In Vietnam, where thousands of wild animals are illegally trafficked each year, wildlife rescue centers have become a lifeline, saving these animals from death and returning them to their natural habitats.

Truong Ngoc Anh, a veterinarian at Save Vietnam's Wildlife, a nonprofit rescue center, explained that trafficked animals often arrive in dire conditions — dehydrated, malnourished and injured from traps.

Timely and continuous care is essential to their survival, making rescue work a demanding, roundthe-clock job.

Tran Van Truong, another staff member at the center, said the joy of releasing rehabilitated animals back into the wild keeps him motivated. "After a long recovery process, seeing them return to nature feels like welcoming a new year," he said.

At the Endangered Primate Rescue Center in Cuc Phuong National Park, head keeper Do Dang Khoa described the relentless nature of the work.

Even during holidays, rescue calls can come at any time. Once, on New Year's Eve, his team was summoned to rescue a white-legged langur. They worked through the night, prioritizing the animal's urgent medical needs over celebrations.

"We were called to rescue a whitelegged langur. We arrived at midnight and had to decline an invitation to celebrate because the animal needed immediate care," he recalled.

Months later, the langur not only recovered but also reproduced, a milestone Khoa likened to welcoming a new family member.

Tran Ngoc Anh, from the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park's rescue center, explained that many primates lose their natural behaviors and require years of care to relearn how to forage and interact.

He also said that in the past Vietnam often released confiscated animals directly into the wild without health checks or quarantine, which posed risks to local wildlife.

Today, rescue efforts are more structured, with input from experts and organizations, leading to higher success rates in rehabilitation and release, he added.

Engaging youngsters

Harold Browning, a British animal behavior expert who has volunteered in Vietnam for a decade, said that young Vietnamese are increasingly engaged in conservation efforts.

Recently, the Hanoi Wildlife Rescue Centre hired several young staff members who are eager to innovate and learn.

He expressed hope that one day, rescue centers will not be needed because illegal trafficking will end.

Tan Lo Quay, a staff member at the rescue center in Hoang Lien National Park, shared the challenges of fieldwork, including conducting surveys at over 2,200 meters above sea level in freezing conditions.

To raise awareness, Quay has turned to social media, using his TikTok channel to share stories like that of Princess Bu, a rescued sun bear. Bu, who arrived at the center as a malnourished cub, has thrived under his care for over three years.

His videos have inspired many young people, sparking interest in wildlife conservation and the importance of protecting endangered species for future generations.

"It's taught me so much about wildlife conservation. We need to protect these animals for future generations," a TikTok user commented on his videos.