Wild Night at Night Safari: American YouTubers Spark Outrage
Some people enjoy a drink or two while hanging out with friends, but a recent incident involving a group of American YouTubers at Night Safari has left many Singaporeans fuming. The group, known as 4funguys, shared a TikTok video of their wild night out, which has since gone viral, igniting a wave of criticism online.
The Night of Recklessness
In the TikTok clip, the childhood friends, who boast over a million subscribers on YouTube, can be seen purchasing bottles of soju from a convenience store before heading to the Night Safari. Although the exact time of their arrival is unclear, one of the members, Johnny, jumped off the tram at 2am, according to the video’s caption.
Once inside the park, things took a troubling turn. The group wandered off and even entered an animal enclosure to pet a sleeping wallaby. In a shocking move, one member attempted to lure a hyena with a potato chip. While the friends may have thought they were having a good time, netizens were quick to express their disapproval.
Community Response and Animal Welfare
In response to inquiries from AsiaOne, the Mandai Wildlife Group confirmed that the otter seen in the video was in stable condition and receiving treatment at ACRES. They assured the public that the otter would be released back into the wild once it has fully recovered from its injuries.
The group emphasized that acts of trespassing and disrespect towards animals are taken very seriously. They have filed a report with the police regarding the incident. The Mandai Wildlife Group also thanked the online community for holding the individuals accountable, stating that such reckless behavior could endanger both the animals and the perpetrators.
Legal Consequences for Trespassing
The police have confirmed that a report was filed on December 31, but details about any arrests remain undisclosed. This isn’t the first time such reckless behavior has occurred. In 2020, a teenager was charged with criminal trespass after performing a backflip inside a rhino enclosure at the Singapore Zoo. His charge was eventually dropped, but he was sentenced to at least a year of reformative training.
Criminal trespass can lead to serious consequences, including a maximum of three months in prison and a fine of up to $1,500. The actions of the 4funguys serve as a reminder that fun should never come at the expense of animal welfare or public safety.
Conclusion
As Singaporeans, we take pride in our rich wildlife and the efforts made to protect it. Incidents like this not only jeopardize the safety of the animals but also tarnish the reputation of our beloved attractions. Let’s continue to cherish and respect our natural heritage, ensuring that everyone can enjoy it responsibly.