It's been four weeks since I've become an animal care volunteer at the ACRES Wildlife Rescue Center. And it has been one of the most memorable and fulfilling moments. The experiences gained are both enriching and enlightening. Special shout out to the ACRES team for their endless passion for our wildlife and their continuous drive to making this world a better place.
I'm really pleased to have chosen ACRES (Animal Concerns Research and Education Society) and decided to commit, twice a week during my sabbatical, to caring for the animals at the wildlife rescue center and sanctuary.
It is the perfect way for me to give back, make a difference by saving a life or two, and share my experience with others. This is exactly what I need to during my time off work. It has allowed me to step back, take a new perspective and reflect on my life, career, and future. It is the Chicken Soup for My Soul.
Remember the 3Rs - Rescue, Rehabilitate and Release
ACRES is a Non-Profit organization driven by its concerns for animals and is focused on animal protection. As a non-profit, ACRES relies heavily on donations and volunteers to continue its mission of creating a caring and socially responsible society where animals are treated as sentient beings.
ACRES centers its efforts across various areas, including Tackling the Wildlife Trade, Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation, Humane Education, Promoting Cruelty-Free Living, and Community Outreach. Learn more about their campaigns.
In 2009, Singapore's first dedicated wildlife rescue facility, ACRES Wildlife Rescue Center, was established and served as a place for rescued and injured native wildlife to go through treatment and rehabilitation. Upon recovery, the animals will be evaluated to assess if they can survive independently in the wild. If the answer is yes, the animals will be released back into the wild.
INTERESTING FACT: ACRES received 1,800 calls in April and 1,900 calls, via the 24 hour Hotline (9783 7782), in May from the public. ACRES only has 1 Rescue Team to serve the whole nation at any one time.
Make a Difference and Save a Life
Pre-COVID, ACRES offered volunteer options for Wildlife Rescue and Wildlife Sanctuary. Currently, only volunteering at the Wildlife Sanctuary is available. Volunteers can sign up for the morning or afternoon slots, and each slot is 3 hours long. Don't be fooled by the duration as it is hard work. There was never a dull moment throughout my time volunteering.
As an Animal Care Volunteer, you are assigned to one of three facilities - Aviary (for the recovery, rehabilitation, and nursing of young, sick and/or injured birds); Sanctuary (where the tortoises reside), and Quarantine (which houses the snakes, turtles, geckos and a macaque named 'Seraya').
The Aviary
Rescued birds are brought here for rehabilitation and nursed back to health. The 'patients' I've encountered include pigeons, mynas, bulbuls, crows, sunbirds, sparrows, orioles, and a small parrot.
Preparation of Food
I usually start with food preparation. You get to learn more about the birds being cared for. Some are only fruit eaters, while others consume a mixture of fruits, seeds, and worms.
Also, depending on their maturity, the food preparation can differ. For the older fledglings, fruits can be served in chunks, while some fruits need to be cut into tiny cubes. For the very tiny hatchlings, they need a special formula.
It's Feeding Time
I had the chance to hand-feed several mynas, sparrows, pigeons, bulbuls, and orioles. I would place the cut fruits in a small cup for the fledglings, who were weaned off being hand-fed. I will observe to see if they could eat from it (pictured).
For the much younger fledglings, I will
use a tweezer to pick up a small cube of fruit and feed it as its mother would.
Feeding the fledglings for the first time with a tweezer was truly amazing and unforgettable. Initially, I was a little scared I might hurt the fledging, so I dropped the fruit into its mouth. Then, I realized the fledging would still keep its mouth open and not swallow the food. I found out that you have to place the tweezer with the fruit further down its throat. Now, I know how to tweezer feed them with Confidence! :-)
Lastly, the hatchlings. Feeding them requires delicate handling. You need to use your fingers to hold the hatchling, open their beaks, and gently insert the soft curved tube attached to the syringe down its throat (pictured). I tried a few times but have yet to master the art.
Keeping It Clean and Dry
What goes in, must come out! And the birds are fed a couple of times a day. So you know where I am heading with that right?
The birdcages need to be kept dry and clean. Therefore, each cage is lined with newspapers.
For the hatchling enclosures, we will include a 'nest'. It is made by crushing the newspaper, folding it into a small basket, and finally adding the final touches by lining it with toilet paper for added comfort.
They Grow Up Fast
The hatchlings and fledglings grow up very quickly, so you need to enjoy your time with them. I first fed the Yellow-Vented Bulbul fledging (pictured) when it was recovering in the ICU. A week later, it was well and healthy. It was chirping and very energetic while in the outdoor cage. In the late afternoon, before I leave, I would hand carry it back indoors to stay overnight in its cage within the sheltered aviary.
Seeing it grow bigger and stronger during each visit really makes me happy. I know one day, really soon, it will be released into the wild. I know I will be sad to see it fly off, but I know that I had a small part to play in its future. There will be tears when that day arrives, but they will be tears of joy!
Survival of the Fittest
Not all rescued birds have a happy ending. The sad reality is that not all 'patients' survive. Birds brought to the center at a very young age or are too sick, tend to have an extremely low survival rate. In addition, I learned that birds get stressed very easily and oftentimes, which leads to their demise.
There were two small myna hatchlings (pictured) that I fed previously. Two days later, when I returned to the Aviary, the hatchlings were no longer in the ICU. I asked my ACRES buddy and he mentioned that there are only two possibilities - they were in the treatment room with the resident veterinarian or didn't make it.
I was told that it would probably be the latter. I was heartbroken. The myna hatchlings were so young and cute. Their eyes were barely open yet. They had so much ahead of them. They were energetic, yearning for nourishment when I was feeding them. So what happened? I had so many questions. But the reality soon sank in. This is nature. It's all about survival, and only the fittest will survive.
How You Can Be An ACRES Volunteer
For those who love animals and can commit your time, I strongly encourage you to become an ACRES volunteer.
If you become a volunteer, my advice is to be a sponge and absorb as much knowledge as possible from your ACRES buddy. Ask questions. Find out the stories behind the rescues. Learn more about each animal. And if you are passionate about wildlife, go home and do some additional research.
For more information on becoming an ACRES Volunteer, visit their website at https://acres.org.sg/volunteer/volunteer-with-us/
