In Loving Memory Of Ramba, The Inspiration Behind The Setting Up Of ACRES

This month marks the 8th anniversary of Ramba�s passing.

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The ACRES story began with a baby chimp called Ramba whom I met 13 years ago.

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I will never see Ramba again but the moments we shared will last forever, the memories of her as painful as some of them are will remain in my heart and the times we spent, I will always cherish.

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As young, as humble and as innocent as she was, she taught me everything I needed to know about animal emotions.

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She was used for photography sessions and I was unfortunately the photographer. She was separated from her mother, Susie, when she was only one year old and was kept in a cage away from her whole family group. On several occasions she was beaten, punched straight into her face and she ran to me crying, hugged me and literally checked if her lips were bleeding.

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She had placed all her trust in me and I�m ashamed to say that it took me some time before I had the courage to do something and not continue ignoring her pleas for help.

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I spoke to the management only to be told �I�m just a small boy, I will never win.�

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I decided that for Ramba, we would win and after 2 years of campaigning, Ramba won and was released from her cage into the enclosure where her family lived.

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She ran straight to her mother Susie whom she had not met for 3 years and they hugged. Susie started to groom her, which is how primates show their affection for each other. It amazed me that they could recognise each other after being apart for so long and they obviously missed each other.

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I was invited to witness this event with the media and I remember Eunice The Straits Times reporter, asking if I was happy. I told her that this was the best thing I had ever done in my life and that was the quote they published.

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Ramba has unfortunately since, passed away. She escaped from her enclosure, was tranquilised, fell into a reservoir and drowned. I will never forget the day I received this news and I cried for days.

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ACRES was born because of Ramba, because billions of animals like Ramba suffer at the hands of us humans everyday, and because it was time to stop ignoring their suffering and take action.

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IN LOVING MEMORY OF RAMBA (1997-2004)

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To say that I am devastated by your death

is an understatement.

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I have learnt so much from you,

you have taught me everything there is

to know about compassion and respect

for other living beings.

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I have grown so fond of you.

I remember the times when you would

come and hug me,

seeking comfort when times were hard.

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I would not be fighting for the rights of animals

if not for you.

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You will always have a special place

in my heart and

I will forever be indebted to you.

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Rest in peace, you will not be forgotten.

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- Louis Ng

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