In Vietnam, where thousands of wild animals are illegally traded each year, wildlife rescue centers play a crucial role in rehabilitating and returning these animals to their natural habitats. Staffed by dedicated conservationists, these centers work tirelessly to ensure that rescued animals receive medical care, nutrition, and behavioral rehabilitation before being released back into the wild.
Challenges of Wildlife Rescue
The wildlife trade often results in animals arriving at rescue centers in poor condition—dehydrated, malnourished, and injured. The work of rescuers is relentless, requiring 24/7 care. Truong Ngoc Anh, a veterinarian with Save Vietnam’s Wildlife, recalls an incident when she had to provide emergency medical care to a rescued pangolin on the first day of the Lunar New Year.
“Rescuing animals is not just a job; it’s a responsibility. Every life we save gives hope for the future of Vietnam’s wildlife,” she shares.
The road to rehabilitation
The rehabilitation process can be long and difficult, especially for primates who lose their natural instincts due to captivity. Trần Ngoc Anh of the Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park Rescue Center explains that primates need time to relearn survival skills before they can be released. “Only when they can function as a group do we consider releasing them back into the wild,” he says.
In the past, Vietnam often released confiscated animals without health assessments or quarantine procedures, sometimes outside their natural habitat. This practice posed risks to local ecosystems. Today, rescue operations follow structured guidelines with the involvement of experts, resulting in higher success rates for rehabilitation and reintroduction.
Global recognition and hope for the future
Harold Browning, a British wildlife behavior expert who has been volunteering in Vietnam for more than a decade, praises the country’s progress in conservation. He highlights the efforts of Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, which maintains some of the highest standards of animal release programs in the world. He hopes that one day rescue centers will no longer be needed as the illegal wildlife trade ends.
Engaging young people in conservation
Raising awareness is key to protecting Vietnam’s rich biodiversity. Tẩn Lổ Quẩy, a field researcher at Hoàng Liên National Park, uses social media to educate young people about wildlife conservation. His TikTok videos of rescued animals, such as Bư, a sun bear who thrived under his care, have inspired many to support conservation efforts.
As Vietnam continues to crack down on illegal wildlife trade, the dedication of conservationists offers hope for the survival of endangered species. Every rescue and restoration effort brings the country one step closer to preserving its natural heritage for future generations.
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