Channel NewsAsia 13 May 11;
SINGAPORE: The National Parks Board (NParks) on Friday reminded members of the public not to release animals into the wild on Vesak Day (May 17) as they would be doing more harm than good.
Its director of conservation, Mr Wong Tuan Wah, said: "We would like to appeal to the public not to release animals into the wild, as they are not likely to survive.
Many die within a day as they are not used to the surroundings and are not able to cope in the wild."
Last year, NParks saw five cases where people released animals into the wild.
These included fish, frogs and crickets, which can be easily bought at aquarium shops.
To raise public awareness on the harm of releasing animals into the wild, NParks is working with volunteers to carry out 'Operation No Release' in the nature reserves and reservoirs this weekend.
Mr Henry Baey, President of the Buddhist Fellowship, agreed that releasing animals into reservoirs and nature reserves would not be productive.
He said: "Furthermore, they will upset the existing eco-system and may be harmful to the native wildlife. It is therefore not necessarily a kind act."
NParks is also targeting a special group of people to spread the eco message - children.
To celebrate the International Year of Forests, this year, NParks is, for the first time, organising three full-day camps for children aged between nine and 12 years old.
Themed "Our Forest", the camp is part of the two-year Nature Keeper Programme to raise children's appreciation for nature and Singapore's natural heritage.
They will participate in nature walks and hands-on activities.
The full-day camps will be held on May 21, May 28 and Jun 10 from 9am to 5.30pm.
-CNA/ck
