Animal Lovers Can Now ‘Adopt’ an Animal from S’pore Zoo But They Can’t Bring Them Home

Always wanted to “adopt” an animal without having to contend with all the responsibilities that came with it?

Well, you can now.

According to TODAYonline, Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) has extended their sponsorship scheme, that has been set up for companies, to individuals as well. Which means that…

Animal lovers will now be able to “adopt” an animal at the Singapore Zoo!

“So when can I bring it home?” you gush. “I’ll have a special bed prepared for it. I’ll have fairy lights all over the place. An animal food buffet at 6:00 p.m. every night. Omgosh I can’t wait!”

Well, here’s the thing. Though you may have “adopted” the pet, you’re essentially free from all the responsibilities that come with “owning” it.

Yes, I’m saying that it’s not an actual adoption process. You can’t bring it home.

Animal Lovers Can Now ‘Adopt’ an Animal from S’pore Zoo But They Can’t Bring Them Home

At a media launch of the programme on Thursday (13 August), WRS said that adopters may make a one-off donation of S$200, S$800 and S$1,500.

In return, they will have their names displayed on the WRS website for an entire year, alongside an adoption e-certificate and a factsheet on their chosen animal.

Extra freebies such as discount vouchers, admission tickets and invites to WRS’ events and previews will be provided to adopters as well.

Individuals who contribute S$1,500 will also have their names acknowledged on the adopters’ wall within the Singapore Zoo for a year, and are entitled to a voucher for an animal plush and an annual membership pass.

In total, 10 animal species will be available for adoption. They are as follows:

• Sumatran orangutan Ah Meng Jr.
• African penguins Ben and Bella
• Red ruffed lemur Bosco
• Two-toed sloth Bunny
• Aldabra giant tortoise Coco
• Malayan sun bear Matahari
• California sea lion Pedro
• Pygmy hippopotamus Psota
• Eastern grey kangaroo Rambo
• Rex rabbit Ronnie

And It’s For A Good Cause Too

Lest you’re wondering, collected funds will not be used for extreme, high-risk animal experiments in the back of a secret storage room in the vicinity’s McDonald’s outlet.

Rather, they will be used for a good cause.

According to the same source, donations will proceed towards WRS’ resource pool, which helps provide for the care, maintenance and medical needs of the animals.

The funds will also be utilised to support research and education programmes across WRS’ parks and conservation projects, in order to safeguard endangered species in Singapore and the region.

“We had visitors that see the animals, have a connection with them and feel that they want to do something and contribute towards the animals and the conservation work that we do in the parks and in the region,” said WRS’ senior director of partnership development Ms Isabel Cheng.

“During the circuit breaker, the park was closed. Despite the fact we had no visitors, work was still ongoing so there were a lot of costs.”

Apparently, WRS intends to expand the list to include animals in the Jurong Bird Park, River Safari and Night Safari.

Yes, folks. Kai Kai and Jia Jia may just be up for ‘adoption’.

To date, African penguins Ben and Bella top the adoption list, with a staggering 41 adopters recorded as of Wednesday.

In total, the programme has garnered nearly 200 individual sponsorships since it was shared with WRS’ members and subscribers in June.

And So… What’re You Waiting For?

If you’re an avid animal lover who has taken a liking to one of the critters above, this programme is a great way for you to express your love and support for it.

Plus, you get perks too.

Though of course, you may also choose to wait until the DLC expansion if you’re a fan of other animals.

But one thing’s for sure.

Whichever option you take up, just know that you’re doing a good deed…

And that animals in the local region are benefiting from it.

So if you have yet to fulfil your yearly charitable quota…

How about “adopting” a pet to check that box of yours? 🙂