A campaign was launched in Ho Chi Minh City on October 4 to raise public awareness of preventing illegal trade of rhinos and bears in Vietnam.

The event was joinly held by the wildlife trade mornitoring network (TRAFFIC) Southeast Asia and The Body Shop.

Entitled “Where’s My Mama?” the campaign is working to shine a spotlight on two victims of illegal wildlife trade, the White Rhinoceros and the Asiatic Black Bear.

It aims to put an end to the situation that wild animals are captured illegally and killed because of the mistaken belief that their parts can cure diseases, which make many young wild animals defenceless orphans when their mothers are killed or taken away.

Dr. Naomi Doak, Coordinator of TRAFFIC’s Southeast Asia-Greater Mekong Programme, said it is important that greater action is taken in Vietnam to detect, arrest and prosecute sellers and consumers of illegal wildlife products, including those trading in rhino horn and bear products.

The “Where’s My Mama” campaign is running on www.facebook.com/Trafficsea and in The Body Shop stores in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.-VNA