Traffic Accident at Bukit Timah left Monkey with a Fractured Skull

Weekends for most of us travel-starved Singaporeans now usually involve trips to nature reserves to connect with our world in ways we can afford to.

Although human traffic at such places can sometimes be reminiscent of Orchard Road’s crowds, we still can’t forget that we’re the ones visiting the homes of the flora and fauna that live there.

Unfortunately, animals dwelling in the area may even face more danger.

And just like humans, they’re also prone to accidents and deserve to be cared for, too.

Monkey Fractured Skull After Accident

On 12 September, the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES) Singapore took to Facebook to share a story of a brave female macaque.

She was even affectionately coined the name Rachel.

One day, Rachel had been found along Rifle Range Road at Bukit Timah, with injuries sustained to her head and blood leaking down her face.

A report was then made to ACRES, who dispatched a wildlife vet team to rescue her.

It was believed that she was injured as a result of accidentally getting hit by a vehicle on the roads.

From the video, it was evident that the bleeding from Rachel’s head was pretty excessive, with a large red bump on her forehead present.

ACRES assessed Rachel’s injuries immediately, discovering that she had fractured her skull.

It was not an easy process for poor Rachel, who had to undergo an operation after.

Well Rested And Cared For

However, like the brave monkey she was, she managed to endure the surgery and was given time to rest in ACRES’ facilities.

Thankfully, her recovery was swift, and she was soon able to enjoy her favourite food while recuperating – the native fruit and vegetables she was used to.

Meanwhile, Rachel was given medication and monitored closely every single day.

She was also constantly engaged and stimulated to enrich her before she was due to get released back into the wild once her wounds healed.

Rachel must have really missed her home and her family after all that time.

When the wildlife team brought her back to the wild and opened the cage door, she immediately bolted into the trees without a single look back.

The organisation did not share when the incident happened nor the date of when she was released, however.

Be Careful When Driving Around Natural Areas

ACRES urged the public to exercise caution whenever driving close to natural areas and to look out for animals while doing so.

Thankfully, Rachel’s story ended happily.

Sadly, some animals who had been accidentally injured after getting into traffic accidents did not share the same fate.

Earlier in February, the nation was saddened by the passing of Pulau Ubin’s resident stray dog, Kopi-O.

Those who frequented the island knew Kopi-O as a friendly and beloved dog who always brightened up their trips there.

Yet, his life came to an end when he was hit by a taxi on the island.

Read Also: 

• Woman Gives Birth to Daughter 10 Minutes After Getting into a Taxi
• 1,200 Animal Cruelty & Abuse Cases Investigated Yearly Since 2017

Featured Image: Facebook (ACRES: Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Singapore))