Updates On 5th Apr 2015

IN LOVING MEMORY OF RAMBA

Today marks the 11th anniversary of Ramba’s passing. Still missing her loads…

Ramba was the inspiration behind the setting up of ACRES in 2001 and the memories of the time I spent with her will always remain in my heart. Still and always thinking of you Ramba.

I’ve attached the story and poem I wrote 11 years ago.

- Louis Ng, Chief Executive, ACRES

FALLING IN LOVE WITH RAMBA

By Louis Ng

I was about 21 years old; she was only 2 years old.

We met at the zoo and Ramba was the first chimp I fell in love with. She stared right through my eyes when I first met her and she had a hard life and an awful story to tell.

She was separated from her mother Susie when she was only one year old. She was slated to become a photography chimp and was kept in a cage, away from her family group permanently just so that she could be taken out for the photography sessions more easily.

She would often cry and hug me during the photography sessions and I tried my best to comfort her.

I am ashamed it took me so long to realise that it was wrong to use chimps as photography props and I look back now and think of all the times she had come to me for help.

I fondly remember playing with her during the breaks, tickling her and hearing her laugh. But when it was back to taking photos, she always had the look on her face, which made me feel guilty for participating in these sessions.

I finally stopped volunteering at the zoo and started a campaign to end the use of chimps in photography sessions. With the help of the International Primate Protection League, the campaign was a success.

In 2001, Ramba was released back into the enclosure. She was finally reunited with Susie, her mother and they spent hours grooming each other. She no longer needed to participate in photography sessions.

She was just starting to get her life back and now she is dead. Somehow, I wish I could have done more for her.

She lived a life of fear and perhaps it is ironic that only through her death can she be free from it. She was only six years old when she died but it was the only way out of a life she never chose.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF RAMBA (1997-2004)

To say that I am devastated by your death

is an understatement.

I have learnt so much from you,

you have taught me everything there is to know about compassion and respect for other living beings.

I have grown so fond of you.

I remember the times when you would come and hug me,

seeking comfort when times were hard.

I would not be fighting for the rights of animals if not for you.

You will always have a special place in my heart and

I will forever be indebted to you.

Rest in peace, you will not be forgotten.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/ACRESasia/photos/a.223077136522.136..

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ACRES

ACRES (Animal Concerns Research & Education Society) is a pioneering Singapore-based charity and Institution of Public Character, founded by Singaporeans in 2001 with the aim of promoting animal welfare.

ACRES has six focus areas: Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation, Wildlife Crime Investigation, Zoo Animal Welfare, Humane Education, Community Outreach and Promoting Cruelty-Free Living.

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