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Release Animals into the Wild and You will do More Harm than Good

13 May 2011

Singapore, 13 May 2011- As Vesak Day approaches, the National Parks Board (NParks) would like to remind members of the public not to release animals into the wild.

"We would like to appeal to the public not to release animals into the wild, as they are not likely to survive", says Mr Wong Tuan Wah, Director of Conservation, NParks. "Many die within a day as they are not used to the surroundings and are not able to cope in the wild."

No release of animals

Last year, NParks saw five cases where people released animals into the wild. Some of the animals were fish, frogs and crickets, which can be easily bought at aquarium shops.

To raise public awareness on the harm of releasing animals into the wild, NParks is working with volunteers to carry out 'Operation No Release' in the nature reserves and reservoirs this weekend. The volunteers will be educating and advising members of the public against releasing of animals into the wild.

"It is good to refrain from releasing animals into our reservoirs and nature reserves." said Mr Henry Baey, President of the Buddhist Fellowship.  "Many of such animals, especially those that have been bred in captivity or imported, are known to be unable to adapt to the new surroundings and do not survive long after their release.  Furthermore, they will upset the existing eco-system and may be harmful to the native wildlife.  It is therefore not necessarily a kind act."

New "Our Forest" Camp

In celebration of the International Year of Forests this year, NParks is, for the first time, organising three full-day camps for children aged between nine to 12 years old. Themed "Our Forest", the camp is part of the two-year Nature Keeper Programme which aims to raise children's appreciation for nature and Singapore's natural heritage. With both fun and nature-inspired educational learning opportunities, the children will participate in nature walks and hands-on activities.  They will also be enriched with conservation issues, such as understanding the human-nature relationships in our nature reserves including the harmful effects of releasing animals into the wild. The full-day camps will be held on 21 and 28 May and 10 June from 9.00am to 5.30pm. Interested participants can register for the camp with Jeanne Tan at email: Jeanne_Tan@nparks.gov.sg.

Last updated on 06 April 2021

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