Cover Photo: Theris Facebook page
Photo: Theris Facebook page
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Help wildlife, dogs, and even tortoises at these organisations dedicated to promoting the livelihood and welfare of animals in Singapore
While Singapore is home to an urban jungle, there are several animal shelters and organisations around our sunny island. All year round, dog welfare organisations ensure that our local strays are fed. If a stray is known to have a good temperament, it will be given an opportunity to be adopted. Elsewhere, horse riding therapy centres are gaining steam—as more equine-assisted therapy organisations blossom in Singapore, more hands are needed on deck.
Contrary to Singapore’s reputation as a country being home to limited wildlife species, the macaques, civets, and otters are some of the many creatures of the wild who share the Little Red Dot with us. Wildlife organisations are also ready to receive calls on their helpline for any assistance needed by the public when they spot an injured mynah or otter on the road.
Below are some organisations to volunteer with if you enjoy spending time with animals.
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1. Mandai Wildlife Reserve
Above Photo: Mandai Wildlife Reserves Singapore Facebook page
Photo: Mandai Wildlife Reserves Singapore Facebook page
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Love visiting the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, River Wonders and Jurong Bird Park? Why not work behind the scenes with the key runners of the reserve? The Mandai Wildlife Reserve is always on the lookout for wildlife warriors to join their team of volunteers.
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As a volunteer with the reserve, you will be playing an important role in educating and engaging park visitors about animal welfare and wildlife conservation. Offering a myriad of volunteer programmes for the public, you can decide on one that best fits your schedule.
Their docent programme is popular among the public. Stationed at various locations around the parks, docents interact with guests to create meaningful and memorable wildlife experiences. Docents also help engage guests by sharing interesting facts, stories, and anecdotes about the animals, inspiring guests to share their love for wildlife.
If you're looking for a more intimate volunteering experience with your favourite animals, you can sign up as a keeper volunteer. This volunteer programme offers the opportunity to work closely with zoo keepers in their daily tasks. Applicants with a keen interest in zoo-keeping may choose to volunteer with a team of their choice: Avian, Aquatic, Primate, Herbivores, and more. Responsibilities include preparing daily feeding for animals and cleaning and maintaining exhibit areas and animal dens.
2. Animal Concerns Research & Education Society (Acres)
Founded by Member of Parliament Louis Ng in 2001, the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres) has since evolved into one of Singapore’s pre-eminent animal protection organisations. Today, Acres champions advocacy and educational work, raising awareness on important animal protection issues that have otherwise been ignored.
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Acres also offers multiple volunteer roles to choose from. The wildlife sanctuary team ensures that the animals under them are provided optimal care while the sanctuary volunteers help with cleaning, food preparation, feeding, enrichment, and maintenance of the premises.
Volunteers who prefer to help with administrative work can sign up for the outreach team. Acres will offer training programmes to incoming outreach volunteers to empower more individuals to take action for animals.
3. Therapeutic & Educational Riding in Singapore (Theris)
One of a handful of equine-assisted therapy organisations in Singapore, Theris was founded by Jessamine “Jessie” Ihrcke. Having previously worked as the Operations Manager at the Riding for the Disabled Association Hong Kong and as an Instructor at the Riding for the Disabled Association Singapore, she is experienced in providing an apprehensive riding therapy syllabus for Theris’ clients.
Theris offers volunteers opportunities for the public to assist with client sessions: leading the horse during riding activities, horse care, stable maintenance, publicity, and research. The trained therapists at Theris facilitate the relationship between the horse and client to provide a unique approach to inspire growth and confidence.
4. Action for Singapore Dogs (ASD)
Above Photo: Action for Singapore Dogs Facebook Page
Photo: Action for Singapore Dogs Facebook Page
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Established in December 2000 as a non-profit organisation, Action for Singapore Dogs (ASD) is a dog shelter with the mission to improve the welfare of stray and abandoned dogs in Singapore with a strict no-kill policy.
Having re-homed over 3000 dogs over the years, the shelter now cares for about 150 dogs that are housed at their Adoption and Rescue Centre and in foster homes. It also aims to achieve their mission by introducing programmes like the fostering and re-homing of stray and abandoned dogs, advocating sterilisation to control the stray population, and responsible pet ownership.
Many of the shelter’s residents are local dogs, affectionately called, the Singapore Specials. ASD currently invites volunteers to the adoption and rescue centre to help in shelter operations, including socialising, walking, interacting and training dogs, and maintenance chores.
If you’re keen to opening your home to house a rescue, ASD offers volunteers the role of a fosterer. Fostering a fur kid would involve caring for and nurturing a rescue for a minimum of one month in your home. Fostering a dog is one of the best ways to introduce rescues to humans and developing their social skills in the comfort of a home environment.
5. The Live Turtle and Tortoise Museum of Singapore
Founded by a father-daughter duo, the museum was started to showcase their pets and to allow others to learn about these creatures who carry bony shells. The museum also holds a Guinness Book of World Records title for its extensive collection.
The museum houses the Alligator turtle, Radiated tortoise, Sulcata tortoise, Malaysian Giant River turtle, and the majestic Pig Nose Flying turtle among many others. The health and living environment of the museum’s inhabitants are of utmost importance, giving the museum a higher chance of rescuing and rehabilitating many rare species.
Volunteers at least 16 years of age are welcome to play a part in maintaining the welfare of the turtles and tortoises. The volunteering programme involves the preparation of food and feeding the animals, the cleaning of aquariums and performing water changes.
The museum is also in urgent need of funds to help with its upcoming move to a new home for the animals. You can donate here.
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