Project Zoo: ACJC

© Nicholas Lim

Through the project, i have learnt more about conservation and the threats that the animals face. While i knew that animal smuggling and poaching existed, i was surprised at the scale at which it was happening. I did not expect such a large number of the animals to be lost from these activities. Some of these animals are sold to people as pets. I feel that this is cruel as they are unable to take care of their needs and are mistreated. Wild animals should not be confined to a small cage.

However, i also realised that loss of habitat from human activities such as logging is a real and major threat that the animals face. Without their homes, many of the animals are unable to adapt and die.Such activities have led to a sharp decline in the population of many animals such as the orangutans which are now critically endangered.

To me, conservation should not only be about ensuring that the animal continues to survive but also thrive. Hence, public education of the plight is necessary to ensure that current practises do not continue. This would not be easy as most people are not aware of such activities or feel that it would not affect them. In reality, such events do concern us as it has effects on the whole ecosystem.

Nicholas Lim

Photographer