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The Singapore Zoological Gardens (SZG) accepts, and will continue to accept, donations from the Agri-food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA), members of the public and the Singapore Police Force. In addition, we have also received animals from NParks, the SPCA and non-governmental organizations.
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Rhesus macaque: Singapore Zoo provided housing and medical care to Asha, a female rhesus macaque, for twenty months. The park also arrange the logistics for Asha’s repatriation to India in May 2006 |
Putri, a white handed gibbon, was left in SZG’s carparks in November 2004. She has been successfully integrated into the parks’ collection has been paired with a male for breeding purposes. |
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Below is a breakdown of animals received by SZG over the last three years, which were rescued from the illegal pet trade, or displaced native animals requiring expert care which only wildlife specialists at the Zoo and Night Safari can offer.
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AVA |
Public |
Police |
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M |
R |
B |
I |
M |
R |
B |
M |
R |
B |
Total |
| 2004 |
7 |
57 |
0 |
9 |
3 |
63 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
142 |
| 2005 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
9 |
0 |
1 |
5 |
0 |
21 |
| 2006 |
2 |
12 |
1 |
28 |
2 |
19 |
0 |
1 |
76 |
1 |
142 |
| 2007 |
2 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
8 |
22 |
0 |
1 |
77 |
1 |
121 |
Key: M – Mammals, B –Birds, R – Reptiles, I – Invertebrates
We will make all attempts to absorb donated and confiscated animals into our collection. However, animals that cannot be integrated for various reasons are maintained off-exhibit either at the Small Animal Quarantine or at the various sections of the Zoo and Night Safari until a suitable home is found for them in another facility.
In some cases, especially where a large number of animals are confiscated, we work with the AVA to repatriate the animals to their country of origin.
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In 2002, we worked with AVA to send over 2000 star tortoises back to India. More recently, in 2005, 15 shingle back skinks, all AVA confiscations, were sent to Detroit Zoo to be placed in breeding programs in various zoos in the United States. Throughout this process, SZG works closely with the local agency concerned and will arrange for the necessary documentation, transport arrangements as well as veterinary and health checks, to make sure that the animals have a clean bill of health to travel. |
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Pangolins are native species that have been caught by the public/ police and sent to the Singapore Zoo. These animals are treated with the best veterinary care and then released back into the wild.
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On two separate occasions, SZG was called upon by ACRES to house two prima tes that were seized by the AVA. In May 2003, we housed a vervet monkey named “Blue”, a species native to Africa that was confiscated by the AVA and sent to the Zoo. “Blue” was kept at the Animal Quarantine Centre for about a year, where he received proper care and appropriate veterinary treatment. He was exported in April 2004 to Africa.
Similarly, in August 2004, AVA confiscated a rhesus macaque, named “Asha”, from a private owner. We housed the rhesus macaque, native to India, for about 20 months and she was finally re-homed at a sanctuary in India in May 2006. All expense and efforts pertaining to health tests, veterinary, husbandry, nutrition, diet and enrichment were fully undertaken by SZG solely, including crate training and making the crate for repatriating the rhesus macaque. |
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With the new Wildlife Healthcare & Research Centre and a team of professional zoologists and veterinarians, with years of diverse experience in handling wildlife, SZG is dedicated towards providing utmost care for the animals.
Animals that arrive injured or in poor health are nursed back to health, and given a clean bill of health before NParks is contacted to release them. In addition, injured native animals are brought in to us for medical treatment and are released once they recover. We have treated and released 15 pangolins and over 130 native reptiles like monitor lizards and reticulated pythons over the last two years. We recently treated two common palm civet babies and these are due to be released soon.
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In 2006, SZG invested S$250,000 to enlarge its quarantine and rescue space to cater for the influx of animals confiscated/ donated to the parks. Other improvements and upgrade works include building new and better facilities. With such dedicated and expert staff, the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari continue to champion the wellbeing of animals that have been made victims of the illegal pet trade and ensure that they are well taken care of during their stay here.
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