Every morning when I step into Singapore Zoo, I am not just going to work; I am returning to the animals I have formed bonds with. Zookeeping has shaped the way I see the world, affirming that nature is something worth cherishing, celebrating and protecting.

Photo credits- Mandai Wildlife Group

Working closely with wildlife is both a privilege and a responsibility. Building trust with them requires patience, gentleness and respect. While it takes time and effort, there is something deeply fulfilling about watching a once-cautious animal begin to relax in your presence, calmly eating nearby, or even approaching you. Moments like these make my work incredibly meaningful and remind me that connection does not always require words; sometimes it is built in silence and daily routines. Whether it’s preparing diets, cleaning habitats or observing subtle behavioural changes, every task requires close attention. Animals cannot tell us when something is wrong. We learn to read their body language and notice even the smallest shifts in appetite or mood.

At Fragile Forest, I care for a variety tropical rainforest species, including the red ruffed lemur, ring-tailed lemur, lesser mousedeer, Malayan flying fox and Linne’s two-toed sloth – each add their own charm and character to the biodome. Among them, the lesser mousedeer, native to Singapore, is particularly close to my heart.

Feeding Piddy, the red ruffed lemur. Photo credits- Mandai Wildlife Group

In Singapore, the lesser mousedeer was once classified as Critically Endangered, but thanks to gradual recovery efforts, it is now listed as Endangered. Globally, the species is listed as Least Concern on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. This progress gives hope, yet reminds me that safeguarding nature is an ongoing journey and makes conservation feel deeply personal. When you understand their gentle, sensitive personalities, helping to ensure they thrive stops being an abstract issue – it becomes an urgent responsibility.

The shy and well-camouflaged lesser mouse-deer. Photo credits- Mandai Wildlife Group

Most people don’t realise that this tiny animal is the world’s smallest hoofed animal, and yet it plays a vital role as a seed disperser, helping to regenerate forests. I love sharing stories about this shy and often overlooked species with visitors, raising awareness of the important role each species plays in the ecosystem. Ecosystems are like a symphony: when even one instrument is missing, the harmony falters. Caring for the lesser mousedeer has made me better appreciate the delicate balance of rainforest ecosystems.

Placing food trays for the lesser mouse-deer. These trays contain carrots, long beans and other vegetables enriched with calcium powder to support the nutritional needs of these small mammals. Photo credits- Mandai Wildlife Group

To support their wellbeing, the habitats have been carefully designed to mimic natural conditions as much as possible. Dense vegetation, shaded areas, and natural substrates provide privacy and comfort, while also encouraging natural breeding behaviours. These conditions help our lesser mousedeer thrive and contribute to the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) Ex-situ Programme (EEP) – an internationally managed breeding programme that maintains genetically healthy and stable populations in human care – making each birth here important. 

In Singapore, wildlife conservation has made meaningful progress over the years and the recovery of the lesser mousedeer shows that efforts to preserve and enhance green spaces truly matter. Protecting wildlife begins with the simple act of noticing them and appreciating their place in nature. When we do that, we begin to care and champion their right to flourish. Biodiversity is what keeps ecosystems stable, and every species, no matter how small, contributes to that balance. The mousedeer’s quiet presence in our forests symbolises resilience, perseverance and hope. By respecting protected areas, supporting conservation initiatives, and making environmentally conscious choices in our daily lives – whether recycling, reducing waste, or being mindful of our consumption – we can play our own small part in ensuring that species like the mousedeer don’t just survive, but thrive.

Castro and Hery the ring-tailed lemurs. Photo credits- Mandai Wildlife Group