The Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres) unveiled on Thursday morning a new sanctuary area built by more than 100 volunteers at its Wildlife Rescue Centre in Jalan Lekar.
The 300sq m area was officially opened by Minister of State for National Development Desmond Lee, who also helped Acres volunteers release some 46 animals into the sanctuary at the event. These animals, including Indian star tortoises, green iguanas and Giant Asian pond turtles, were let in their new enclosures after being treated for injuries sustained due to abandonment or harsh conditions in wild life trade.
Giant Asian pond turtle Boltz, for example, was found in November 2011 with multiple fractures to his shell after being run over by a truck in Yishun. After slightly more than a year of critical care, it has recovered and can now spend time in its new outdoor enclosure.