Costs are increasing all around due to inflation happening globally and in turn, affecting people’s spending power.
Unfortunately, an organisation affected by this is the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES).
Starting 15 June 2024, the organisation’s wildlife rescue hotline will no longer be a 24-hour service due to a lack of funding.
ACRES Operated This 24-hour Wildlife Rescue Service Over the Past Decade
ACRES has operated this hotline for the past decade.
In a Facebook post on 10 June 2024, ACRES shared that this hotline has been vital in saving the lives of countless animals.
Unfortunately, the organisation cited a lack of funding and an increase in the number of wild animals it rescues and rehabilitates as the reason they can no longer man this hotline for 24 hours a day.
However, the hotline will still be manned from 7 am to 1 am daily.
An automated Whatsapp guidance system will also be available during the unmanned hours.
They will also offer “alternative means for animals who require urgent rescue.”
ACRES Still Active in Wildlife Conversation and Protection
Despite this lack of funding and the increased number of wildlife to look out for, ACRES has remained active in protecting the wildlife in Singapore, from monitoring animals in the wild to rescuing and rehabilitating them.
In the recent case of the baby owls found in the trees of Telok Blangah, ACRES made an active effort to protect these tiny creatures.
In a Facebook post on 10 May 2024, ACRES shared that the owlets were in a crucial phase of learning to fly “where they will be hopping between branches, taking short flights between trees to strengthen their flight muscles.”
They made sure to warn people that this was a “crucial period to stop crowding around” and even shifted them higher up in the tree to help them learn to fly.
Let’s stop being so KPO la guys. Leave the animals be.
Another example is when it came to the widespread issue of glue traps harming wildlife, ACRES collaborated with Antzworkz Consultants and Rakuten to gain insight into public perceptions and awareness of glue trap usage in Singapore.
It was the first-ever such survey conducted and provided more insight into more that could be done, as NParks also issued a new recommendation that glue traps for pests can no longer be used in outdoor areas where wildlife can get caught.
If you do see any native wild animal in need of help or find an abandoned exotic animal, you may call the ACRES Wildlife Rescue Hotline at 97837782.
To best help the creature, you should provide the following information to the ACRES rescuers:
- Describe the animal – including details on the type of animal, size, colour and markings or distinct features
- Describe any injuries
- Let them know if there are other animals nearby
- Send a photo of the animal via WhatsApp
If the animal needs immediate assistance, is in immediate danger or might escape:
- Where possible, it is not recommended to pick up the animal even with gloves
- If the creature is severely injured or immobile, place a container over the animal and slide a thin board underneath to gently catch the animal – cap the container and ensure there are breathing holes for it
- Keep the animal warm (between 26-30 degrees or 32 degrees for newborn mammals) and in a quiet and dark environment
ACRES will work to aid the animals in need, and also relocate wild animals who have ventured into homes and release them safely back into the wild.
Don’t worry, they do not charge for such relocation and rescue services, although donations are always appreciated to help them continue doing their good work.
Another avenue you may also call is the NParks’ 24-hour Animal Response Centre at 1800-476-1600 for help if you encounter any wildlife in need.
It is essential that while organisations like ACRES are doing their part for our wildlife, we also educate ourselves to play our part as well, no matter how small.
For all you know, you could save a life too.