ACRES HELPING CAPTIVE ANIMALS

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http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2006/10/3/lifefocus/15402123 & sec\

=lifefocus

Tuesday October 3, 2006

 

On a mission

 

SINGAPOREANS these days are likely to link wildlife campaigns to a homegrown

group rather than the established west-based environmental organisations.

 

The locally established Animal Concerns Research and Education Society

(Acres) is pushing animal issues into the national consciousness of a

society often perceived as materialistic. From radio advertisements to

billboards, exhibition at public places and talks at schools, Acres is

showing Singaporeans their ugly treatment of animals.

 

Since its establishment in 2001, its teams on wildlife rescue, zoo check,

and research and education have rolled out campaigns to make the country an

animal-friendly city-state.

 

Acres, a member of the World Society for the Protection of Animals, aims to

end illegal wildlife trade through undercover investigations. It also

assists the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) with confiscation of

illegally held animals.

 

Singapore's Animal Concerns Research Education Society (Acres) lends its

support to the World Society for the Protection of Animals through

island-wide roadshows, on the cruelty behind the bear bile trade. --Picture

courtesy of Acres

" Undercover investigation revealed an alarmingly widespread trade in

endangered species in pet shops all over Singapore, with one in five shops

selling protected species. As of December, the team has responded to more

than 50 cases and rescued over 150 animals, including monkeys, snakes,

iguanas, turtles, tortoises, squirrels, sugar gliders, tarantulas and

geckos, " says Acres president and executive director Louis Ng.

 

Its W*ild but not Free* campaign highlights the trade in endangered species

as pet, food and medicine. Replica models and informative panels depicting

cruel ways in which wild animals are smuggled have been displayed in more

than 70 exhibitions and talks at community centres and shopping malls.

 

Acres believes that informed citizens will not abuse animals and will even

report wildlife crime through its 24-hour rescue hotline.

 

The group has taken on big establishments like Singapore Zoo and Sentosa

Island Underwater World. Among its achievements is the cancellation of the

cheetah contact session and the circus-style animal shows at the zoo and

Night Safari. Visitors to Underwater World are reminded that dolphins

acquired from the wild are " suffering and not smiling " as they perform.

 

Acres zoo check team has not only exposed appalling captive conditions of

zoos and aquariums throughout Asia but also investigated the conditions of

surplus chimpanzees supplied by Singapore Zoo to regional zoos in Indonesia,

Malaysia and China.

 

" Ten chimpanzees sent away were visited and all were found to be living in

sub-optimal conditions, many in barren, concrete cages with no enrichments.

 

 

" Subsequent meetings with the parties in question resulted in improvements

of enclosures. Singapore Zoo also assured that it would take steps to

safeguard the well-being of animals sent to other zoos, " shares Ng.

 

Acres will open its first wildlife rescue centre soon to house animals

confiscated from illegal trade, as facilities like Singapore Zoo are now

full. *– By Hilary Chiew

 

*

 

*If you wish to donate towards the Wildlife Rescue Centre, please go to

www.acres.org.sg/donate.html*