The brief roaming of the jaguar at the Singapore Zoo, as well as a serval cat which jumped at a Chinese tourist during a show at the Night Safari last week, were of concern, the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres) said.

"Acres also appeals to the Wildlife Reserves Singapore to take the initiative and end the use of wild animals in their shows and drastically improve the welfare of the animals currently in captivity," Acres said in a statement.

Acres President Louis Ng said there was an urgent need to address the needs of the captive animals before more serious injuries and deaths occur.

"Perhaps the animals at the Singapore Zoo are trying to escape because they are seeking more stimulation, space and varied environment, which they are currently not being provided," Ng said.

Ho Yew Kee, the executive director of Wildlife Reserves Singapore, which owns the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and Jurong Bird Park, said in response that Acres' concerns were misplaced.

"Animal shows have been featured in Singapore Zoo and Night Safari since 1985 and 1996 respectively. These shows help educate visitors about animals in a fun way, demonstrating their natural behaviour and abilities," Ho said.



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