Facebook user Rashwinder Singh shared that he was driving along Tanah Merah Coast Road on the evening of 4 MAy when he found an injured owl, sharing about his encounter on the Singapore Wildlife Sightings Facebook group.
He said that he handed the injured owl over to NParks after finding it, with the hopes that the owl will recover, but later found out that the owl was put down and euthanised after it was deemed unlinkeoly to recover from it’s wing fractures.
Here is what he said
Was driving along Tanah Merah coast rd to have dinner at Changi V. Came across this injured owl and stopped my car and rescued it using just blanket in my boot and placed it at the back seat. It sat quietly throughout the journey from Changi v to Toa Payoh..brought back home and manage to safely hand over to NParks. Hope this owl recovers.
**UPDATE
Barn Owl was put down after Nparks wildlife vets said it was unlikely to recover from its extensive wing fractures. I was really hoping it would recover after all the effort put in. This is really upsetting!
Update on his post
**UPDATE**
Just spoke to the group director of wildlife management Dr Adrian Loo over the phone. He has apologised for the lack of communication and has gone through the list of injuries found on the owl ( multiple fractures in wings and spinal ) hence the need of PTS. He has also ensured they will improve on their communication in future cases.
I’ve accepted the apology of Dr Adrian Loo & NParks.
Thank you everyone on social media. May we continue to help & rescue animals
Okay so now I’m ready to speak.
I read the article where it was said the Barn owl was put to sleep due to extensive injuries.
I find NParks truly unprofessional. I contacted them and their contractor about the status of the owl but received no response back from both parties. Secondly, they went ahead and inform ST about the outcome. I was the one who rescued, waited and handed over the owl to the contractors. So why didn’t they get back to me and give the outcome.
Thirdly, Dr Loo I don’t know what you’re talking when you said “I would advice members of the public not to move any injured animal away from place”. Hello Dr, firstly you guys outsource the job of animal rescue.
Secondly when contacted your staff said “ we won’t be able to come now as we’re busy but in the next 2-3hrs would be possible. Could you leave your address and the team will pick it up from you.
Now, Dr Loo I won’t be sitting with the owl in the middle of Tanah Merah coast rd and reminiscing the good old days staring into blank darkness on the bicycle lane. Let’s be real lah! Now onto the last part, why was I given word that the Owl wouldn’t be put down but of cos we all know what was the outcome. Why say one thing and do another?
Anyways, rest in peace, I tried my best.
