Behind-the-Scenes Wildlife Rescue Efforts
On New Year’s Eve, Mr. Cầm Văn Tùng, a forest ranger from the Forest Protection Department of Ho Chi Minh City, was working at his office on Đỗ Ngọc Thạnh Street (District 5) when he received a call through the hotline. A woman reported that her family in Bình Chánh District was caring for a 6kg pig-tailed macaque. Unable to continue taking care of it due to an upcoming trip, she requested the forest rangers to take over and release the animal back into the wild.
Mr. Tùng reassured her: “Please take care of the monkey one more day. Tomorrow morning, my colleagues and I will come to collect it. The monkey will be thoroughly examined before being released into the forest. You can rest assured, thank you!”
Relentless Efforts in Wildlife Rescue
Forest rangers like Mr. Tùng receive numerous calls each year from concerned citizens reporting either the need to hand over wild animals they have been keeping as pets or sightings of wildlife in residential areas. Over the past 11 years, Mr. Tùng has lost count of the number of such calls. These calls are a source of joy because they provide opportunities for these animals to return to their natural habitats.
In just the past year, the city’s forest protection department has received hundreds of wild animals, including rare species like pythons, pangolins, civets, monitor lizards, monkeys, and turtles. Many of these animals were initially kept as pets but became difficult to manage as they grew larger. Owners often seek help from the authorities.
The process of handing over these animals is relatively straightforward. Once collected, the animals are transported to the wildlife rescue station in Cu Chi District by specialized vehicles. At the station, veterinarians conduct health checks and provide necessary treatments before releasing them back into the wild.
However, not every rescue operation goes smoothly. Some cases require extraordinary persistence and effort. In 2021, during the renovation of canals in Thạnh Xuân Ward, District 12, a group of nearly 10 monkeys lost their habitat and frequently raided homes for food, even attacking people. After a week of surveillance and using fruit as bait, six monkeys were safely captured and released into the forest. “The residents were very happy and grateful to the forest rangers,” Mr. Tùng recalled.
Another case occurred in 2023 in Hóc Môn District. A resident wanted to surrender an 8kg pig-tailed macaque but found it had escaped when the rangers arrived. The owner tried to lure it back but was attacked by the monkey. After hours of surveillance, Mr. Tùng and his team managed to tranquilize and transport the animal to the rescue station. The homeowner revealed that she had been attacked eight times, leaving scars on her hands.
Duty and Passion for the Job
According to Mr. Nguyễn Công Bằng, Deputy Head of the Wildlife Rescue Station (Forest Protection Department of Ho Chi Minh City), the station received 436 wild animals in 2024. Of those, 280 were released back into the wild, and 11 were transferred to conservation areas. Currently, the 4,000-square-meter rescue station cares for nearly 100 animals, including turtles, pangolins, pythons, monitor lizards, monkeys, and clouded leopards.
Notably, staff at the station come from forestry backgrounds and have only received basic training in wildlife rescue. They learn on the job to improve their skills. Each animal undergoes a rigorous health check and is cared for for 2-3 months before being released.
Some animals arrive sick or stressed. Staff provide comfortable living spaces and stay with them around the clock, nurturing them as if they were their own children. Seeing these animals recover and thrive brings immense happiness to the rangers, motivating them to continue their work.
Mr. Bằng shared that some species, like monkeys, are highly affectionate. When released, some follow the rescue vehicle back, deeply touching the rangers. “During Tet, despite being busy, we ensure sufficient staff to care for the animals. We work with responsibility and passion, not letting down the trust of the community,” he said.
Conclusion
Forest rangers in Ho Chi Minh City are not just law enforcers; they are silent heroes contributing to wildlife conservation and ecological balance. Through their efforts, they convey the message of communal responsibility in protecting nature. Let’s join hands to preserve the habitats of wild animals!
Source: Dân trí
