Why does the centre limit prolonged human contact for young animals?

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Prolonged human contact poses risks to the survival of young wild animals due to habituation.

The new wildlife hospital at Mandai Wildlife Centre prioritises the rehabilitation and release of native animals, but the veterinary team emphasises that extended human interaction can negatively impact a young animal's chances of survival. This is primarily because prolonged care increases the risk of habituation, where the animals become too accustomed to humans. This can hinder their ability to thrive independently in their natural environment once released.
Risk of Habituation

The longer young animals remain in human care, the greater the likelihood they will become habituated. This means they may lose their natural fear of humans and develop dependency, which is detrimental to their long-term survival in the wild. For instance, a lesser dog-faced fruit bat, rescued as an orphan, required intensive, round-the-clock feeding. While such intensive care is necessary for survival, the ultimate goal is to minimise this reliance.
Importance of Natural Survival Skills

The centre's approach aims to return animals to their natural habitats, where they must rely on their innate survival skills. Habituation compromises these skills, making them less adept at finding food, avoiding predators, and navigating their environment independently. Successful rehabilitation involves not only healing injuries but also preserving the animals' wild nature.
Successful Release Rates

Despite the challenges, the centre has achieved a notable success rate, with approximately 62 per cent of treated animals being successfully released back into the wild in collaboration with the National Parks Board. This figure underscores the effectiveness of their rehabilitation protocols, which balance necessary human intervention with efforts to prevent undue habituation. This carefully managed approach is crucial for maximising the animals' chances of a successful reintegration into their ecosystems.

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Why does the centre limit prolonged human contact for young animals?

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