Singapore’s First Wildlife Rescue Center

From International Primate Protection League.

The ACRES Wildlife Rescue Centre (AWRC) (located in Sungei Tengah Agrotech Park) will occupy two hectares (five acres) and will provide a safe haven for more than 400 wild animals rescued from illegal trade, potentially including primates (such as gibbons, macaques, and lorises), marsupials, reptiles, small ungulates, and small carnivores. The AWRC will also help to end the cruel trafficking in rare species by serving as an educational facility for the public. With the assistance of volunteers, ACRES plans to use the center to generate increased awareness of the impact of the illegal wildlife trade—and to help create a more caring and compassionate society.

Illicit wildlife trafficking is rampant in Southeast Asia, with an active trade in many species of wild animals for their meat, for their body parts to be used in traditional medicines, and for supplying the exotic pet trade.

In recent years, there has been an alarming increase in the illegal trade in protected species of wild animals and plants. In Singapore, the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) has stepped up its enforcement efforts, leading to the confiscation of an increasing number of illegally traded animals.

The AWRC will provide such confiscated animals with an ideal environment in which to rest and recuperate. Wherever possible, ACRES will seek to repatriate animals back to reputable sanctuaries in their country of origin. However, for those animals who cannot be repatriated, the AWRC will serve as a permanent home.

ACRES undercover operations has led to prosecutions of importers, traders, and buyers of illegal trade in Singapore. ACRES operates the 24-hour ACRES Wildlife Crime Hotline, which provides a means of blowing the whistle on anyone who buys, owns, or trades in exotic species.

Public roadshows, advertisements in the local media, and talks and exhibitions at schools are all part of a strategy to raise public awareness of the impact of the illegal wildlife trade and ultimately to achieve the main aim of ACRES: to foster compassion and respect for all animals.

ACRES - Animal Concerns Research and Education Society.

Help Donate to ACRES.

Types of animals allowed to be sold in pet shops (from AVA)

Comments

blog comments powered by Disqus