Monitor lizard in Sungei Buloh with cable tie around neck “suffering slow death” sparks concern online

Singapore — A photo of a monitor lizard with a tightly wrapped cable tie around its neck is circulating online. Members of the public are encouraged to keep an eye out for the lizard so that authorities can provide it with assistance.

“It pains my heart to see this picture,” wrote one Loke Peng Fai on Singapore Wildlife Sightings Facebook page on Sunday (Jan 16).

The photo attached was a monitor lizard with what appears to be a cable tie on its neck. It was in the process of swallowing a fish while flies swarmed nearby.

“The monitor lizard is suffering and (could) die a slow death. Its neck was tied, and it is choking on its own food,” said Mr Loke, questioning if someone did this on purpose or if it was a result of litter getting stuck on the reptile’s neck.

“We will never know the answer. One thing for sure is that it is caused by humans,” he added.

Mr Loke noted that the National Parks Board (NParks) had been informed of the incident.

“I understand that they (NParks) are aware of this and trying to get to the lizard for some time now but unsuccessful.”

Facebook user Bernard Seah shared Mr Loke’s post to Facebook page Sungei Buloh Nature Park Network Flora & Fauna on Jan 17, urging park visitors to keep an eye out for the monitor lizard.

“If you do visit Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and spot this monitor that has a cable tie around its neck, please call NParks Animal Response Centre at 1800-4761600,” he said.

Mr Seah said the reptile was last seen on Jan 16 between the Main Bridge and the Main Hide.

“Please don’t go into speculating how it got on because we will never know. Let’s channel our energy to helping this poor creature by finding it,” he noted.

Those who spot the monitor lizard are asked to stick around and observe or track the animal from the designated walkway until park staff arrive on-site.

“Please do not at any time step off the path while observing this monitor (or any other animal) and do keep an eye out for other animals like bees, hornets, wasps, snakes and crocs. Your personal safety is of the utmost importance,” added Mr Seah. /TISG

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