If you have a question and it is not listed in this FAQ, please write to us: info@acres.org.sg. If you have any specific questions on donations, you may find them on this page.
How long has ACRES been around?
ACRES was founded in 2001 by a group of Singaporeans and registered as a society on 24th May 2001 (Registration No.: 0176/2001).
Are you a registered charity?
Yes. ACRES is registered under the Charities Act and as an Institution of Public Character (Registration No.: IPC000559).
Is ACRES an international charity?
ACRES is a Singapore-based charity, founded by Singaporeans. Our work is concentrated in Singapore and Southeast Asia.
Can I call you if I find a wild animal in trouble?
Yes, if you find a native wild animal in need of help, or an exotic wild animal found abandoned in a tank, cage, or container, you can call the ACRES Wildlife Rescue Hotline at +65 9783 7782. The hotline is staffed daily from 7am to 1am.
If you know of anyone keeping prohibited wild animals as pets or of any shops or traders illegally selling wild animals or wild animal parts, kindly email us at crime@acres.org.sg.
As a charity, we sometimes face constraints in manpower and capacity. As we have only one full-time veterinarian, there are times when we may recommend contacting NParks under these circumstances:
- We are unable to respond swiftly due to ongoing cases or vehicle constraints.
- Our veterinarian is on scheduled leave or a day off.
- Our wildlife rehabilitation wards are full.
- Our capacity for non-native reptiles has been reached (this includes space, manpower, and infrastructure required for care).
Do you rescue dogs and cats?
No. Our focus is on wildlife issues and large-scale animal cruelty. Several organisations in Singapore, such as SPCA, focus on companion animal issues and run a 24-hour rescue service (6287 5355 ext. 9) for companion animals. Therefore, ACRES focuses on other animal welfare topics.
ACRES Wildlife Rescue Hotline asked me to send the bird to ACRES. Why can’t the van pick it up?
We operate a single rescue van and a motorbike for wildlife rescues. With an average caseload of three per hour, we may not always be able to respond immediately. If an animal can be safely handled or contained, we may request your assistance in transporting it to our facility. Instructions will be provided.
Your support allows our caregivers to provide immediate care upon arrival and reduces unnecessary transport stress while our team handles other cases.
Does ACRES rescue non-native bird species from the pet trade that are found in the wild in Singapore?
Some birds, such as Indian ring-necked parakeets, red-breasted parakeets, monk parakeets, coconut lorikeets, and sulphur-crested cockatoos, are introduced species from the pet trade. Unfortunately, we cannot rescue these birds due to local regulations that restrict their release or rehoming.
We recommend contacting NParks at 1800 476 1600 for assistance.
Why can’t ACRES rescue a found pet terrapin (red-eared slider)?
Red-eared sliders (RES) are classified as non-native and invasive in Singapore. Local regulations prohibit their release into the wild, and ACRES has suspended taking in RES due to:
- The overwhelming number of surrender requests from pet owners.
- The lack of regulation on their import, sale, and keeping in Singapore.
If you find a lost RES, consider rehoming through social media. If the terrapin is injured, please seek help from a veterinarian. You may also contact NParks at 1800 476 1600 for assistance.
What is your animal euthanasia policy?
ACRES does not and will never euthanise a healthy animal. Euthanasia is only considered if:
- The injuries or illness are untreatable.
- The animal cannot be released into the wild and has a poor quality of life (e.g. unable to feed, move, or defecate on their own).
Wild animals cannot legally be kept as pets, so ACRES is unable to adopt or rehome them.
How can I help ACRES?
You can help by volunteering, spreading awareness, supporting events, or donating. Monthly donations are especially valuable as they allow us to plan long-term projects confidently.
More information on volunteering can be found on our Volunteer page, and upcoming events are listed on our Events page.
How can I stay updated on ACRES’ work?
Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter or follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
Where does my donation go?
The majority of the funds we raise go directly to the animals. In the financial year 2009/10, at least 91% of funds raised went to animal protection programmes. Our accounts are independently audited and available in our Annual Report.
Do I get a tax deduction for my donation?
Yes! ACRES has Institute of Public Character (IPC) status, meaning donations qualify for 250% tax deduction. If you donate $100, $250 will be deducted from your taxable income.
For more information on donations, click here.
Can ACRES help rescue my pet parrot from a tree? Or can ACRES rescue a lost pet bird?
ACRES focuses on wildlife rescue and advocacy and does not extend services to companion animals, including pet birds like red-breasted parakeets, Indian ring-necked parakeets, lovebirds, and budgies.
If you find a lost pet bird, consider:
- Trying to reunite the bird with its owner. If the bird has a tag, note the number discreetly and ask the owner to verify it.
- Posting on Facebook groups such as Lost and Found Birds SG and Parrot Alert SG.
- Avoid surrendering the bird to anyone claiming they can care for it without verification.
- Contact NParks at 1800 476 1600 for further assistance.