ACRES WILDLIFE RESCUE CENTRE OFFICIALLY OPEN!

Reptiles and amphibians rescued from the cruel illegal wildlife trade in Singapore can now find safe sanctuary at the ACRES Wildlife Rescue Centre (AWRC)!

The AWRC was officially opened on the 13th August 2009 by Dr. Lim Wee Kiak, Member of Parliament for Sembawang GRC.

The AWRC will help ACRES to expand our wildlife rescue efforts, which to date have seen us rescue more than 180 animals from the wildlife trade, as well as helping countless native animals.

Initially, the centre will house non-venomous species of reptiles and amphibians, both individuals rescued from the illegal wildlife trade and native reptiles and amphibians in need of veterinary care. Animals housed will include snakes, tortoises, turtles and lizards.

At the Wildlife Recovery and Rehabilitation Centre, all animals are provided with spacious living quarters, designed to the highest welfare standards and with plenty of opportunities for them to engage in their natural behaviours. All animals receive specialist veterinary care.

As far as possible, animals rescued from the illegal wildlife trade will be repatriated to their country of origin, whilst native individuals will be rehabilitated and released back to the wild.

The AWRC will play a vital role in ending the illegal wildlife trade in Singapore and the region both through its rescue efforts, and also by serving as a centre for education on this important issue.

A range of Educational Programmes are offered at the on-site Lee Foundation Education Centre, where visitors can also learn about the wildlife trade as well as a whole host of other animal protection issues. Additionally, the Outdoor Conservation Classroom lets visitors explore the exciting world of Singapore 's native wildlife and learn how to protect our precious remaining wild animals.

The AWRC also offers a range of volunteer opportunities, with the volunteer experience greatly enhanced by the provision of the dedicated South West CDC Volunteer House, where volunteers are made to feel a real part of the ACRES community.

ACRES is extremely grateful to all who have supported this important project: Our loyal supporters and members, our generous donors, our amazing, hardworking volunteers and every member of the public who has dropped a donation into our donation tins. This project has only been made possible with your support.

Note: Once the Main Sanctuary Area is opened, the AWRC will be able to take in mammals. However, the opening of the Main Sanctuary Area is delayed by at least another six months. ACRES has commenced a suit in the High Court against the main contractor and its director, who was the site supervisor for the construction of the AWRC, in relation to, amongst other things, the delay in the opening of the AWRC. ACRES is awaiting the decision of the Judge on whether the main contractor and its director are liable to ACRES in this regard.


If you would like to make a difference in the life of a rescued wild animal, and help ACRES end the illegal wildlife trade through the work of the AWRC, please consider making a donation today.

If you would like to find out more about the wildlife rescue work of the AWRC please contact Anbarasi Boopal, Director of ACRES Wildlife Rescue Centre, at anbu@acres.org.sg

If you would like to visit the AWRC please contact Charlene Tan, Director of Community Outreach, at charlene@acres.org.sg to make an appointment. Please note that opening hours are from 9am-5pm daily. Due to quarantine restrictions, please note that visitors are unable to view the rescued animals.

If you would like to find out more about the Educational Programmes available at the AWRC please contact Amy Corrigan, Director of Education, at amy@acres.org.sg

Press coverage of the AWRC opening:
ChannelNews Asia, 13 August 2009.
938Live, 13 August 2009.
TODAY, 14 August 2009.
The Straits Times, 14 August 2009.

For more on the illegal exotic pet trade click here.

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