ACRES: Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Singapore)

🌟🚴‍♂️THANK YOU KATHY, UNSPRUNG AND KALAI 🚴‍♂️🌟

A huge shoutout to our wonderful supporter, Kathy Xu The Dorsal Effect , for not only attending our ACRES gala dinner but for making it an annual highlight and adding her special touch of fun by bidding on Co-CEO Kalai's trail biking experience! 🚴‍♂️

We’re thrilled you and your tribe had a blast on the trails with Kalai! A big thank you as well to Kalai for leading the adventure with patience and enthusiasm, and to UNSPRUNG for generously sponsoring the bikes that made this experience possible. 🙌

Thank you also for your kind words Kathy:
Going for the ACRES gala dinner has always been one of the mainstay highlights of my life each year. I feel bad not being able to contribute more time to support ACRES so the gala dinner has always been my way of making up for it, bringing my tribe to join my table. I love to add to the excitement of the night by always cheekily bidding for good friend and co-CEO, Kalai's bid item during the dinner too, to liven things up. This year, we got to go trail biking with Kalai and it was tremendous fun with the tribe and seeing Kalai in his elements while still being patient with some of us who were less daredevil-minded than the rest. Haha. Thank you, ACRES, for the thoughtful experience-based gala items that makes it all so much more meaningful and helps deepen bonds within the like-minded tribe!

𝐀𝐔𝐆 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃 𝐔𝐏 𝐎𝐅 𝟐𝟎 𝐆𝐋𝐔𝐄 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐏 𝐕𝐈𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐒

It is indeed heartening to learn that members of the public were our ‘eyes’ and ‘ears’ by reporting these cases to us. The use of glue traps does not solve the root causes of rodent issues. This still boils down to proper food waste management and curbing littering and feeders through effective enforcement and regular outreach/education. Our follow up site visits have uncovered open gully trap covers outside bin centres, which can exacerbate the rodent issues in the estate. We also attempt engaging the town councils to alert them to the ill effects of laying glue traps.

With no regulations on sale and use of glue traps by the public, the monthly data continues to worry us on the suffering that these animals go through unnecessarily. We continue to share our data with the relevant agencies National Environment Agency (NEA) & NParks to engage them on our appeal to regulate the sale and use of glue traps.

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All good things must come to an end. Only then will extraordinary things begin.

Our avian enclosure will soon be demolished to make way for a sewer system. This opens opportunities for newer, bigger projects to enhance the ACRES Wildlife Rescue Centre infrastructure and optimise our resources.

The avian enclosure had rehabilitated countless birds from orioles to eagles, but it was also built to serve multi-species such as pythons, monitor lizards, and even otters. With the help of corporate volunteers, the enclosures were built from ground up, entirely by hand.

We’ve put together these photos to reminisce the hard work put in, and give special thanks to our corporate volunteers, including Kalai Vanan, ex-staff Ram Velu, Joe Kam, and the late Raj Kumar whose legacy lives on at ACRES.

GOOD NEWS 👍🏽📢 We extend our heartfelt thanks and commendation to the Ministry of National Development, and Ministry of Home Affairs for recognising as a serious offence under the Organised Crimes Act. This significant step not only strengthens 's commitment to combating a global crime, but also empowers our agencies to effectively investigate and take action against these crimes, including those with financial implications.

A big thank you to all the fellow wildlife advocacy groups and whose committed voices helped drive this recommendation during the review of Singapore's Endangered Species (Import & Export) Act. Our appreciation also goes to .cat.sg SWAG team of volunteers and Risikotek for the valuable work through their position paper.

https://str.sg/vhcd

GOOD NEWS 👍🏽📢 We extend our heartfelt thanks and commendation to the Ministry of National Development, , and Ministry of Home Affairs for recognising as a serious offence under the Organised Crimes Act. This significant step not only strengthens 's commitment to combating a global crime, but also empowers our agencies to effectively investigate and take action against these crimes, including those with financial implications.

A big thank you to all the fellow wildlife advocacy groups and whose committed voices helped drive this recommendation during the review of Singapore's Endangered Species (Import & Export) Act. Our appreciation also goes to .cat.sg SWAG team of volunteers and Risikotek for the valuable work through their position paper.

https://str.sg/vhcd

Reunited by Love: A Mother’s Brave Rescue

While feeding at the canal, a devoted Waterhen heard the faint calls of her chick. Without hesitation, she ran towards the condo boundary where her little one was stranded. In a swift and graceful move, she gently gathered her chick, her maternal instincts guiding her every action.

For a while, she stood, carefully assessing the situation. Unable to safely climb back up with her chick, she paused, pondering the best way to ensure their safety. Finally, she led her chick to a safer route, disappearing into the greenery together.

At ACRES, we rescue and rehabilitate young animals in hopes of reuniting them with their family. Moments like these give us the privilege of witnessing heartwarming reunions, preserving the precious bonds that are so crucial to their survival. Each successful reunion is a testament to the care and commitment that our team pours into protecting Singapore’s wildlife.

[Learning Science in a real-world setting.]

Last Sunday, the 𝘈𝘊𝘙𝘌𝘚 𝘖𝘶𝘵𝘥𝘰𝘰𝘳𝘴 @ 𝘚𝘶𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘪 𝘉𝘶𝘭𝘰𝘩 saw kids and parents who learned about wildlife etiquette and safety in the outdoors. Under the guidance of Science-teacher-turned-ACRES Education Executive Tang Beng Yong, these primary schoolers reviewed Science topics on animals, plants, and human impact on the environment in their natural habitat.

Our wildlife etiquette lessons educate people on animal sentience, encouraging respect for their feelings to promote co-existence and prevent human-wildlife conflict.

By providing children with enjoyable outdoor learning experiences, we aim to help them connect with animals and nature, fostering a better understanding of the relationship between humans, animals, and the environment. Only when people care about nature will they want to protect it.

We look forward to our second and last session this Sunday. Thank you to all our participants for supporting our cause and playing an integral part in making learning fun!

𝗣𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝘂𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲:

Last year, between June and October 2023, we received reports about a unit at an industrial estate at Sims Drive displaying over 20 blue-crowned hanging parrots. These beautiful birds were found crammed into tiny metal cages on the unit's exterior.

Our team spotted 21 blue-crowned hanging parrots in makeshift cages and raised serious concerns about their welfare and the presence of traps. This species is CITES Appendix II listed, requiring permits for import into . We filed a report with NParks to investigate as we strongly suspect that they were poached or illegally imported as there has been no reported legal imports of this species since 2010.

On July 10th 2023, we uncovered active bird traps at the same location, using live blue-crowned hanging parrot as bait. NParksbuzz acted swiftly to remove the traps and the investigation is ongoing. We thank the informants for helping us by providing information, and we hope for sufficiently deterrent enforcement action. Studies have indicated that Singapore is the largest importer of CITES-listed birds in Southeast Asia, contributing to 18% of the region's imports, and also serves as a transshipment hub for wild birds originating from Africa, Europe, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

Parents! The September school holidays are fast approaching but don’t panic. We’ve got your backs to engage your young ones.

Let your kids join us for ACRES Outdoors, a unique outdoor primary school science education programme at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.

This outdoor learning opportunity sees two sessions at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve’s Wetlands Centre on:
Sunday, 1st September, and
Sunday 8th September 2024 (repeated programme), to:
(a) learn about wildlife and park etiquette (how to behave safely around wildlife),
(b) connect with and learn how to protect nature.

Kids! Fret not, we’ll help you revise your science topics, so you can tell Mom and Dad that you’ll be hard at work (and play)!

We will cover plant plant and animal science in a natural environment so you can observe the relationships between living things and their habitat. And more importantly, apply your scientific knowledge in a real world setting.

These sessions will be led by Mr Beng, previously a primary school Science teacher before he joined ACRES’ Education Department.

For more info and tickets, visit eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.sg/e/998843787657?aff=oddtdtcreator

ACRES is seeking committed and experienced individuals for these positions: Fundraising Manager (Supporters Engagement) and a Fundraising Manager (Events & Campaigns) to help us drive our mission forward.

This role will see you:
• Develop and manage fundraising strategies
• Build and maintain strong relationships with donors
• Coordinate events and write compelling proposals
• Lead and inspire a team of dedicated volunteers

If you have experience in creating impactful fundraising campaigns, apply now and be part of our team! Visit our website for more information: https://bit.ly/ACRESVacancies

With no regulations on sale and use of glue traps by the public, the data continues to worry us on the suffering that these animals go through unnecessarily. We continue to share our data with the relevant agencies ( National Environment Agency (NEA) , NParks) to engage them on our appeal to regulate the sale and use of glue traps.

Youths of today play a crucial role in animal protection by raising awareness about the importance of animal welfare and advocating for sustainable practices and lifestyle.

Project Innocura from Raffles Girls’ School collaborated with ACRES over the common goal of encouraging a cruelty-free lifestyle. They identified the excessive consumption of animal-tested beauty products in Singapore and wanted to steer consumers to support cruelty-free brands instead.

Advanced non-animal research methods are readily available and have consistently proven to be more accurate and reliable than traditional animal-based experiments, resulting in unnecessary animal testing that is both wasteful and cruel.

Thank you, Project Innocura, for raising much-needed funds for our animal protection programmes.

If you and your friends are ready to speak up for animals, follow this link to get in touch with us: https://bit.ly/ACRESVIAStudentProjects

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝟓𝟗𝐭𝐡 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐞!

Singapore has come a long way, and so has the animal welfare scene. Born and raised in Singapore, ACRES has been speaking up for animals for more than 23 years, and we’re thankful for the opportunities thus far. With your support and compassion, we remain dedicated to raising awareness as we continue to work towards ending animal cruelty.

ACRES AT THE NEE SOON PUBLIC FORUM ON ANIMAL WELFARE POLICIES

ACRES was thrilled to participate and speak up at the Nee Soon Public Forum on Animal Welfare Policies. It was heartwarming to see important questions and recommendations raised by members of the public at the forum, on penalties for crimes against animals, pigeon poisoning and culling of urban birds and more. Thank you to Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang and Minister K Shanmugam Sc for hearing the concerns. As animal welfare advocacy group looking at addressing the root causes of cruelty to animals, we proposed the following recommendation, for the motion in Parliament to review our existing animal welfare policies:

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞: World Animal Protection rated 50 countries based on animal protection index (API) published in 2020. Amongst 10 indicators, formal recognition of animal sentience in legislation was the very first key indicator. This indicator explores animal protection at various levels, for farm/food animals, animals in captivity, companion animals, working animals and animals used for scientific research, entertainment and wild animals, invertebrates including cephalopods and decapod crustaceans. In a 2023 report on farm animal welfare benchmarks on policies related to food animals’ welfare, sadly Singapore ranked in the last 4, amongst the 17 countries in the region. Many international jurisdictions recognise animal sentience in their laws. So,
Can we recognise animal sentience in our laws, as a guiding principle to safeguard the welfare of the currently unprotected animals such as animals in the food industry and unprotected wildlife such as pigeons, mynahs and crows?

Recognising animal sentience will underpin future animal welfare safeguarding measures. ACRES will continue to work on this and other recommendations related to local animal protection issues together with other stakeholders. Your support is crucial for us to continue being a voice for the voiceless!



📷: Louis Ng (Facebook)

𝗢𝗪𝗡 𝗕𝗟𝗢𝗚: 𝗨𝗻𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝘀𝘀𝘀𝘆𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝗕𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗻𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀

Two weeks ago, we all raised awareness on the . Here is another blog article contributed by Mandai Nature, busting myths and misconceptions about snakes. OWN (Our Wild Neighbours) is a nationwide awareness campaign promoting coexistence with our wildlife.

https://www.ourwildneighbours.sg/post/unpacking-the-psssychology-behind-the-fear-of-snakes

Unpacking the Psssychology Behind the Fear of Snakes Do you think all snakes are slimy and venomous? That's far from the truth. Let's learn about these reptiles on World Snakes Day!

𝗗𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱, 𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 does not only apply to humans. Many of us may have heard of dogs being donors for other dogs in need.

Have you heard of birds receiving blood too? Blood transfusions across bird species is considered as a safe procedure for life-threatening conditions resulting from heavy blood loss.

A collared kingfisher was presented with weakness, near unconsciousness and absolutely pale with severe thorax bleeding signs. With no other external injuries, after some preliminary stabilisation, our Dr Sergei, started the blood transfusion from a healthy .

Within two hours of complete rest and incubation, the kingfisher was alert enough to take flight. He/She was soon released back to the after monitoring and observation. This is not the first time a humble rock pigeon saved another life. Did you know that pigeons have saved countless human lives during ?

🌟 𝗔𝗖𝗥𝗘𝗦 𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝗣𝗖𝗔 𝗩𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 🌟

Our team had an inspiring time at the 3-day SPCA Voice conference! 🐾✨

ACRES Co-CEO, Anbarasi Boopal , led a powerful discussion on the illegal wildlife trade, sharing insights and strategies to combat this pressing issue. Anbu also hosted a dynamic talk session, engaging in a thought-provoking Q&A with participants. We discussed the importance of long-term efforts and collaborative approaches to tackling animal crimes.

With ACRES Campaign Manager, JasmineVictorina Lye who showcased her work of ‘Death By Man’ with thought-provoking images and stories of wild animals who fell victim to man-made threats in Singapore.
All of our advocacy team attended, raising critical questions and voicing our concerns directly to a Member of Parliament, Louis Ng. We highlighted the need for stronger policies and enforcement to protect our wildlife. Together, we're making strides in the fight against animal crimes. 🦁🦜

SPCA's executive director, Aarthi Sankar , underscored the necessity of persistent efforts and community involvement in combating animal cruelty and wildlife crimes. The conference served as a reminder that our collective dedication is crucial in ensuring the well-being of animals.

Thank you to the SPCA Singapore team for organising this incredible event and to everyone who joined us. Let's continue to work together for a brighter future for all animals! 💚

𝗝𝗨𝗡𝗘 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗗 𝗨𝗣: 𝗚𝗟𝗨𝗘 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗣𝗦 🚨 𝟮𝟴 𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗼𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝘃𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗺𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝟯𝟬 𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀!

13 Javan mynahs, 2 rock pigeons, 2 white-throated kingfishers, 3 sparrows, 1 pink-necked green pigeon, 1 spotted dove, 2 plantain squirrels, 1 tree shrew, 1 painted bronzeback and 1 paradise tree snake. 🐍🐦🐿️
Since the new guidelines from the authorities have been announced in May 2024, ACRES is deep diving into the data every month to understand (i) what drives the use of the inhumane and indiscriminate glue traps, (ii) who actually puts them out and (iii) where.

Over 50% of the above cases remain shrouded in mystery, as the origin of the traps are unknown to the callers who called us to help these animals. 20% of these cases were traps set in open areas, and even with covered traps - the non-target species can fall victim to the glue. 25% of these animals were found on traps laid by pest control companies.

DIY glue traps are often purchased by the public for use, as no regulations exist. Please share to educate each other on the ill effects, and on alternatives to managing rodent issues by removing/securing food attractants.

✨🌱ONE MORE WEEK TO THE END OF THE CHALLENGE🌱✨

What you need to do:
1) Save the challenge card.
2) Complete an activity on the card, take a photo and mark the card.
3) Complete 4 activities in a row.
4) Post your challenge card and activity photos in comments below.
First 30 participants to complete and post their cards will win a $15 voucher and a day pass to shop at Everyday Vegan Grocer (online shop)!

You can post your completed Bingo card any time between 15th - 28th July. Remember: submit 1 photo per activity. Please also hashtag .

Our sustainable future is with plants. 👊🌱

To find out about similar outdoor education events in future, follow ACRES on Eventbrite. https://www.eventbrite.sg/o/acres-37313437413

Help us by making the comments look like a search history of a snake living in SG!

✨🌱The CHALLENGE BEGINS TODAY!🌱✨

What you need to do:
1) Save the challenge card.
2) Complete an activity on the card, take a photo and mark the card.
3) Complete 4 activities in a row.
4) Post your challenge card and activity photos in comments below.

First 30 participants to complete and post their cards will win a $15 voucher and a day pass to shop at Everyday Vegan Grocer (online shop)!

You can post your completed Bingo card any time between 15th - 28th July. Remember: submit 1 photo per activity. Please also hashtag .

Our sustainable future is with plants. 👊🌱

𝗗𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗛 𝗕𝗬 𝗠𝗔𝗡 𝗔𝗧 𝗩𝗢𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗙𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘

Jasvic Lye is our Campaigns Manager, running the nationwide campaign . Did you also know that she is an artist-photographer, who created an impactful and soulful project , to investigate and document the stories of Singapore's wildlife through a journaled obituary. We are proud to share that Jasvic spoke at SPCA Singapore inaugural VOICE Conference, on her project.

From the Q&A session, we are confident that more youth were inspired by her journey and challenges, and will consider making a career option to speak up for the voiceless!

Drop by and show your support to our Campaign Manager Jasvic!
www.jasvicphotography.com/death-by-man
www.ourwildneighbours.sg
@ deathbyman
@ ourwildneighbours

Photo credits: SPCA Singapore

📚✨🔎🌱 𝗔𝗗𝗗𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗢𝗢𝗧 𝗖𝗔𝗨𝗦𝗘: 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗚𝗛 𝗛𝗨𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗘 𝗘𝗗𝗨𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡

“Teaching a child not to step on a caterpillar is as valuable to the child as it is to the caterpillar”. We value the importance of , and its role in addressing many issues that animals face. You may have met our amazing outreach team Beng or Madeline at our tours, education programmes or at public roadshows.

In the first half of 2024, our Outreach team reached 34 schools through 56 engaging education programs, from classroom talks to workshops and wildlife rescue centre visits, fostering compassion for all lives 🐐🐟🐔🐮🦀. During school holidays, we hosted 10 outdoor education programs in nature parks, changing misconceptions and empowering families with wildlife etiquette.

In the past 6 months, we also mentored 33 student projects on animal protection and conservation. We believe in the power of community to nurture young hearts and minds and ACRES is incredibly grateful for the unwavering support from both schools and parents, and their kind testimonials and feedback! Together, we sow the seeds of respect, love and empathy for all lives, shaping a kinder future.

If you’d like to engage us for our education programmes for various age groups, please write to [email protected]

𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗧𝗢𝗣𝗜𝗖 𝗢𝗙 𝗣𝗜𝗚𝗘𝗢𝗡 𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗔𝗚𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 Managing pigeon population is understandably a complex and multifaceted issue, that requires (i) community engagement and cooperation, (ii) intensive food source management and (iii) infrastructure modifications where required. While we are encouraged by the collaborative efforts of SFA, NEA, and NParks to manage food waste effectively, we believe that the decision to increase culling at Ang Mo Kio, Bishan-Toa Payoh and Tanjong Pagar estates is a 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁-𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺, 𝗶𝗻𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴:
(𝗶) 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁-𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗽𝗼𝗽𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Pigeons have been culled in Singapore for many years, yet proven to be ineffective with no numbers (of culled/removed pigeons) reported. Studies in other cities have proven that culling creates void, quickly filling in migrating pigeons and increased survival/breeding of remaining pigeons.

(𝗶𝗶) 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲, 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴-𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀: Food reduction, habitat modification and oral contraception have worked in the long-term. Though viewed as resource-intensive, these have been proven effective in halving the pigeon population in 3-year long studies, and works well in small and well managed cities.

(𝗶𝗶𝗶) 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗼𝘅𝗶𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲: SPCA reported 9 cats as suspected victims of poisoning just in June 2024. This year alone, concerned members of the public have reported over 187 poisoned birds (including 158 rock pigeons, and sparrows, mynahs, black-naped oriole and feral chickens) to ACRES for their rescue. In just two years, ACRES has rescued 1,000 birds, including protected bird species.

In addition, on 30th November 2021, it was reported on media on “NParks working with town councils to stop use of poison in wildlife control measures”. With the proposed guidelines on pigeon culling, it directly contradicts the statement above encouraging the town councils to use toxins to capture pigeons for culling.

ACRES has shared the above concerns today through an appeal to the relevant agencies and the estate MPs, and we hope to engage further to propose an alternative longer term humane pilot.

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/ang-mo-kio-bishan-toa-payoh-tanjong-pagar-town-councils-pigeon-culling-nparks-4434341

Pigeon culling among measures to be stepped up in pilot initiative at 3 town councils Government agencies also aim to reduce human food sources for pigeons, by improving refuse and food waste management at bin centres and F&B establishments.

A KIND CALLER, TWO DEDICATED AND A LOST ORIOLE BABY 🐤

Thanks to the kind caller, who was great help (and also took these visuals) in reuniting the lost oriole nestling with the parents. With the help of a long (and expensive) carbon fibre pole, our rescue volunteers took care and strength to slowly extend the pole and carefully place the baby with the parents. After a couple of heart-stopping moments where the chick landed on the branch below and dangled, our team decided to instead put the tired chick in a makeshift nest for the parents to feed. The parents returned to take over, and feed the young.

Reunion attempts take a lot of time and patience, but being with their parents is the best outcome for the young wildlife. Not only will it ensure better survival chances for the baby animal, but also save a spot at our facility for another young or injured wild animal, who needs that rehabilitation and recovery space.

If you find a baby bird/squirrel, please do not bring them home or feed them. Please call our hotline for advice and assessment, so everyone of us can play our part in ensuring a better future for these animals!