Reflection of my life

By Raymund Wee

As a Caregiver of Noah's Ark Natural Animal Sanctuary.

Although running the sanctuary took its toll physically, emotionally, mentally, and financially, after all these 20 years.  The Spiritual aspect is there if you look for it. With great empathy and a desire to make a difference I left my airline job of 18 years in 1988 to become a full-time advocator of Animal Welfare.

This is not just a personal issue to be dealt with only within the confines of the sanctuary, but rather a community outreach issue that must be addressed.  Today a lot of things are the same, but the rampant changes have changed through our social media, the internet, but I didn’t have a perspective as to what's important in life.

I have about the choices I've made.  I want to make sure that my priorities are the ones I'd want to have, rather than ones someone else thinks I ought to have. In daily life, we must see that it is not HAPPINESS that makes us grateful, but GRATEFULNESS that makes us happy.  It's the power of UNCONDITIONAL LOVE to widen the path and light the way.  So many powerful, positive things have come out of this experience, it's rate to think back now about how bad it was during the Noah's Ark saga in 2000 with the Exodus of animals.

Some people never understand what their gifts are and how to use them.  But everything in life happens for a reason.  I didn't believe that the move to Johor happened for nothing, but it was for me to figure it out.

I was judgemental, impatient, and held flimsy interpretation of life.  Now I listen to the problems of others, "What can I do to help the animals through humans and their caregivers."  My life has changed irrevocably and upward for joy because of what I went through not forgetting the forces of supporters after all these 20 years.

As much as we want only happiness as kids and teens, that's terrific, but unless you've suffered in your life you really don't know.

I pray for the wisdom to deal with changes and that people will RESPECT nature and all creatures great and small.

A little piece of haven by Clara Chew

Over legislation kills

Photo credits: 

Genevieve Yap Lai Ye, Student of Lasalle College of the Arts

In a society where we boast of freedom and clearly recognised the importance of our leadership in this region, one must be increasingly disillusioned by the simple things in life that prevent us from moving ahead even further. We can successfully persuade family to stop at two, monopolies the gambling industries and having the marketing prowess to alter human life in this city call Singapore.

The suffering of our street animals is a deep and quiet thing and yet thousands of people hear and care and hope to answer this call. More than 25 Animal Welfare Groups have invested their time and money. While Singaporeans are donating thousands of their dollars to animal welfare organisations who promised that they are relieving animal sufferings.

But are they? Or, is the trust being placed in them by their donors, being betrayed.?

The overpopulation of dogs and cats is the major source of the suffering and death of thousands of animals a year in Singapore. This is a problem for which the cause is well known, the consequences of not solving it are well known and the tools for solving it are within reach. And yet, little headway is being made. It is one  of the simplest problems to correct.

Where is the effort to prevent the over population in the first place?

Our society should devote a sizable of our existence to find out the problem that is facing us and to realise that we must refocus our efforts on the TRUE meaning of responsibility and compassion and to understand that even though only one voice, each human is part of a societal choir of sorts that has far reaching consequences for everyone in that given society. We can never expect to win the game until all teammates play by the same rules.

The Animal Welfare Groups are not useless. It is a better place with them than without them, but they fall short. To whom much is given, much is expected.

Remember over legislation kills more good people.

By Raymund Wee

The courage of our conviction

Team Noah's Ark

Front row from left: Alicia, Gek Hiang, Shalom (German Shepherd), 
Raymund, Madeline, Joanne, Canto Pop (Shihtzu), Ester and Sharon.

Back row from left: Suan, Lynda, Clement, Ah Long, Beatrice, 
Fong Yee, Vivian and Agnes.

A covenant with the creator to sustain and to respect all life.

We reap what we sow. Our legacy to future generations will grow from acorns of our action as well as the personal values we demonstrate to those of this and future generations through our everyday behaviors and attitudes.

Integrity is not what we do as much as who we are. And who we are, in turn, determines what we do. It establishes priorities in our lives and judges what we will accept or reject.

Our intentions are pure and with one thing in mind to make Singapore a Stray Free City.

The Guardians of the Ark

Understand the Roles of Shelters and the Blames

by Raymund Wee

In order for veterinarians to work effectively with shelters they should understand the various roles or functions they may be asked to serve, the mission and philosophy of the shelter/sanctuary. 

Each shelter has their own strength, Noah's Ark strength is to provide low-cost spay and neuter for animal guardians with lesser disposable income, also for those who can't afford other medical services for their pet/pets.

Limiting Disease Transmission

If there is a possibility of an infectious animal population, the only "treatment" that will prevent any disease transmission is true isolation.

Unfortunately, few facilities in Malaysia and Singapore have a space that is physically and environmentally separated from the rest of the shelters.

The canine population typically exhibits problems limited to a few common diseases, isolation areas should reasonably focus on those diseases, name:

• Infectious kennel cough
• Distemper 
• Canine parvovirus
• Fungal skin infection and scabies

RESCUING 70 dogs that were rounded up from the multiple areas from the dog pound in JB all at once sounds pathetically humane but their outcome regarding their well being need to be questioned.

While considering the implications of the impact of other insidious diseases and their effects on an adopted animal and the adopter.

Keeping exposed and sick animals in the shelter jeopardizes the health of current and future populations often falls on the deaf ears of untrained management who are influenced heavily by public sentimentality.

A Journey as a Vet Intern at Noah's Ark

From left: Kaylen and Wei Yin. 

An animal’s life cannot be saved by only words as it requires something more. It requires an intricate mix of time, resources and most importantly a truly devoted and determined heart. 

A trip to Noah’s Ark Natural Animal Sanctuary (NANAS) was thought to be a well-deserved celebration after my graduation from veterinary school. However, it would prove to be a learning experience as I travelled to the sanctuary that is founded by Raymund Wee. The impression that I took away from the sanctuary was that it was the perfect life lesson for young people who is looking for their passion in their lives.

Upon arriving at the sanctuary for the first time, I was impressed by the facilities as it is spacious, well equipped and managed. The happiest scene as I am a veterinarian that you could ever ask would be more than hundreds of dogs just so happy to see visitors interacting with them. The dogs at the sanctuary are the most friendliest as they have been given another chance to be treated in the right manner. The dogs are well groomed, have a good coat of fur and endless energy.

During my stay at the sanctuary, I have become accustomed to the barking and getting kissed by the dogs in the morning that it has become my favourite part of the day. I stayed for five days at the sanctuary and that I appreciate that the sanctuary has limited internet access which means I can focus on what I am supposed to do.

On mornings while enjoying breakfast at the sanctuary, I had the opportunity to understand Uncle Raymund’s strong belief in the work that he is doing for the animals which I think is a valuable lesson that I will treasure. Also, I enjoy talking to him as he has numerous stories to share and they are all very inspiring. He taught me not only the skills to be a better veterinarian but to think through something before we act. I still remember his words of wisdom when he corrected me as I did not perform the procedures correctly by saying, “If you cannot create lives, you have no right to take away lives.” His words left a deep impression and always serve as a reminder to me when I do surgeries on animals.

I believe that Uncle Raymund is doing an amazing job running Noah's Ark daily and to know the reason to as to why he is still doing it after so many years has left me deeply humbled and touched by his efforts. Hopefully through the volunteer veterinarian program and the veterinarian internship at the sanctuary, more people will get to know more about Noah's Ark because it deserves more support than it is having at the moment. I will always value the advices and lessons that he has imparted to me during my stay.

This trip to Noah's Ark which is located at Gelang Patah, Johor Bahru marked the beginning of my professional career as a veterinarian. I am thankful, joyful and satisfied with the experiences and lessons that I have learned during my short but fruitful stay. I hope that someday I can go about to help with more of the veterinary procedures because it marks a new beginning as I embarked with a better perspective as a vet.

Written By: Kaylen Kwan


For enquries on Vet Internship with Noah's Ark, please contact Alice via FaceBook message or email to Noah's Ark Cares. 

City Footprint /城市生命线 on Noah's Ark

City Footprint - Part 1

City Footprint - Part 2

City Footprint - Part 3

Catch a glimpse of Raymund Wee's life, founder of Noah’s Ark, featured on City Footprint.  Over the years, Raymund has sacrificed much time and effort, essentially giving everything to Noah’s Ark. It is his life, his legacy and his steadfast passion which has made Noah’s Ark into one of the largest private animal shelters today.

For those who have not seen the beauty of Noah's Ark, this is a good opportunity for you to see what we are all about. It is also to help you understand the work we do and why we do it so passionately.

To view behind the scene of the documentary, please click here. 

Source: City Footprint
Date:  The documentary was aired on 13 January 2009

Visiting a Shangri-La for Animals: Noah's Ark Natural Animal Sanctuary by Supreme Master Television

Mr Raymund Wee, is the Founder of Noah's Ark Natural Animal Sanctuary (NANAS). He built a comfortable home for his rescued friends by selling his shop and house. With the nearly US$1 million in proceeds, he first started his sancturary in 1995. 

The main goal of the sanctuary is to provide a safe, secure haven for residents where they can live out their lives in happiness and with respect and love.

Source:  Supreme Master Television
Date:  The documentary was aired on 12 February 2009

The Living Ark

The Living Ark

A video about the work of Noah's Ark. Click here to view the documentary. 

Overcrowding in shelters kills....

The mushrooming of animal shelters in Johor Bahru and Singapore has prompted me to write this article.

My belief is that although our emotional investment is what drives many of us in this field, the animals that we care for so much about can best be served when we translate our compassion into a logical and systematic approach to medical care in a shelter.

Shelter Management 

• the effect of overcrowding is numerous.
• intensifies the effect of many other negative factors, such a noise and stress for the animals.
• more stressful for street animals that are so used to the free roaming life.
• increases the contact rate between animals and increases overall amount of disease in the population.
• increases the likelihood that a symptomatic carriers of disease will be present in the population and will be shedding diseases at any given time.
• makes it hard or impossible to practice good husbandry.
• leads to ever more crowding if staff and volunteers is do overwhelmed by the animals' daily care.

Crowding is not just a matter of cage space. Overcrowding occurs when the number of animals outstrips the shelter staff's ability to care for each animal appropriately, even if not every cage is full.

Overcrowding Kills if the shelter has no isolation protocol.

Below are pictures of the conditions of one of the shelters in Malaysia. These animals are just PRISONERS of your kindness or love.

Contributed by Raymund Wee

Franciscan Priests blessed 1000 animals at Noah’s Ark Natural Animal Sanctuary

8 November 2013, Franciscan Priests from the church of St Mary of the Angels were invited to bless Noah’s Ark Natural Animal Sanctuary (NANAS) in Johor Bahru.

The sanctuary came about through Mr Raymund Wee, a catholic whose vision was to give hope to abandoned and abused animals. He started to build this special place in Singapore in 1995. 

However, in the year 2000, the tender for the renewed lease of land at Jalan Kayu was unsuccessful. The ark was relocated to Malaysia and is home to 600 dogs, 300 cats, 9 horses, 4 monkeys and 9 rabbits that have been rescued.

The blessing of animals at the church of St Mary of the Angels has a rich 10 year history according to Franciscans priests, Fr John-Paul Tan (OFM, JCL, Chancellor) and Fr John Derrick Yap (OFM). The yearly tradition coincides with the feast day of St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology and animals.

Darren (left) introducing Huggy Boy a gibbon to Fr John-Paul 

Fr Derrick blessing the cats.

The priests were on hand to lead in the first official blessing of the animals at the sanctuary together with Catholic parishioners from Singapore.

Raymund checking on Chun Doong's teeth

Mr Raymund Wee, founder of Noah's Ark says, “The blessing is a good eye-opener and it shows that people still care for animals.”  Adding on he says with a laugh, “The purpose is to bless the animals so that they can forgive the humans for their wrong-doings to them.”

Being true animal lovers, Fr John-Paul believes that, “The animals are very lucky to have such a place.”  At Noah's Ark, the animals are free to roam the sanctuary and food, water and medical treatments are provided for them. Fr Derrick added that, “It is amazing to see the close relationships that the animals enjoy with each other, even the three-legged ones.”  However, most animals at Noah's Ark have troubled pasts where they are subjected to cruelty. Fr John-Paul says, “ Having an animal is a stewardship, if you can’t take care of it, pass it on to someone else who will continue to care for it.”

Animals are also referenced in the bible such as the book of Genesis and the story of Noah’s Ark. The Christian significance of the blessing is to remind people to always respect, love and care for animals.

Fr Derrick with Cinzano, ex dressage horse.

Fr Derrick stressed that St Francis of Assisi, believed in a common fatherhood, where all creation are brothers and sisters. All creation is to bless God together. The Christian message of the blessing serves as a reminder for Christians to love God’s unique creation.  

Ms Linda Shaw, a parishioner from the church of St. Ignatius says, “The blessing was a wonderful experience and has helped us renew our faith as Christians to love animals.” Adding on she says, “We must look after God’s creation.”

A natural environment for the animals to call home. 

The inspiration behind the name of Noah's Ark came from the bible where Noah was asked to build the ark to house the animals and his family. This was done according to God’s plan to save them from the great flood. Similarly, the ark was built with the purpose to help animals in need and protect them from harm.

Rosina giving Snoopy a pat. 

Ms Rosina Maria Arquati, an animal communicator who is vegan, a catholic and attends the church of St. Joseph (Hong Kong) remarks, “It is an uplifting, inspiring and calming spiritual experience to see the animals being blessed.”  Adding on she says, “In the bible, God gave us domain over the animals, it shows that God trusts us with them.”  Therefore we have the utmost responsibility to care for the animals.

Oso a GR Retriever showing off to our visitors that he can swimm.

Cats watching the dogs swim at their balcony.

Mr Raymund Wee also shares that he relies on a Christian song, “One Day at a time, Sweet Jesus”, which is written by the late Patsy Cline to get him through the trials and tribulations that he faces in running the sanctuary.  The meaningful lyrics of the song he shares is to live one day at a time, pray consistently and to ask for God’s continued grace and strength to help him, one step at a time.

The beauty of the ark can be seen in the sacrifices where no animal is turned away and are able to have the freedom and shelter they deserve. By respecting God’s creatures great and small, the world would be a better and humane society for us, God’s children to co-exist with God’s creatures. For stories and updates about the ark, please like our page at facebook.com/noahsarkcares. 

Written by Darren Chan Keng Leong

Franciscan friars bless animals in relocated sanctuary in JB

by Darren Chan

Source: Catholic News
Date: 1 December 2013

The Street is Not Their Home

This video was put together by Jessica Chia and Roy Ng of Chapman University Singapore as part of their final year 2013 graduation project. 

We would like to thank everyone for making this video possible and for us to share the plight of our animals and the sufferings that they go through.

The dogs featured are Topaz is a rescued Bull Dog.  He was neglected from receiving medical treatment from his owner and the owner abandoned him at the vet clinic.

Big Ben is a Bassett Hound, he was found abandoned at a car park, under the hot sun in Malacca.  When we brought him back to Noah's Ark, we discovered why he was abandoned - click the video to find out why.

A Tribute to Noah’s Ark Natural Animal Sanctuary by Daisy Chee

Once in a while, you come across someone whose passion and dedication to a good cause touches you. That someone for me is Raymund Wee, the selfless founder of Noah’s Ark CARES.

I had the privilege of visiting Raymund’s Noah’s Ark Natural Animal Sanctuary (“NANAS”)  in Johor Bahru, Malaysia in early January 2012. It was an enlightening visit. NANAS provides care for about 800 dogs, 500 cats, 5 horses and numerous rabbits, chickens, monkeys, guinea pigs, etc. I was so happy to see these animals roaming around and playing freely. It has been a while since I saw this, the closest I have seen being the free range zoos in Australia. I am grateful for the following video which was posted previously on YouTube:

Raymund Wee’s greatest regret is not being able to take in every animal who needs and deserves a life like the ones in NANAS. The cost of caring for these animals is the greatest challenge. NANAS is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and continued care of neglected, abused and needy animals. The organisation therefore requires significant support from donors and volunteers, and a huge amount of supplies, food and medication.

Why don’t you visit NANAS and see for yourself? If you can help keep NANAS afloat by either volunteering or donating money, food or other supplies, please go to this site:http://noahsarkcares.blogspot.com/

Remember, nobody can do everything. But everybody can do something!

By Daisy Chee

Source: https://daisychee.wordpress.com/2012/01/26/a-tribute-to-noahs-ark-natural-animal-sanctuary/

Watchdogs on the rise

Source: The Sunday Times
Date: 27 March 2011

Announcement: NANAS Founder, Mr. Raymund Wee Interview Live on BFM (Sept 21; 3pm)

Tune in to BFM 89.9 or listen on-line at this link http://www.bfm.my/, 21th September 2010 at 3pm.

The interview is held in conjunction of World Animal's Day which falls on the 4th Oct. Generally, the topic will be on guidance for dog and cat population management in the most humane, effective and resource way possible.

Do tune in!

Would like to thanks Meera Sivasothy the producer and presenter of BFM 89.9 for inviting Mr Raymond Wee on The Bigger Picture Show.

The Story of an Amazing Ark

Once upon a time, in 1995, fuelled by his love for the stray, Raymund sold off his shop house to set up an animal shelter in Jalan Kayu, Seletar. He transformed Noah’s Ark into one of the foremost private animal shelters in Singapore.

Raymund poured his body, mind and soul into his work for the strays and practised dog grooming to rake in extra funds to support the animals. Coupled with this, he also had to see to the day-today running of the animal farm and tended to the animals when they felt ill.

When land rentals in Singapore increased, Noah’s Ark could no longer afford the rental as well as settle the escalating costs of up keeping the growing number animals on the farm. So, in June 2000, with the help of his many volunteers and supporters, Raymund moved the sanctuary Noah’s Ark Natural Animal Sanctuary, to Pekan Nanas, Johor, Malaysia. From the early beginnings of 200 animals, Noah’s Ark is now home to 860 dogs, 540 cats, 5 horses and all creatures great and small.

Had we not moved out of Singapore, into Johor, we would not have been able to upkeep the animals that have been abused and abandoned through no fault of theirs. Being in Johor allows us to continue our work with the animals, to give them the happiness and freedom they deserve and to live their life in dignity.

The objectives of Noah’s Ark is to reduce the population of stray, rescue abandoned, injured and abused animals as well as maintain its 1,100 animals at this beautiful and amazing sanctuary.

Different Faces

Most of us are familiar with Raymund Wee and know him as the Founder of Noah's Ark. Have you wondered though why he has devoted his life, and continues to do so for the animals? Here's your opportunity to get a deeper insight into this man who has given a big part of his life into making Noah's Ark one of the largest private animal sanctuaries today.

Raymund was featured in "Different Faces", a programme on the Okto channel on TV, on 11 January 2010. "Different Faces" is a series featuring inspirational stories revolving around people from different walks of life. It aims to portray the power within each of us to affect positive changes in the lives of the people close to us and within our community.

In the case of Raymund, you will find out more about how his steadfast passion in leaving a legacy of love for the animals has brought about positive change, not just to the people in our community but importantly, to the animals who need it most.

And if you have yet to visit Noah's Ark, this programme will give you a glimpse into this sanctuary that is home to more than 1,000 animals, and that Raymund calls "home".

We hope through the programme, you will have greater conviction about the work that Raymund and all the volunteers do, with passion and commitment, to ensure that Noah's Ark continues to thrive.

To view behind the scene of the documentary, please click here.

It's raining cats, dogs and even horses

Source: New Sunday Times
Date: 23 December 2007

Noah's goes to the rescue of animals

By Eileen Ng

KUALA LUMPUR: He’ll never hear a thank you from those he rescued, but for the hundreds of dogs and cats, Raymond Wee is nothing short of Noah with his life-rescuing ark.

Just like the biblical character Noah, who built a ship to save the animals from the Great Flood, Wee has gathered a group of volunteers who go around Johor from morning to night rescuing pets, that were abandoned and displaced by the massive floods, and strays.

The founder of Noah’s Ark Natural Animal Sanctuary, with 20 local and Singaporean volunteers, has worked 15-hour days since the floods subsided to rescue dogs and cats left behind by owners who were forced to leave their homes in a hurry because of the rising flood waters.

Their work starts at 8am, combing the streets in lorries to rescue strays, while Wee answers unending phone calls from frantic owners worried about their missing pets.

The rescue work, which includes housing the animals at the sanctuary and administering medical treatment, usually goes on until 11pm.

"I receive so many calls that my handphone is constantly running out of battery," he told the New Straits Times.

Thanks to their dedication and hard work, more than 130 dogs and 60 cats have been rescued so far. Unfortunately, only one dog has been reunited with its owner.

"Many owners are busy picking up their lives now, and with the ferocity of the floods have given up their pets for dead," he said.

Many animals drowned as the waters rose too fast. They were either in their cages or tied up, and their owners unable to rescue them. Scores of animals have become strays when they were separated from their owners.

The animal lover said he works together with Rela in Batu Pahat and the Pontian district council who call him to rescue animals found roaming in the streets.

He said the rescued animals are severely traumatised by the floods. Many have wounds and cuts, while some are down with pneumonia.

"Many were very defensive, and we had to tranquilise some of them."

The sanctuary initially housed about 400 animals but the number has now ballooned to 600.

Last weekend, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Selangor) collected more than RM1,000 at an event at Pet Safari at the Ikano Power Centre to help support the animals at Noah’s Ark.

The animal lover said he works together with Rela in Batu Pahat and the Pontian district council who call him to rescue animals found roaming in the streets.

He said the rescued animals are severely traumatised by the floods. Many have wounds and cuts, while some are down with pneumonia.

Source: New Straits Times
Date: 28 January 2007