After operating for 25 years, Underwater World Singapore (UWS) and the Dolphin Lagoon would close on June 26, the operator, Haw Par, announced on Monday. The pink dolphins, fur seas and otters would be moved to China.
Channelnewsasia reported that Underwater World Singapore had to leave its current location and stop operations because the lease in Sentosa would expire in less than two years. With the eventual closure, Haw Par said it would lower ticket prices to 1991 prices at $9 for adults and $5 for children beginning June 7, Tuesday.
The current ticket prices are $29.90 for adults and $20.90 for children. However, there would be free admissions to beneficiaries of its charities from June 7 until it closes.
The vulnerable or endangered marine animals would be moved to the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in Zhuhai, China. The transfer was approved by Singaporean and Chinese authorities, reported Straitstimes.
Haw Par reviewed for a year suitable facilities where to transfer the sea animals. It decided on Chimelong which has “one of the finest facilities in the world and a strong staff with expertise in marine mammal veterinary and husbandry care, as well as an active breeding and conservation programme.”
The operator said although the lease is not immediately expiring, it decided to facilitate the transfer of the marine creatures to Chimelong and stop operations earlier to ensure the animals have a good home to relocate which is its responsibility.
The animals have actually been moved last week. Because of the move, UWS closed its “Meet the Dolphins” session since May 26.
Singaporeans though still have the Marine Life Park, which includes Dolphin Island and the S.E.A. Aquarium which opened in 2012 at Resorts World Sentosa. Over the 25 years that UWS has operated, more than 30 million visitors have visit the attraction famous for its 83-meter-long underwater tunnel.
From Tuesday, Underwater Santa and the Underwater God of Fortune would make daily appearances at the tunnel to say goodbye to visitors for good.