POSTED: 17 May 2013 11:56 AM
SINGAPORE: The National Parks Board (NParks) said there have not
been any cases of animals being released at reservoir parks and
nature reserves in the past two years.
NParks is reminding the public not to release animals into the
wild this Vesak Day, which falls on 24 May.
NParks' director of conservation, Wong Tuan Wah, said: "We will
continue to reach out to the community and appeal to the public not
to release animals into the wild. Most of these animals are kept as
household pets, and many die shortly after their release as they
are unable to adapt to the new surroundings."
NParks is running its annual campaign “Operation No Release”,
held around Vesak Day to spread awareness of the dangers related to
animal release.
It is working with volunteers to keep a lookout for any signs of
animal release and conduct nature walks for the public.
Besides introducing the flora and fauna in the nature reserves
to the participants, volunteer guides will also explain how animal
release will impact the biodiversity and ecology of the nature
reserves.
One such walk will be held at Dairy Farm Nature Park on 22 May.
- CNA/xq