Tyger, Tyger Burning Bright…

Not the literary manifesto, but the reference is to the majestic creatures which commonly roamed around our country. According to the country’s very first media outlet, the Singapore Chronicles, a koleksi (collection) of these animals would often roam around the lush forestry of Singapore, namely in areas like Bukit Timah, Choa Chu Kang and Pulau Ubin.

Known to be good swimmers, they crossed over the Straits from Johor and would rapidly make the above-mentioned areas their homes. In the colonial era, pepper and gambier cultivators would often encounter them during their work. By…