Singapore Zoo animals in Hari Raya mood with ‘ketupat,’ virtual visits

Two red-tailed black cockatoos appear to converse at left, while a white-faced saki monkey stares into the soul of a ketupat at right. Images: Wildlife Reserves Singapore/Facebook, @Ddinini/Twitter
Two red-tailed black cockatoos appear to converse at left, while a white-faced saki monkey stares into the soul of a ketupat at right. Images: Wildlife Reserves Singapore/Facebook, @Ddinini/Twitter

Just like the humans, animals at the Singapore Zoo were in a festive mood during the long Hari Raya weekend “feasting” on ketupat and “catching up” with loved ones online.

Videos and photos shared by the Wildlife Reserves Singapore showed animals chowing down, including a white-faced saki enjoying a meal served in woven palm leaves. In another, two red-tailed cockatoos whistle at each other as if in conversation.  

“Selamat Hari Raya to all our Muslim friends on day two of their month-long celebrations! While this year may be very different from previous years, we hope you’re still staying connected with your friends and loved ones!” the video caption of the cockatoo read.

The video of the cockatoos made it appear as if they were greeting each other enthusiastically, one displaying his wings to the other bird shown on a monitor later revealed to be a YouTube clip.

Singapore’s Muslims were not allowed to visit their loved ones during Eid celebrations, which began Sunday, meaning families had to resort to video calls. But the spirit was felt by many families who still dressed up for the occasion to eat festive food at home and share it all online.

The animals too caught up with their loved ones and feasted on traditional food.

Other than the white-faced saki, a black and white ruffed lemur, golden lion tamarin, and a Malayan flying fox were also shown gorging on food and tearing apart their ketupat

Other stories you should check out:
Crowds swarm Geylang Serai market ahead of Hari Raya celebrations
Nope, Eid isn’t canceled. Singapore’s Muslims are finding festive cheer – and sales – online



Reader Interactions

Leave A Reply


BECOME A COCO+ MEMBER

Support local news and join a community of like-minded
“Coconauts” across Southeast Asia and Hong Kong.

Join Now
Coconuts TV
Our latest and greatest original videos
Subscribe on