Policies of Singapore Zoo

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1. Guest5742
   

   Singapore Zoo places a high premium on the way we care for our residents.
   Here are the various policies that Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) (and its other sister parks, Jurong Bird Park and Night Safari) subscribe to, and believe in, in all undertakings with regards to their animal collection. This policy outlines the procedure and ethics that the Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) and its subsidiary institutions, Jurong Bird Park (JBP), Night Safari (NS) and Singapore Zoo (SZ), will adhere to in its undertakings for acquisition of specimens for its animal collection.
   Animal Acquisition Policy
   WRS institutions will endeavour to ensure that the source of animals is confined to those born in captivity and this will be best achieved by direct zoo to zoo contact. This will not preclude the receipt of animals resulting from confiscation, rescues, donation or abandonment. It is recognised that there is a legitimate need to obtain animals from the wild for conservation breeding programmes, education programmes or basic biological studies. WRS institutions must be confident that such acquisitions will not have a deleterious effect upon the wild population.
   
   
   The first priority is to acquire animals from other reputable zoological institutions. Animals acquired from other sources should be from reputable agencies approved by the relevant CITES regulating bodies.
   Acquisition of animals shall conform to all applicable international conventions and agreements, and to national laws.
   Acquisition of animals belonging to a species under an international breeding programme will be directed to relevant international studbook keepers for recommendation and assistance.
   Acquisition of wild-born specimens belonging to species listed in Appendix CITES I, will be arranged via appropriate governmental agencies.
   Prior to undertaking a transaction with new sources, a complete CV of the contact person, a company profile and a list of references comprising reputable zoological institutions, with which this source has undertaken transactions, should be submitted to WRS institutions for review and approval.
   No dealings will be undertaken with agents having known previous local, state, federal or international convictions, or of known ill repute.
   A review of animal dealers will be submitted to the Executive Director (ED) and CEO/WRS for approval. A copy of the review shall be given to the Animal Welfare & Ethics Committee (AWEC), WRS. Animal Relocation Policy This policy outlines the procedure and ethics that the Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) and its subsidiary institutions, Jurong Bird Park (JBP), Night Safari (NS) and Singapore Zoo (SZ) will adhere to in its undertakings for relocation of specimens from its animal collection.
   
   Relocation of animals shall conform to all applicable international conventions and agreements, and to national laws.
   Animals may be relocated by sale, exchange, loan or gift to reputable zoological institutions approved by the Executive Director (ED) WRS.
   Prior to approval, all recipient institutions must return a completed set of forms “REQUEST BY AN ORGANISATION TO RECEIVE ANIMALS FROM WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE” together with supporting documents, plans and diagrams.
   Attempts shall be made to assure WRS institutions that recipient institutions will provide proper care and housing for the animals to be relocated. If perceived deficiencies exist, they shall be corrected to the satisfaction of WRS institutions prior to the movement of the animals.
   For transactions arranged through new animal brokers, a complete CV of the contact person, a company profile and a list of references comprising zoological institutions, with which this dealer has undertaken transactions, should be submitted to WRS institutions for review and approval.
   No dealings will be undertaken with agents having known previous local, state, federal or international convictions, or of known ill repute.
   No animal will be released to private individuals, circuses, organisations dealing in similar forms of entertainment, or parties that allow trophy hunting of the animal.
   No animal will be released to institutions that will use the animal for medical purposes or invasive research.
   CITES Appendix I animals will not be sold for profit but offered as gifts or on a long-term breeding loan to reputable zoological institutions that contact WRS directly with such a request.
   All animals leaving WRS institutions will be examined by veterinarians and necessary health certificates issued and endorsed. Policy On Animal Shows, Contact & Training WRS believes that animal shows/contact are among the most valuable, unforgettable and educational experiences that visitors can enjoy whilst visiting WRS facilities. The animal shows/contact will mainly focus on fostering, educating and conveying conservation awareness of endangered species of fauna and flora.
   Whilst all shows/contact will have an entertainment component, which is important in getting the attention of the general public, ultimately they should convey love and respect for animals as well as a strong biodiversity conservation message.
   Behaviours featured in animal shows, contact and training will be based on the natural behaviour of the species involved and their spontaneous interaction with humans. The dressing up of animals or making the animals perform unnatural acts that demean them will be strictly prohibited.
   Animal welfare will be given the highest priority in all shows, contact and training strictly following the five basic principles of animal welfare: freedom from hunger and thirst; freedom from thermal and physical discomfort; freedom from pain, disease or injury; freedom to express normal behaviour; freedom from fear and distress.
   Safety of visitors, animals and staff will be given the highest priority in all shows, contact and training, strictly following the existing WRS SOP protocol.
   All animals involved in shows, contact and training will be screened annually for communicable zoonotic diseases. All animal caretakers who are involved in shows/contact and training will be annually screened for communicable diseases (e.g. TB, viral hepatitis, parasitic diseases, etc.). Staff and visitors with visible signs of illness (e.g. cold, flu, etc) will be prevented from working or approaching the animals.
   Animals that are used in shows, contact and training will be returned to their social groups or to other companion animals where applicable. Animals should not be exhausted and will not be used in shows/contact and training lasting more than 45 minutes in a single session.
   Animals will not be removed prematurely from their mothers for the purpose of shows, contact and training.
   Animals that are heavily imprinted on humans and that do not have the desire to be socialised with their own species, will be kept in suitable enclosures.
   Only adequately trained staff, who maintain high standards of animal welfare and ethics, will be allowed to handle animals that are used in shows, contact and training.
   Positive reinforcements will be used to train/condition animals that are used in shows, contact and training. Animals cannot be cruelly punished (including punching, beating, kicking, slapping and other bodily harm) to discipline for cooperation in animal shows, contact and training. Strict disciplinary action including suspension and termination will be enforced on staff that violates this policy. Operant conditioning will be developed and used as much as possible.
   Shows, contact and training will be mainly done in the premises of WRS facilities. However, occasionally animal appearances outside WRS facilities may be permitted with the approval of senior management and the relevant government authorities, without compromising the well being of the animals.
   The Animal Welfare & Ethics Committee or an expert appointed by it will review shows, contact and training annually as well as evaluate the physical and psychological well being of all animals involved. Any animals that are found unsuitable for shows, contact and training will be immediately relocated to their own social group, to other companion animals or a suitable retirement facility to make sure that they receive proper professional care. Policy And Guidelines On Animal Welfare And Ethics This policy and guidelines outline the procedures and ethics that the Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) and its subsidiary institutions, Jurong Bird Park (JBP), Night Safari (NS) and Singapore Zoo (Zoo), will adhere to in its undertakings for captive management and husbandry of all specimens in its animal collection. The following document has been adapted from the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), of which all subsidiary institutions of WRS, are members.
   
   The basic guiding principles for all staff of WRS and its subsidiary institutions, JBP, NS and SZ, are:
   
   Assisting in achieving the conservation and survival of species must be the aim of all staff members of WRS. Any actions taken in relation to an individual animal, e.g. euthanasia or contraception, must be undertaken with this higher ideal of species survival in mind, but the welfare of the individual animal should not be compromised.
   To continually improve standards of animal welfare based on latest best practice and available information and guidelines from other organisations, and ensure the proper welfare of all animals in our care.
   Promote the interests of wildlife conservation, biodiversity and animal welfare to colleagues and to the society at large.
   Encourage research and dissemination of achievements and results from work done at WRS institutions, in appropriate publications and forums.
   Promote public education and awareness programmes and activities.
   Co-operate with the wider conservation community including wildlife agencies, conservation organisations and research institutions to assist in maintaining global biodiversity.
   At all times, all staff members of WRS and its subsidiary institutions, JBP, NS and SZ, will act in accordance with all national and international laws and will strive for the highest standards of operation in all areas including the following:

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