I used to terrorize my sister. I was constantly trying to get her to play Monopoly with me. She trained me well for advocacy and campaign work.I watched the movie Gorillas in the Mist when I was 14. Halfway through, I told my mum I wanted to be like Dian Fossey. She freaked out at the end of the movie when Dian was murdered by the poachers!Ramba the baby chimpanzee is and will always be my biggest influence. In 1999, whilst being trained for a photography session at the zoo, she ran towards me and showed me her lips to check if they were bleeding after being punished for not sitting still. That’s when the first seeds of ACRES were sown.I was determined to end this cruelty, stop the chimp photography sessions and reunite Ramba and two other baby chimpanzees with their mothers.I am truly happy every day because I am doing a job that I have been dreaming of since I was young.Nothing is impossible, miracles take time.We’re getting so crowded here that it’s now hard to find a spot where you can get some peace and tranquility.There is no routine to my work. That’s the best thing about it. I give talks at schools, man roadshows, attend government meetings, perform wildlife rescues, conduct undercover investigations into the wildlife trade, do inspections in zoos and more.I love that Singapore is so efficient.Animals can’t speak for themselves. So humans feel justified in treating them as mere objects. It is up to all caring human beings to give them a voice.Most animal cruelty goes on behind the scenes. We will only see positive change when people become more aware of the plight of animals.I cannot imagine doing anything else. I hate wearing a suit and a tie and can’t imagine climbing the corporate ladder.Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.Economic progress is undoubtedly important but we must also focus on the moral progress of the country.I’ve learnt that it is necessary to move on. If it doesn’t kill you it makes you stronger.
