks and light-coloured bark that colugos like to rest on.
You might also spot a colugo at the Pygmy Hippo/Warthog exhibits. Look behind the hippo viewing gallery and the trees around the warthog exhibit.
Honourable mentions: The area at Primate Kingdom between the black howler exhibit and Garden Pavilion; Rainforest Walk and Heliconia Valley.
I've only seen colugo at River Safari at the entrance plaza. Before the entry gates, look out for several stands of betel nut palm. One colugo is sometimes seen resting just under the fronds (partly hidden by the clusters of betel nuts).
Night Safari's entrance courtyard is a favourite resting spot for a female colugo. There are 3 trees in front of the big entrance sign that the female often rests on. If you're lucky she might be carrying a baby. At around 7.30pm she will become active and will start grooming, pooping and stretching. If you're patient enough you might see her glide off to nearby trees to feed.
Happy colugo spotting!
The Zoo has several colugo hotspots. In general, look for straight tree trunks. Colugos seem to prefer resting vertically.
Elephants of Asia exhibit is one of the most reliable spots. Both ends of the boardwalk have little pockets of forest that are frequented by colugos, especially the end near the Pavilion by the Lake. Colugos are often seen on the trees near the little viewing hut.
The Reptile Garden area is another reliable spot. Look around the Tortoise Shell-ter (including the back of it which faces the reservoir), Komodo Dragon and Giant Tortoise exhibits.
The walkway between the Estuarine Crocodile and Chimpanzee exhibits is also a good spot. There are a couple of tall, slender trees with straight trunks and light-coloured bark that colugos like to rest on.
You might also spot a colugo at the Pygmy Hippo/Warthog exhibits. Look behind the hippo viewing gallery and the trees around the warthog exhibit.
Honourable mentions: The area at Primate Kingdom between the black howler exhibit and Garden Pavilion; Rainforest Walk and Heliconia Valley.
I've only seen colugo at River Safari at the entrance plaza. Before the entry gates, look out for several stands of betel nut palm. One colugo is sometimes seen resting just under the fronds (partly hidden by the clusters of betel nuts).
Night Safari's entrance courtyard is a favourite resting spot for a female colugo. There are 3 trees in front of the big entrance sign that the female often rests on. If you're lucky she might be carrying a baby. At around 7.30pm she will become active and will start grooming, pooping and stretching. If you're patient enough you might see her glide off to nearby trees to feed.
Happy colugo spotting!
as this is the only order of placental mammal which is entirely unrepresented in captivity.
