Anima Mundi

Only if we understand can we care. Only if we care will we help. Only if we help shall they be saved.

- Jane Goodall

Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) recently called for applications for the 2012 Docent Programme. I was fiddling through the pages of Singapore Zoo one fine day when the advertisement came to my attention. A "Docent" is a volunteer who assists the education wing at WRS by sharing information with the public at various interactive Discovery Stations based at all the parks managed by WRS. Seeing that I hadn't missed the deadline, I thought I'll give it a shot. Just short of being a paid job - which was what I really supposed to be looking for these days - this was the perfect opportunity to do something I enjoyed, observe a mind-blowing collection of wildlife at close range and get more comfortable with public interaction! After an 'interview', the batch of about 30 enthusiasts were called for a 2-day orientation session to get familiar with operations at the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and the Jurong Bird Park - all of which were managed by the parent organisation that was WRS.

Feeding the colourful and loud lories at the world's largest lory flight aviary in Jurong Bird Park is one of the biggest attractions over there

During these two days of digesting great amounts of information and observing things at work, my limited understanding of a zoo being just a place that uses animals on display to generate income from visitors changed immensely. Given an understanding of what goes on behind the scenes by several passionate people who have been working there for many years put things in great perspective and ultimately, the experience was a huge eye opener.

While going on tours, we got to meet a few super-cute new-borns (clouded leopard cubs, FTW!) and learnt so many touching stories behind several animals that were born in captivity, rescued while smuggling or had overcome other issues and survived. Also told was a shocking story of cruelty to Orangutans as a result of the palm oil industry. As if there wasn't enough killing and orphaning of these animals going on, workers at a palm oil plantation were found using a chained female orangutan as a sex slave after shaving off it's fur and dressing it up in women's clothing and makeup. The human psychology behind such a cruel act eludes my level of understanding.

Zoos have come a long way since being places of horror for exotic animals. With growing knowledge in Science and the dire need to conserve wildlife that is rapidly declining as a result of harmful human activity, modern zoos are evolving into institutions of education and conservation, rather than just being income-generating visitor attractions to watch animals in captivity. Despite Singapore being a small country with limited natural habitats and wildlife populations, Singapore Wildlife Reserves has set a great example and a high standard, displaying the potential such institutions can tap into, both conservation-wise and revenue-wise. Of course, countries with bigger internal problems to tackle have conservation and well-being of wildlife low on their list of priorities so there is much room for improvement for zoos in developing countries where it is not uncommon to see animals kept in very poor conditions.

Up close with a stick insect - after being told not to grab these gentle and delicate creatures with force

Nowadays, cages and shackles are slowly being replaced by open enclosures and better landscaping, where animals have the freedom to move around and interact better with natural surroundings. Equipped with years of research as well as having trained veterinarians and keepers, the quality of life for animals in captivity and captive breeding programmes are seeing much success than in the past. These institutions also work hard to create interactive and enjoyable educational programmes to inspire and educate visitors, in hopes that they carry with them an appreciation for nature beyond the gates of zoos and parks. They also work closely with local authorities to combat illegal animal trade by rescuing and rehabilitating confiscated animals and spreading awareness to the public on the dangers and consequence of such trades. On an international level, wildlife institutions network with each other and with other NGOs such as WWF to share information, share expertise, have animal exchange programmes and work closely on conservation-related projects across the borders. WRS has been involved in several projects - elephant conservation in Malaysia and Sumatra, turtle conservation in Cambodia, restoring Bali Mynahs populations in Indonesia and conservation of Oriental Pied Hornbills in Singapore. Thankfully, there is so much effort put in than that which meets our eyes and ears on a daily basis!

Compared to the past, where exotic animals were seen mostly as creatures to be acquired, eaten, used as medicines or decorations, there is an emerging shift in the mindset of people who visit these places, thanks to years of education and awareness spread by zoos, schools, work of conservation groups and media such as National Geographic Channel, Discovery Channel and Animal Planet. There is a slow but increasing trend in the number of people who are becoming more interested, empathetic, curious, appreciative and conscious of mother nature and all her components. These people try to make time to visit places that represent nature, take their children to such places to try to instill in them the same level of consciousness and make small lifestyle changes to do what they can to help. With this significant achievement, there is much support for governments and various pro-conservation groups to tackle the larger problems at hand causing loss of natural habitats and biodiversity. A growing human population, exploitation of natural resources, deforestation, palm oil plantations, poor agriculture practices, industrial wastes, overgrazing by livestock, forest fires, oil spills, building of dams, over-fishing, animal poaching, illegal pet trading are some of the concerns that needs to be addressed urgently before we lose the wild animals to extinction one by one.

A few more weeks of training and assessments to go through at the Reptile Realm Discovery Station before I am a full fledged Docent.

Recommended links:
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF)
World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA)
Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)
Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)
National Geographic
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)