Wildlife Warriors: Anbarasi Boopal & Andie Ang on protecting wildlife and changing perceptions

Singapore’s rapid urbanisation has significantly transformed its natural landscape, leading to the loss of nearly 37 per cent of its biodiversity since 1819, as reported in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). PNAS, a leading US-based multidisciplinary scientific journal and one of the world’s most-cited, publishes cutting-edge research, including studies on global biodiversity loss and conservation.

While infrastructural initiatives like the Eco-Link@BKE and expanded nature reserves mark progress, the real work happens on the ground – led by individuals committed to protecting the nation’s biodiversity.

Among them are Anbarasi “Anbu” Boopal and Andie Ang. Anbu has led undercover investigations into the illegal wildlife trade and overseen the repatriation of trafficked species, while Andie’s research on critically endangered primates has shaped conservation policies across the region.

Their work spans policy, education, and hands-on rescue, ensuring that wildlife protection extends beyond green corridors and into public consciousness.

Empowering people to take action

Before overseeing advocacy efforts, Anbu began as a volunteer with the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (Acres), then spent a decade managing the wildlife rescue department.

She shares that no two days are ever the same, as she and her team regularly confront their fears – whether it’s heights, cockroaches or reptiles – while rescuing wildlife from precarious locations, from towering heights to deep drains.

Today, the co-CEO of Acres spends more time on advocacy work, policy reform, and public education. “Personally, the fulfilment comes from empowering individuals to take action for the animals, with the hope that they become catalysts to strengthen the movement,” she shares.

Her days are often spent engaging with policymakers, fellow conservationists, and the public, pushing for humane coexistence with wildlife.

Andie, a primatologist, deputy chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) Primate Specialist Group, and president of the Jane Goodall Institute (Singapore), is focused on preserving endangered primates, particularly the Raffles’ banded langurs.

As the Head of Primate Conservation & Singapore Programmes at Mandai Nature, she tracks langurs through Singapore’s forests, documenting their diet, social behaviour, and habitat use.

“I climb trees, collect monkey waste, and study langur photos to identify individual monkeys to form their family trees,” she says, emphasising the meticulous work that conservation demands. Misconceptions, she notes, remain a major hurdle in primate conservation.

“People see headlines about macaques raiding homes or being aggressive, but they don’t realise these behaviours are often the result of human actions – feeding them, encroaching on their space, or misunderstanding their natural habits.”

Despite the labour-intensive work, both women remain steadfast in their commitment to wildlife conservation. “I count myself lucky to have mentors who have encouraged me to push forward,” says Andie.

“It can take time for people to understand why primate conservation matters, but when they do, it makes all the effort worthwhile.”

Anbu, too, finds motivation in the small victories – like reuniting a lost pink-necked green pigeon with its mate. “It’s moments like these that remind me why I do this. Animals have their own world, their own ways – we just need to respect and understand them.”

The importance of public education

Both Anbu and Andie strongly believe that educating the public is the key to long-term change. “The best way to help wildlife is to understand it,” says Andie, mentioning a quote by acclaimed zoologist and primatologist Jane Goodall. “Only if we understand, will we care. Only if we care, will we help. And only if we help, shall all be saved.”

Anbu stresses the importance of reconnecting with nature. “It doesn’t take a grand effort – you don’t have to go to a nature reserve to appreciate wildlife. Just pause, observe the mynas at the void deck or the trees lining the roads. Connection is the first step to conservation.”

When it comes to the future of wildlife conservation in Singapore, both women remain hopeful.

“Singapore has made significant strides in conservation, but there’s still work to be done,” says Andie. “We need to continue fostering an environment where people and wildlife can coexist harmoniously.”

Anbu envisions a future where respect for all living beings becomes second nature. “If someone sees a python in a canal and simply walks away instead of calling for its removal – that’s coexistence. If people accept nature as part of their daily lives, we’ll have truly succeeded.”

Photography Athirah Annissa
Art direction Adeline Eng
Hair Angel Gwee, using Davines
Makeup Benedict Choo, using YSL Beaute

In honour of International Women’s Day and Singapore’s 60th year, we’re celebrating the extraordinary women who have shaped its story. With Shiseido’s support, we honour the Advocators who are amplifying marginalised voices – and building a more inclusive, equitable, and compassionate Singapore.

To learn more about the 60 women who have shaped Singapore as we know it today, click here.