Wild in Singapore

We have civets, pangolins and wild boars running wild in Singapore?! We have wildlife here?

Ok, at the expense of sounding really daft – I didn’t know THAT! I was not even aware that Singapore has an organization that champions the welfare of the wildlife!! That’s fantastic! So, here’s how I found out…

In line with their current curriculum on the students’ interests to explore the rainforest theme, my daughter’s kindergarten, Two by Two Schoolhouse invited non-profit organisation, Animal Concerns Research & Education Society (ACRES) to the school to talk to them about animal consciousness and kind treatment towards the animals. To add cohesion to their learning, the preschool was kind enough to involve the parents and invite us as guests for the talk.

It was astounding to hear about the native rescues that never made the headlines. And even more gratifying to hear the excitement and keen questions that the kids have regarding the safety of their furry and scaly friends. (I kept expecting Diego to turn up.)

The kids learnt that animals have feelings just like us; they live with their families and have emotions (happiness, sadness and fear), and just like us, they have rights on this planet we call Earth.

They also learnt where they can see native wild animals (apart from the zoo) at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve (did you know it is a rainforest?), Pulau Ubin and Kusu Island.

And if you, like me, have friends who live in far, far, ulu* areas like Dairy Farm or Linden Drive, you just might catch a glimpse of some hairy residents (reference monkey on you left) loitering on the streets.

We were even visited by a special guest – Penny, a Pomeranian pet of animal activist Mr. Louis Ng.  Penny was rescued from a puppy mill and suffers from a deformed hind leg. Through the kindness of her owner, she is now able to walk and run, albeit with a limp, does not like loud noises but is more comfortable with strangers now.

ACRES did not ask me to do this, but I thought I’ll add it in the post anyway.

They need to raise SGD$100,000 this year to keep their wildlife rescue team on the road and to support the work of the ACRES Wildlife Rescue Centre (AWRC).

Their wildlife rescue service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Right now, they receive as many as 140 rescue calls every month. So, if you can, try to help them out.  Here are some ways to support their good work and cause:

• Shop at the ACRES online store – buy a t-shirt, a mug, a book, a badge or a car decal (prices range from $2 – $10) with messages to cherish the wildlife. They also have handphone pouches ($38) or key pouches ($48) on sale.
• Be a volunteer – read about the experiences and benefits of being a volunteer at ACRES here.
• If you have DEEP pockets, book a table or seat at the ACRES Gala Dinner

I’m signing off now.  I have some shopping to do at the ACRES shop.

*ulu is a Singlish term meaning very far and remote.

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Till our next post, love yourself, love one another.