Singapore
Given that Singapore is the second most densely populated country in the world, "real" nature is hard to find there. The Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, although small, is just a short drive from the center, and is one of the largest patches of primary forest left in Singapore. It is a great place to see the crab-eating macaque. The Botanical Garden also has a small tropical forest and is a good place for bird watching (with more than 300 species of birds, such as the kingfisher, birds from the Nectariniidae family and the woodpecker). In the northwest corner of the country, you can also find the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, an important stop for migratory birds.
The Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, and Jurong Bird Park are popular as well as controversial tourist attractions and travellers worried about animals should avoid going to these places (more information about zoos).
Despite having quite strict laws, Singapore is still considered an important center of illegal wildlife trade and in 2009 TRAFFIC named it one of the ten most important places worldwide for illegal wildlife trade.
In addition, there is also a large number of animals and products made from animal parts that end up in Singapore as a final destination and that are mostly aimed at tourists. This is why both locals and travellers can play an important role by notifying the Singapore authorities if they encounter or are offered products of this type. More information.
Underwater World
Singapore's Underwater World is a marine park located on the island of Sentosa. Opened in 1991, it has more than 2,500 marine animals of 250 species from around the world. The park is mostly underground and is owned by the Haw Par Corporation.
Underwater World's Dolphin Lagoon acquired six pink humpback dolphins from a marine park in Thailand in 1999, one of which died in 2001. The marine park has been the subject of many protests by the public and environmental organizations calling for the release of dolphins and of which we note the 2003 “Suffering, not Smiling” campaign by Singapore's Animal Concerns Research & Education Society (ACRES).
Another one of the main attractions of Sentosa Island is the World Marine Park Resort that offers all kinds of interactions with dolphins. Since 2008, 27 dolphins were captured in the Solomon Islands and kept in the Philippines in preparation for their incorporation into this new dolphinarium. Two of the 27 dolphins died and despite the 650,000 signatures collected worldwide to free them, they have become the main attraction of the resort. More information about dolphins in captivity.
Fortune-telling parrots
“Astrologer parrots” or “fortune-telling parrots” can be found in Singapore´s “Little India” neighbourhood. This practice involves the use of trained parrots to choose Tarot cards that will help predict the future of the clients of fortune tellers, especially related to love, marriage, work and customer doubts.
The training of these animals involves mistreatment, and just like in the case of birds used for shows, they are trained through violence and food deprivation. Being neophobic animals, which are afraid of new things and escape by flying away, they are deprived of the ability to fly through pinioning - the amputation of part of their wings. More information.
Snake charmers
In some areas of Singapore, snake charmers use these animals to ask tourists for money. Many snakes in danger of extinction are exploited for this practice. Snakes are usually caught from the wild, smuggled and kept in very poor conditions (without water, food or hygiene standards) and suffer from a very high mortality rate. More information.
Prawn fishing
Prawn fishing is an activity that has a history of more than 20 years in Singapore. That is why it is easy to find centers that offer the possibility to fish these animals from small ponds and then cook them, something that the organizing companies describe as a relaxing and entertaining hobby for the whole family. We remind you that prawns are also living beings and that there are many more activities to learn about the country's culture that do not involve animal exploitation.
Frog soup
Frog soup is a traditional dish in Singapore and is served in many restaurants. More information about typical dishes with products of animal origin.
Here is a list of local NGOs that can be contacted in case you want to make a donation, a complaint or find an animal that needs help in Singapore:
Recommended rescue centers: Noah’s Ark Lodge Singapore
If you want to report a crime against wildlife you can contact: Airport Police +65 6546 0000/ ACRES Wildlife Crime Hotline +65 9783 7782 (24 hours)
