Vietnamese wildlife hospital rescues and rehabilitates hundreds of forest animals

DAK LAK: For many years, the wildlife rescue station in Dak Lak province has been rescuing and treating hundreds of wild animals caught in traps or injured. This station is part of the Elephant Conservation Centre, located in Krong Na commune, Buon Don district, in the Central Highlands province of Vietnam.

The rescue operation began in April 2021 and has since taken in many wild animals that were hunted or trapped. The station now cares for rare and precious animals like pangolins, clouded monitors, binturongs, civets, stump-tailed macaques, rhesus macaques, and ferret badgers.

Mai Duc Vinh, Director of the Dak Lak Elephant Conservation Centre, said the rescue station currently cares for over 70 wild animals, some of which were illegally traded. Most animals brought to the station are severely injured from traps or have been kept in captivity for a long time.

Staff member Le Van Hong explained that many animals suffer serious injuries from traps, requiring multiple surgeries. The station lacks proper machinery and equipment, so Hong often takes animals to veterinary hospitals in Buon Ma Thuot city for tests and treatment.

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Treating wild animals is challenging. They are often fearful of humans and can become aggressive. Strong animals must be anesthetized for surgery and treatment. The station has only three staff members who take turns caring for the animals, feeding them, cleaning their enclosures, and guarding against thieves.

Hong shared that working with injured wild animals for over two years has been emotional. He often sheds tears seeing the severe injuries caused by traps. After treating and caring for the animals, he considers them like pets.

The Dak Lak Elephant Conservation Centre plans to request about 40 hectares of land to expand the wildlife rescue area. This expansion will allow them to create enclosures that mimic a semi-natural habitat, helping animals recover their health and survival instincts before being released back into the wild.

Vietnamese wildlife hospital is an article on Vietnamese wildlife hospital