The Center for Rescue, Conservation and Creature Development cover 8 hectares in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Bo Trach District of the central province. It houses over 80 semi-wild animals, including many rare species from Vietnam’s Red Book such as the white pheasant, slow loris, Indochinese tiger, pig-tailed macaque, and red-faced monkey.
Most of the animals here were handed over by local residents or seized from criminals in illegal trafficking cases. Since its establishment in 2001, the national park has been involved in the rescue and care of wild animals.
A pig-tailed macaque was handed over to the center at the end of June.
A family in Quang Binh had purchased the macaque intending to keep the animal as a pet. However, realizing that keeping wild animals is illegal, they voluntarily handed it over to rangers.
The pig-tailed macaque is a rare and endangered forest animal listed in Vietnam's Red Book of protected species.
To care for these wild animals, the center has seven staff members working in shifts. Medical facilities and dining areas have been built within the center.
Each species has its own diet, and the preparation methods vary.
A staff member feeds monkeys inside the center, which currently cares for five species of monkeys - seven red-faced monkeys (also known as stump-tailed macaques), 16 golden monkeys, eight pig-tailed macaques, four Assamese macaques, and two long-tailed macaques.
The enclosure for the golden monkeys is made of wire fences, with many trees inside to help the monkeys maintain their natural instincts and ensure animal welfare.
After many years of caring for the monkeys, staff member Tran Le has noticed that in addition to fruits, pumpkins are a favorite food of the golden monkeys. The mother golden monkey has given birth to two offsprings since being brought in for care at the center.
A year ago, the center received a snake bird from a resident. This species is classified as critically endangered in Vietnam's Red Book.
The white pheasants are cared for in a semi-wild environment, with a diet consisting of fruits, rice, and corn. The white pheasant is listed in Vietnam’s Red Book as a species at risk of extinction. Currently, some conservation areas and national parks in Vietnam are conducting trial breeding of white pheasants to increase their population.
In addition to smaller animals, the center also houses and cares for seven Indochinese tigers. After two years, the tiger cubs each weigh more than 150 kilograms.
This year, the center has received more animal species, including the box turtle, big-headed turtle, slow loris, Burmese python, and golden monkey, which have been voluntarily handed over by local people.
Besides forest patrol and protection, the rescue and forest protection forces assist in conservation efforts and the release of plant and animal species back into the wild.
Foreign animal experts help examine a great hornbill at the center.
Each year, the center collaborates with domestic and international animal rescue organizations to conduct periodic health examinations for the animals.
The flight training cage for great hornbills (Bucerosbicornis), which are native in the forests of India, Southeast Asia, and southern China.
It is an endangered forest species, strictly prohibited from being exploited or used for commercial purposes. In Vietnam, some areas still have natural great hornbills, but illegal trading poses a threat of extinction to the species.
Tran Ngoc Anh, the center’s director, said that the development orientation for tourism from 2026-2030 is to make the center a wildlife park that both conserves biodiversity and develops ecological tourism. Prominent tourism products that can be developed include educational tours, scientific research, environmental education, and recreational services.
