ACRES WILDLIFE RESCUE CENTRE

PROJECT BACKGROUND

"Only after the last tree has been cut down.Only after the last river has been poisoned.Only after the last fish has been caught.Only then will you find that money cannot be eaten."- Cree Indian Prophecy

The illegal pet trade is exceedingly cruel and wasteful. Typically, adult wild animals are slaughtered by poachers who take the babies, then pack them in horrific conditions, just so that those still alive after a harrowing journey can be bought by someone seeking an exotic pet.

Globally, the illegal trading in wildlife, timber and other natural resources is now surpassed only by the trafficking in drugs and weapons. This ongoing illegal trade has severe consequences for the survival of every species involved. Removing these animals from their natural habitat damages the fragile ecosystems as well as threatens the survival of the species.

In recent years, there has been an alarming increase in the illegal trade in protected species. In Singapore , the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) has stepped up its enforcement efforts, leading to the rescue of an increasing number of illegally traded animals. More than 4,000 animals were seized from dealers and private homes in the last 5 years.

There is clearly a need to create awareness amongst Singaporeans about the illegal wildlife trade. A nationwide survey by ACRES in 2005 found 1 in 5 pet shops in Singapore illegally selling prohibited wild animals. It has become apparent that many Singaporeans buy these prohibited animals without knowing that it is illegal to keep them and the cruelty behind the trade, thus unwittingly contributing to this illegal and wasteful trade.

The AWRC will serve as an educational facility to create the much needed awareness on the detrimental effects of the illegal wildlife trade on both animals and the environment. It will provide information on what species are protected and prohibited to be kept as pets in Singapore and why. This educational aspect of the AWRC will ultimately move us one step closer towards ending the illegal wildlife trade and preserving the environment.

The AWRC will also serve as a platform to promote volunteerism, providing Singaporeans with a hands-on opportunity to help animals and engage them in taking a more proactive role in tackling animal protection problems of national and global concern. This will allow Singaporeans to play an active role in the animal protection movement and take responsibility for and ownership of the future of animals and the environment in Singapore and the region.

There is also an urgent need to provide an appropriate home for the rescued animals. There is currently no rescue centre in Singapore dedicated to providing a sanctuary to these rescued wild animals and providing them with optimal living conditions. These animals have undoubtedly been subjected to severe stress from being caught up in the illegal wildlife trade, from the point of capture, to the inhumane transport conditions, to being held captive in inappropriate conditions. The AWRC will provide them with an ideal environment in which to rest and recuperate.

The AWRC will also help reduce the competition for space at the Singapore Zoo and enable the zoo to concentrate on providing quarantine space for animals brought into the zoo for the parks' display and breeding purposes.


Help us make a difference in the lives of the animals.


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