Mandai Wildlife Group’s Night Safari in Singapore, already acclaimed for its immersive Creatures of the Night trail, sought to expand its offerings with a new attraction: the Pangolin Trail. This addition aimed to provide guests with an intimate glimpse into the natural behaviors of nocturnal species in a serene, moonlit environment. The challenge was to create an atmosphere that would be comfortable and biologically appropriate for nocturnal animals while also delivering a visually engaging experience for visitors. The lighting needed to strike a delicate balance – bright enough for visibility, but subtle and natural enough not to disturb the animals’ behavior.
Lighting consultants Light Collab, in collaboration with the Martin Professional APAC team, designed a sophisticated lighting scheme that mimicked the calming effect of moonlight. To achieve this, they deployed 27 fixtures from Martin’s Exterior Wash Family, strategically installed along the Pangolin Trail to maintain a nuanced play of light and shadow. This ensured the trail remained dimly lit for nocturnal animals, yet visually accessible for human visitors.
The lighting design incorporated moonlight-inspired color temperatures, carefully curated to simulate a soft, natural glow across enclosures. Light Collab focused on low-level, non-intrusive illumination to encourage the animals to behave as they would in the wild, while dynamic preset lighting controls introduced subtle changes to promote movement and interaction among species.
To further optimize the visitor experience, the sheltered walkway was outfitted with high color rendering, glare-less RGBW spotlights, designed to minimize lighting interference while maintaining a natural aesthetic. Blended color techniques were used to eliminate multi-colored shadows typically created by RGBW lighting, preserving the organic appearance of the environment.
The project also addressed key logistical challenges, such as customizing fixture finishes to blend with natural surroundings and reinforcing them to prevent damage from curious animals like monkeys. Integration of the lighting system with the broader Night Safari infrastructure ensured seamless operation and scene control throughout the trail.
The Pangolin Trail has quickly become a standout feature at Singapore’s Night Safari, successfully merging cutting-edge lighting technology with environmental sensitivity. The Martin Exterior Wash Family fixtures not only delivered on performance and durability but also helped to create a tranquil, immersive experience that allows visitors to observe nocturnal animals in a setting that closely replicates their natural habitat.
Toh Yah Li, Light Collab Consultant, emphasized the importance of working with darkness and perception, noting that the subtle lighting design enhances both the visitor experience and animal welfare. Alvin Ang, Lighting Business Development, HARMAN Professional Solutions APAC, underscored the broader significance of the project, calling it a prime example of how thoughtful design and advanced technology can elevate themed attractions while maintaining ecological integrity.
The project demonstrates how Martin’s lighting solutions, paired with visionary design, can create transformative experiences in sensitive environments. The Pangolin Trail now stands as a model for how lighting can be both functional and artistic, deepening public appreciation for wildlife while respecting the animals’ needs.
