Countdown at Singapore Marina Barrage

View Fireworks and enjoy the atmosphere at Countdown 08/09.

Merry X'mas and Happy New Year!

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ACRES is a local charity and we depend heavily on public support and contributions to continue our mission of ending the exploitation of all animals.

We need funds to conduct fieldwork, publish reports and educational materials, rescue animals and campaign for a better life for all animals.

ACRES has the Institution of Public Character (IPC) status (Registration no. IPC000559). This means that donations to ACRES qualify for double tax exemption. For example, if you donate $100 to ACRES, $200 will be deducted from your taxable income.

ACRES address:
91 Jalan Lekar, Singapore 698917
Fax: + 65 6892 9721

http://www.acres.org.sg/donate.html

Taiwan & China - thru Pandas

Two Chinese pandas whose combined names mean "reunion" arrived in Taiwan on Tuesday, the latest installment in a Beijing charm offensive aimed at convincing the island's people to embrace their Communist rival.

A male panda, "Tuan Tuan," and his female companion, "Yuan Yuan," set down at the Taipei airport after a three-hour flight from southwestern China, as millions of Taiwanese watched spellbound on local television. Chinese pandas are usually loaned abroad in pairs, with hopes that they will mate.

Knots of eager onlookers at the zoo waited to see the couple _ the first-ever pandas to inhabit the island _ though all they could see was the red, panda-ornamented tarpaulin covering the pandas' cages.

The giant panda is unique to China and serves as an unofficial national mascot. China regularly sends the animals abroad as a sign of warm diplomatic relations or to mark breakthroughs in ties.

Front-page photographs of the pandas in their native Sichuan province habitat were splashed across Taiwanese papers Tuesday and TV stations followed their flight to Taipei with breathless updates.

The pandas' arrival _ more than three years in the making _ comes amid rapidly improving relations between Taiwan and China, which split amid civil war in 1949.

Only a week ago they initiated daily air and direct maritime links across the 100-mile- (160-kilometer-) wide Taiwan Strait, and several days later China agreed to loan 130 billion yuan ($19 billion) to mainland-based Taiwanese companies struggling to keep afloat in the global economic slowdown.

The rapid-fire Chinese moves underscore the determination of the Beijing government to leverage Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou's readiness to turn his back on his predecessor's contentious anti-China policies _ and move closer to Beijing's ultimate goal of China-Taiwan unity.

Since his inauguration seven months ago, Ma has moved aggressively to link Taiwan closer to the mainland, opening the door to a substantially increased flow of Chinese tourists and sanctioning a more liberalized regime for bilateral investments on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

His steps contrast sharply with predecessor Chen Shui-bian's efforts to emphasize Taiwan's political and cultural separateness, which enraged Beijing, and prompted it to reaffirm long-standing threats to use military force against the democratic island it claims as its own.

Tuesday's voyage for Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan began at the Chengdu airport, where the two animals were loaded on a green-liveried charter operated by Taiwan's Eva Airways.

After the three-hour flight across southern China and the Taiwan Strait, Yuan Yuan and Tuan Tuan were taken from Taipei airport for the short trip to the city's zoo, where they are expected to remain in quarantine for 30 days.

The pandas _ and their new, two-story zoo habitat _ will be unveiled to the public during the Chinese Lunar New Year holiday in late January.

China expects big benefits from its panda largesse.

For more than five decades, Beijing has used panda diplomacy to make friends and influence people in countries ranging from the United States to the former Soviet Union.

The offer to send Yuan Yuan and Tuan Tuan to Taiwan was first made in 2005 when the pro-independence Chen was still in charge. Citing various bureaucratic obstacles, his government rejected it, but after Ma's inauguration in May, the way was cleared to reverse that decision.

While most Taiwanese support Ma's panda stand and his overall policy of greater China engagement, they still reject unity with the mainland, seeing it as a direct threat to their hard-won democratic freedoms.

Singapore Flyer Halted

The world's largest observation wheel, the Singapore Flyer, will be closed until investigations into Tuesday's incident are complete.

A major power disruption left 173 passengers stranded for about six hours.

Police say operations will be allowed to resume once the ride is certified safe.

All trapped passengers were able to leave their capsules after the Singapore Flyer resumed rotating at about 11:11pm (1511 GMT) on Tuesday.

Earlier, a few passengers were lowered down to safety in a sling-like device from one of the observation capsules.

A 59-year-old woman complaining of dizziness, and a boy who vomited were taken to hospital, said Lieutenant Colonel N. Subhas, of the Singapore Civil Defence Force.

A spokeswoman for the attraction said about 173 people were onboard the wheel when a short circuit in one of the drive motors occurred at around 5:00pm.

At least five passengers were lifted through the hatch on top of each capsule and winched to the ground by a private rescue firm engaged by Singapore Flyer.

The Flyer's technical team managed to isolate the problem and restored electricity, including the air-conditioning, to the capsules. The team also worked with the Singapore Civil Defence Force to resolve the problem.

Those stranded were provided with food and drink.

Mr Steven Yeo, General Manager of the Singapore Flyer, said: "At 4.50pm, we experienced an electrical problem on our drive unit number 1, north unit, which caused several of our electrical supplies to be cut. The defect has actually been isolated. We found it to be the drive unit itself. The rest of the wheel, the rest of the supply, is in full functioning order at the moment."

A passenger who was stuck in one of the capsules said there was a sudden jerk before the wheel stopped turning. An announcement a few minutes later said there was a technical error.

Madam Lim Boon Siang, a passenger stuck in one of the capsules, said: "About 4.30pm or 4.15pm, after we passed the maximum altitude, it suddenly jerked to a stop, and then for a good five to 10 minutes, we waited.

"We thought that this could be something normal. And then there was a message that came in that said that it has stopped temporary. Everybody was calm, but initially the air-con was switched off, so it was very hot due to the evening sun. They opened up the air ventilator, and the air-con is working now."

She said there were about 10 other people, including children, in her cabin.

The spokesperson said: "Their safety was never at risk while they were in the capsules. Every capsule is equipped with an intercom system which is linked to the control room - for passengers and the control room personnel to communicate.

"Our staff promptly informed passengers of the situation and reassured them that measures were being taken to fix the technical problem. There are also surveillance cameras installed in every capsule for the operations team to monitor what is going on in all capsules."

Singapore Flyer has reimbursed all affected passengers for their tickets and is making alternative transport arrangements for travellers who missed their flights to Europe and coaches to Malaysia.

A ride on the 165-metre tall wheel, about 42 storeys high, typically takes half an hour and each capsule can take up to 28 people.

Since the Flyer became operational in February this year, this is the third time it has encountered problems.

The last time a technical glitch occurred was just three weeks ago, on December 4. The wheel was stuck for nearly five hours due to extreme weather conditions and some 70 people were affected. In July, the Flyer stopped due to a minor fault in the braking system.

Unlike cramped, old-style Ferris wheel carriages that hang in the open air, the Singapore Flyer and other large observation wheels feature fixed "capsules".

The 28 sleek-looking capsules - about the size of a city bus - can hold up to 28 people, and passengers can walk around during the slowly-moving ride.

The Singapore Flyer, worth about S$240 million (US$171 million), was a private venture backed mainly by German investors and built by Mitsubishi Corp and Takenaka Corp of Japan.

Singapore-based Great Wheel Corp is also building wheels in Beijing and Berlin, which will edge out the Singapore Flyer as the world's biggest when they begin turning in about two years, the chairman of Singapore Flyer, Florian Bollen, said before the attraction opened. - AFP

Visit the Singapore Zoo then.

Christmas at Park

Spend an unforgettable and enriching day with us through our half-day Bird Camps, specially designed to enhance your experience at the Park. Choose to be enthralled by the majestic Birds of Prey, delighted by the intelligent parrots or just spend a wild and special day with us!

Predator Vs Prey
Size up magnificent condors, formidable eagles and fearsome falcons as we shed 'feathers' on these majestic creatures. Also, learn about the adaptation skills of these birds in their various habitats. The camp comes with a panorail ride around the BirdPark.

Time
Activity

9.00am
Pitter Pellets Special Tour

10.00am
Birds-of-Prey Show

10.30am
Break (have your snacks and drinks or play at the Wet and Splash Playground)

11.00am
Birds-of-Prey Behind-the-Scenes

12.00pm
Free & Easy

Parrot Chitchat
Step into the noisy and vibrant world of parrots and join us in a parrot discovery tour. Uncover their habits, lifestyle and intelligence as we have an enjoyable time in the Lory Loft and watch the parrots perform in the all-time favorite - Birds n Buddies Show! Check out their eggs and how our foster parents take good care of eggs and chicks abandoned by their parents. The camp comes with a panorail ride around the BirdPark. It's going to be a chirpy chatty time!

Time
Activity

9.00am
Parrot Discovery Tour

10.00am
Eggs and Chicks Behind-the-Scenes

10.45am
Break

11.00am
Birds n Buddies Show

11.30am
Special Bird Interaction

12.00pm
Free & Easy

Into The Nursery
Where do baby birds come from? Do all baby birds look the same? Are all of them born blind and 'naked'? Get all your questions answered as we visit babies big and small, and take you behind the scenes into our nursery. Help the babies make a home by building them a nest. The camp comes with a panorail ride around the BirdPark.

Time
Activity

9.00am
Nest workshop

10.00am
Birds-of-Prey Show

10.30am
Break

11.00am
Birds n Buddies Show

11.30am
Eggs and Chicks Behind-the-Scenes

12.00pm
Free & Easy

Conservationist Explorer half-day Bird Camp
Be a conservationist for a day! Start the day learning how we help abandoned eggs and chicks in the nursey, then meet the endangered toucans from South America and learn about their interesting breeding habits and colorful beaks. The Lories from Australia needs your help in feeding them and also to spread the word to stop deforestation. Lastly, hop on the panorail and take in the sights of the whole park, but don't miss out the magnificent Birds of Prey show!

Time
Activity

9.00am
Eggs & Chicks Behind-the-Scenes

9.30am
Hornbills & Toucans Tour

10.00am
Birds-of-Prey Show

10.30am
Break

11.00am
Lory Loft Feeding

12.00pm
Free & Easy

We try our best to adhere to the itinerary, which may change due to unforeseen circumstances.

Contact Info : Jurong BirdPark
Tel: (65) 6265 0022
www.birdpark.com.sg
Date : 22 Dec 2008 9:00 am - 30 Oct 2009 12:00 pm
Venue : Jurong BirdPark
2 Jurong Hill

Berlin zoo thrilled with baby hippo

It is the ultimate in swimming lessons as Paula the baby hippo struggles to keep up with her mother Kathi.

The 18-day-old calf, Paula, had its first public outing at Berlin Zoo, as it swam alongside mother Kathi.

Although only a fraction of its mother's size, currently only 40kg, the zoo's newest resident is expected to weigh up to two tons when fully grown.

Until now the calf, Kathi's second baby, had only spent time with its mother, away from the other hippos.

She is the first hippo to born in Berlin in three years.

The cute calf is not the first animal to gain worldwide attention from the German zoo, following in the footsteps of Knut the Polar Bear.

Knut was made a star in 2006 when the zoo decided to hand-raise him after his mother abandoned him and some animal rights activists said it was better to let him die.

Last week it was reported that Knut could soon be evicted by the cash-strapped zoo because of financial woes.

Neumuenster Zoo, in the country's far north, is claiming guardianship of Knut under an agreement it says was struck when it loaned Berlin Knut's father, Lars, in 1999.

Although they cannot house Knut because they already have a polar bear with whom Knut would not get along, they are demanding Berlin show them architectural plans for a new enclosure and evidence he will properly be cared for. --Reuters

In Hard Economic Times, Berlin Zoo Turns to Selling Polar Bears

Last year Knut the polar bear cub got a giant marzipan cake with a wooden candle for his birthday; this year he’ll get a quiche frozen in a block of ice. The global economic crisis is hitting even the celebrity polar bear sector, including Knut, whose fluffy features and adorable antics have earned the Berlin Zoo more than $7 million in endorsments. But now nearly two, Knut has lost his cuteness, and the Berlin Zoo has announced that it is ready to sell him.

“It’s time for him to go—the sooner he gets a new home the better. Anything else would be financially irresponsible,” said Heiner Kloes, the senior bear keeper. The zoo says it cannot afford to build a new compound large enough to accommodate the now-210 kilogram and 2.5-meter-tall bear. Neither can it afford to take on a mate for him. Several zoos around the world appear eager to welcome Knut, but the winning bid is likely to come from Gelsenkirchen Zoo, also in Germany, which has spacious facilities and Lara, a three-year-old female cub.

In his cuddlier days, Knut graced the cover of Vanity Fair, starred in films, inspired pop songs, and was honored on a postage stamp. (He’s even been accused of being a diva and has been called the Britney Spears of zoo animals.) But boy have times changed. Along with the stock market (and Britney), Knut’s stardom has taken a nosedive. Nowadays, he is often cranky and only rouses from his naps to eat. Knut was once an icon of the environmental movement, but some say his transfer to a new zoo may be funded by Gazprom, the Russian energy giant.

Doing the Singapore's Part in Earth Day 2009

Earth Hour starts ticking
By Tania Tan

SIXTY black balloons dotted the sky over the Hort Park on Wednesday as drums sounded to launch Earth Hour 2009.

The 60 orbs represented the minutes of the hour during which people are encouraged to turn off their lights, in a symbolic gesture to support the fight against climate change.

Spearheaded by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Earth Hour gained international recognition after its inaugural launch in Sydney last year), with over 74 cities pledging their involvement.

WWF Singapore wants to see some one million people taking part during Earth Hour at 8.30pm on March 28, and hopefully throughout 2009 as well.

Already, companies like Microsoft and Meritus Hotels & Resorts - parent company of Meritus Mandarin and Marina Mandarin Hotels - have pledged their participation.

'It's not just about that one hour, it's about taking action in our everyday lives,' said WWF Singapore's managing director Amy Ho.

Using a fan instead of the air-conditioning, turning off lights not in use, and recycling plastic bottles are just some of the simple changes people can make to combat climate change, she added.

For more information and to get involved visit www.earthhour.org.

Panda bites keeper

A GIANT panda named Peace bit a park keeper's left leg while he was laying bamboo leaves in the animal's pen at a Hong Kong amusement park, officials said on Tuesday.

The park staffer was recovering well in hospital after the attack at Ocean Park, which has four giant pandas from China, park spokesman Christie Lau said.

Ms Lau said park officials were still investigating the Nov 30 incident involving the male panda, whose name, An An, means 'peace' in Mandarin. Ms Lau declined to provide further details.

A park visitor posted a video clip on YouTube that allegedly shows the post-attack scene, with the keeper in a green park uniform crawling out of the panda pen as the furry animal runs back into its den.

The mass-market Apple Daily newspaper quoted an unidentified park employee as saying the keeper did not follow proper protocol, which requires locking pandas in their sleeping dens before putting bamboo leaves in their habitat.

Although pandas look cute and cuddly, they are wild animals that can be violent when provoked or startled.

Last month, a panda bit a college student in the southern Chinese city of Guilin after the student went into the animal's enclosure and tried to hug it.

A gift from the mainland Chinese government, An An arrived in Hong Kong in 1999 with female consort Jia Jia from the south-western province of Sichuan. Another two giant pandas were also moved to the territory last year to celebrate the 10th anniversary of this former British colony's return to Chinese rule. -- AP

Zoo staff problem a "one-off incident"

IT WAS a one-off incident, says the cleaning company whose supervisor was filmed beating up a worker outside the Singapore Zoo.

And it had nothing to do with the death of its employee, Mr Nordin Montong, the Malaysian cleaner killed by white tigers at the zoo last month.

Mr Jason Law, operations director at Sun City Maintenance, said: 'The beating incident and Nordin's death are completely unrelated.'

The company came forward to 'clear the air' over the handphone video, which had been taken about six months ago.

Mr Law, 44, told The New Paper that the beating, involving a supervisor called Alan, was a 'one-off incident' after a misunderstanding between Alan and a foreign worker named Phang Siau Nian.

Sun City was not able to give us the contact details of Alan, a Singaporean in his 30s, and Mr Phang, a Malaysian in his early 20s, as they had left the company.

Started with a look

Mr Stanley Kuta Teo Ukau, 20, a Sun City cleaner who witnessed the beating, said Alan got upset because he felt Mr Phang had given him a defiant look during his briefing after work at about 6pm.

Speaking in Malay, Mr Stanley, who is from Sarawak in Malaysia, said: 'We were waiting for transport. Phang didn't say anything, but he was showing a 'black face' (looking angry). Alan took it in a bad way.

'They were already not on good terms.

'For example, we're supposed to tuck in our uniforms, but Phang refused to do so despite being told off repeatedly by Alan. Phang can also be quite hot-tempered.'

He added that an ambulance and a police patrol car showed up and Mr Phang was examined for serious injury.

Sun City's operations director, Mr Law, who has been with the company for about 10 years, said there was no visible injury on Mr Phang. He did not know who had called the police.

No official report was lodged, so the police did not investigate further.

Mr Phang worked for Sun City for about four months before he went back to Sarawak in July.

According to Mr Stanley, Mr Phang said he had matters to see to.

Alan had worked for the company for two to three years.

Mr Law said Alan had been quite 'rash and impulsive', but his actions should not be taken to represent Sun City's treatment of its workers.

He said: 'I knew about the beating and that it had been recorded on the handphone of one of the workers. I also knew it was being circulated.

'We didn't do anything to suppress the incident in any way. Why should we? The company had not done anything wrong. Fights can break out for all sorts of reasons.'

Mr Law had advised Mr Phang that it was up to him to make a police report.

'I told him that if he wanted to make a report, no one would stop him,' he said.

Privately settled

Mr Phang eventually settled the matter privately with Alan and accepted compensation from him. Mr Law did not know the amount agreed upon.

He said: 'The company issued Alan a warning letter. He acknowledged it. The incident was noted in his record.'

Mr Stanley also said he was aware of the compensation, but not the amount.

He added: 'If the matter was not properly settled, the rest of us would have been unhappy. We would not have continued working for Sun City.'

'It is not right for a supervisor to beat up a worker.'

Mr Law said that a few months after the incident, Alan was asked to resign because of attitude problems.

'He would turn up late for work or not come at all. In addition to what had happened, we felt it was unacceptable,' he said.

Mr Law also stressed that Mr Phang had not resigned because of the beating or because he was ill-treated.

He said: 'Why would we ill-treat our workers? They are our assets. We are not irresponsible employers. If we were, why would I personally accompany Nordin's body back to Sarawak?
'Everybody advised me against it, because they were worried that I would be held responsible for his death and be attacked in his village.'

He claimed that there was a tense moment after the burial, when a relative holding a parang asked him, 'Insurance, how?'

Mr Law said: 'Luckily, Nordin's brother-in-law stepped in. He told me not to go anywhere by myself as it was not safe. Later, he drove me back to my hotel.'

He added: 'I believe I have a good relationship with my workers. I go to the work sites and ask if they are happy with their work, their accommodation.

'I have workers who stay with me for a few years. In an industry with a turnover rate of a few months, this is very rare.'

Mr Stanley, who has been with Sun City for eight months, said: 'The beating incident did make us very upset, but in other matters, the company treats us okay.'