Dong Nai (VNA) – The Centre for Tourism Promotion, Rescue, and Conservation under Bu Gia Map National Park in Dong Nai city has become a hub for treating, rehabilitating and releasing thousands of wild animals back into their natural habitat.
In semi-wild enclosures, staff monitor and treat a range of species, working to restore their ability to survive in the wild. The animals arrive with vastly different histories – some injured after being caught in snares, others seized from illegal captive-breeding operations. A number have spent so long in captivity that they've lost their natural survival instincts altogether.
According to wildlife rescue workers, treating injuries is only the first step. Full rehabilitation means rebuilding an animal's physical condition and retraining it to forage, move and adapt on its own before release.
Wildlife rescue, particularly of endangered, precious and rare species, is central to the park's conservation mission, said its Deputy Director Hoang Anh Tuan.
“Successfully rescuing each wild animal not only saves one life, but also sustains wild populations, preserves valuable genetic resources and maintains ecological balance”, Tuan said.
Tran Van Truong, Deputy Director of the centre, said the centre has seen encouraging momentum lately, with local residents increasingly handing animals over to authorities voluntarily rather than keeping them illegally.
According to Truong, the centre carried out 60 intake operations this year, taking in more than 70 animals, and ran 7 release operations, returning more than 20 animals to the wild. In the first six months of 2026 alone, it took in 88 animals for rescue and rehabilitation.
The centre has also drawn support from volunteers, students and families across various localities. Truong said their involvement serves a dual purpose, adding manpower while spreading the message of wildlife protection, particularly among the youth./.
