NParks employee among those investigated over snake-handling incident at Singapore nature trail

A National Parks Board (NParks) employee is among several individuals under investigation after an eyewitness account and visual evidence emerged showing a group handling and repositioning snakes during a night photography session at a protected nature trail in Singapore's Mandai district. 

The incident occurred on 26 May at Mandai Road Track 15 — also known as the Mandai Trail, a well-known location among nature photographers — and came to public attention on 31 May when an anonymous user published a detailed account and visuals in a public Facebook group.

"During a night walk, a snake was removed from a branch approximately three to four metres above the ground and handled for a photography session," the user wrote. "The individual involved spent an estimated 10 to 15 minutes repositioning the snake multiple times to achieve a preferred photographic composition. At one point, he commented that the snake's position 'didn't look very natural' and proceeded to move it again."

The user added that the snake appeared to be in the process of shedding at the time. "Can't imagine the shock," they wrote.

In visuals accompanying the post, a bespectacled man was seen handling a snake curled around a tree branch, while another individual posed with a smaller snake. At least four other people appeared to be present, equipped with torches, lighting, and camera gear. The larger reptile, measuring more than a metre in length, was attempting to escape onto a tree when it was handled.

A second, smaller snake was also reportedly handled and passed among members of the group for photography purposes. Another individual, identified as Brandon, was said to have asked others to photograph him while he held the animal. The anonymous user noted that Brandon had previously volunteered with ARK Initiative, a local wildlife organisation, describing the observations as "particularly concerning."

"I have chosen to remain anonymous because I wish to protect my identity and avoid any personal conflict with those involved," the user wrote. "I believe it is important to document and bring attention to behaviours that may compromise animal welfare."

NParks confirms staff involvement, investigation ongoing

Responding to queries from The Straits Times, NParks' group director for enforcement and investigation Jessica Kwok confirmed on 10 June that one of its staff members had been present at the scene, though she declined to identify him by name. Kwok said the employee had been there in a personal capacity and that investigations are ongoing.

Under Singapore law, it is illegal to capture, displace, or feed any animal within a public park without prior approval from the authorities. Those found guilty face a fine of up to S$5,000.

Kwok noted that fewer than 10 cases of wildlife being handled and moved within public parks had been recorded between January 2024 and 10 June.

"Members of the public are reminded to admire wildlife from a distance, and to use optical aids such as binoculars to observe them," Kwok said. "Should you encounter any animal, please remain calm and back away slowly for your safety and the well-being of the animal."

Conservation community raises alarm

The incident has drawn concern from Singapore's herpetological community. The volunteer-run Herpetological Society of Singapore has observed a rising number of people handling snakes on and off nature trails over the past six years, according to its scientific officer Law Ingg Thong. An increase in trespassing in pursuit of these animals has also been noted, he said.

"While we are heartened by the growth of interest in herping and wildlife appreciation, we are also concerned that increased handling of wildlife may lead to more human-wildlife conflicts that could result in harm to either the animal or the person involved," Law said. "Such incidents may also negatively affect public perceptions of the herping community and undermine efforts to promote ethical and professional wildlife observation practices."

Law, a fauna specialist, said handling wildlife is generally discouraged unless carried out by trained individuals engaged in permitted scientific activities.

Addressing the specifics of the Mandai incident, Law noted that the sapling around which the larger snake appeared to have been placed was too small to adequately support the animal.

"Tree-dwelling snakes typically require larger branches, logs, or foliage for adequate support. Attempting to wrap the snake around a narrow trunk without sufficient support could have caused unnecessary stress to the animal," he said.