Adopt an animal and actively show your support for wildlife
13 AUG 2020
Ben and Bella are an adorable penguin couple who never fails to greet their keepers every morning. Inquisitive in nature, they enjoy participating in obstacle courses that their keepers build for them as well as gallivanting in the zoo grounds when the park is closed to visitors.
PHOTO CREDITS: WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE
Featuring three tiers of adoption contributions ranging from $200 to $1,500, the programme welcomes adoptions by the public for ten featured species to adopt: Ah Meng the Sumatran orangutan; Ben & Bella the African penguins; Bosco the red ruffed lemur; Bunny the two-toed sloth; Coco the Aldabra giant tortoise; Matahari the Malayan sun bear; Pedro the California sea lion; Psota the pygmy hippopotamus; Rambo the eastern grey kangaroo, and Ronnie the rex rabbit. Each contribution comes with special privileges including adoption e-certificates and invitations to WRS events and previews.
Ms Isabel Cheng, Senior Director of Partnership Development, WRS, shared, “The living collection in our parks are animal ambassadors for their wild cousins. After visiting us and making a connection with these species, many have followed up to ask how they can do something for wildlife and make meaningful contributions towards our animals and the conservation work we do around the world. Initiatives like Adopt an Animal provide them with accessible ways in which they can play active roles in conservation and be inspired to care
for wildlife. We believe that bringing the community with us on our mission to protect wildlife will bring big wins for wildlife. We have started with the animals in Singapore Zoo and there are plans to expand the list with our animals from Jurong Bird Park, River Safari and Night Safari.”
In the lead up to today’s official launch, the Adopt an Animal programme was shared with WRS’ members and subscriber database in June 2020. Since then, the initiative has received nearly 200 individual sponsorships.
Making a difference to wildlife
Funds collected from the symbolic adoptions will go towards an overall resource pool that contributes to the care of animals including providing nutritious meals to ensure their overall well-being, supporting the purchase of medical equipment to give them uncompromised healthcare, and the general upkeep of animal habitats. Beyond caring for adopted animals, contributions will also support research and education programmes across WRS’ parks as well as conservation projects to protect threatened species in Singapore and the region.
The programme adds to WRS’ wide range of support and volunteer schemes such as micro and corporate sponsorships, as well as giving personal time as a Conservation Ambassador, docent or Wildlife Buddy.
To make an adoption, please visit the WRS website here.
Originally from Mauritius, Coco has a reserved and gentle nature, and loves spending time under the shade. Weighing about 120kg, she is known to our keepers for being a foodie – and boy does she move fast during meal times!
PHOTO CREDITS: WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE
The biggest of the mob, Rambo is a foodie who absolutely loves his vegetable pellets. He is also very affectionate and loves a good chest and neck rub from his keepers. Rambo spends most of his time chilling in the shade, or grooming his best friend, Hannah.
PHOTO CREDITS: WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE
Matahari is a cheeky sun bear who is often spotted wrestling with her partner, Ballu. She relishes his attention and never eats a meal without him. She has a sweet tooth and is willing to do almost anything for her favourite honeycomb and grapes!
PHOTO CREDITS: WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE
Named after her well-loved grandmother, Ah Meng is sociable and affectionate, and cares deeply for the other orangutans in her habitat. She enjoys the occasional durian treat, and is observed to be very particular about cleanliness.
PHOTO CREDITS: WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE
The princess of the upper hippo pool, Psota hails from a Polish zoo. The bossy lass loves to assert herself on her mate Divo from time to time, to show him who's boss. The couple has a love-hate relationship which is steering more towards the love side of things. Her favourite pastime is munching on her favourite food, tapioca.
PHOTO CREDITS: WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE
Ronnie is an extroverted rabbit who thinks he’s a human. He loves cuddles and hanging out on his keepers’ laps.
PHOTO CREDITS: WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE
The star performer in our Splash Safari Show, Pedro is highly intelligent. He has been conditioned to hold still for routine X-rays, on condition that he is rewarded with his favourite food of ice and fishes, afterwards.
PHOTO CREDITS: WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE
The elusive Bunny loves to snooze and play hide-&-seek in the Fragile Forest. Once in a while, he chooses a new hiding spot that sends his keepers in a tizzy to find him. As a millennial sloth, he is savvy with social media and has his own Instagram account (Follow @bunnythesloth)!
PHOTO CREDITS: WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE
Bosco was born in Singapore Zoo in 2009. He loves to sunbathe when he’s out at his exhibit. The first-time dad is extremely protective of his twins, and does not let them out of his sight. Even during feeding time, he scrutinizes the keepers before allowing them to get close to the twins.
PHOTO CREDITS: WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE
