“Nannies” of primates in Cuc Phuong forest

Located at the Cuc Phuong national forest, the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre is a not for profit project dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, breeding, research and conservation of Vietnam’s endangered and critically endangered primate species. First established in 1993, through the collaboration between Frankfurt Zoological Society and Cuc Phuong National Park, the centre is presently managed under the umbrella of the Vietnam Primate Conservation Program, jointly operated by Zoo Leipzig and Cuc Phuong National Park. More than 180 animals have been born at the centre, some being the first of their species to be born in captivity, including the critically endangered Cat Ba Langur, Delacour’s Langur, and the Grey-Shanked Douc Langur. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Today the centre is home to 178 primates representing 14 species. The primates are housed in more than 50 large enclosures including two fenced semi-wild areas of primary forest, measuring 2 and 5 hectares in size. These enclosures serve to prepare animals for release into the wild and provide opportunities to study the behaviour of animals in semi-wild conditions. The primary function of the centre is to give rescue and rehabilitation to endangered and critically endangered primates that have been confiscated from illegal wildlife trade. The centre has established captive populations of highly endangered primate species, with a final aim to reintroducing and releasing these animals as stable family groups into well-protected natural areas. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

There are currently 29 staff from the local community and abroad working in the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre. The primates of Vietnam remain under intense pressure from hunting and habitat fragmentation. These primates require specific care without which they will deteriorate rapidly and eventually die. The centre works alongside local government agencies, NGOs and communities to rescue these animals, thus removing them from a life-threatening situation and improving their chances of survival by providing the appropriate care. The rehabilitation of these primates is a long process by which centre staffs actively manage rescued primates towards regaining the health and skills required to live as self-sufficiently as possible. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Many endangered and critically endangered primate species have been conserved at the centre, including special species such as brown-shanked douc langur which is considered the “queen” of primates. The primates are bred in more than 50 large cages, including two fenced semi-wild areas of primary forest. These enclosures are used to prepare animals for release into the wild and provide opportunities to study the behaviour of animals in semi-wild conditions. Veterinary workers in the centre have decided to follow the ‘order from the heart’, spending their youth on rescuing, rehabilitating, and taking care of the most rare and precious wild animals in Vietnam. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Tran Quang Phuong is feeding a primate. Phuong, who began working at the conservation centre in 2000 and used to be a manager of small carnivore and pangolin conservation programme, is the coordinator of a project to protect precious and rare primate species in Vietnam. Phuong says that with an area of 3.5 hectares, the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre has about 50 large cages, helping species to live in a close-to-nature environment. The enclosures include two fenced semi-wild areas of primary forest, measuring 2 and 5 hectares in size. These enclosures serve to prepare animals for release into the wild and provide opportunities to study the behaviour of animals in semi-wild conditions. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

The centre is currently breeding 178 primate individuals representing 14 precious and rare species. Most of them were rescued from illegal wildlife trading cases. Many of them were injured seriously. Though rich in biodiversity with a large number of precious, rare and endemic species, Vietnam has seen a decline in the number of many rare species, requiring the country to work hard to preserve and protect them against risk of extinction. According to the Wildlife Conservation Society, in the period from 2013-2017, Vietnam recorded 1,504 wildlife rule violations involving 1,461 suspects. More than 180 wildlife species were illegally transported, caged, hunted and trafficked in the period. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Most of the primates living in the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre were rescued from illegal wildlife trading cases. Many of them were injured seriously. However, after only a short time being cared for at the centre, most of the primates have gradually recovered. They are very friendly with their ‘nannies’ – veterinarians who are taking care of the animals here. Along with the rescue and care work, the centre has successfully released hundreds of primates back to the wild. As many as 12 primate individuals have been reintroduced into the wild so far this year. Up to 166 primate individuals of 10 species have been born in semi-wild areas of the centre. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Primates’ food is leaves with bitter and acrid tastes such as Ficus auriculata, Ficus racemosa (cluster fig), flamboyant and longans. The Endangered Primate Rescue Centre has successful run breeding programmes for some of the world’s rarest primate species – the Cat Ba langur, Delacour’s langur, grey-shanked douc langur, Ha Tinh langur and other highly endangered species. The langurs are fed on a natural diet, consisting of tree stems with leaves, flowers, and buds which vary seasonally. They are fed three times a day at times that reflect their natural feeding bouts. The daily menu for primates in the centre is prepared by its staff. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Every day, the primates here eat from 300-400 kg of leaves, belonging to more than 100 species of trees. The food sources are taken from the planted forest area and ecological restoration area. The botanical garden and incubator with more than 360 species is a place to preserve rare and precious plant genetic resources of Cuc Phuong forest and Vietnam.  Established in 1962, Cuc Phuong is the first and largest nature reserve in Vietnam. The park is located around 120km southwest of Hanoi and nestled in the convergence of three provinces: Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh and Thanh Hoa. Covering an area of 25,000 hectares, the park is a typical tropical rainforest that is home to a diversified system of flora and fauna and contains several highly endangered species. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Before 8am every day, veterinary workers have to get up early to prepare food for the primates. Menus and servings are prepared thoroughly. As many 29 staff from the local community and abroad are currently working at the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre. The primates of Vietnam remain under intense pressure from hunting and habitat fragmentation. These primates require specific care without which they will deteriorate rapidly and eventually die. The centre is working alongside local government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and communities to rescue these animals, thus removing them from a life-threatening situation and improving their chances of survival by providing the appropriate care. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Veterinary workers in the centre have decided to follow the ‘order from the heart’, spending their youth on rescuing, rehabilitating, and taking care of the most rare and precious wild animals in Vietnam. Established in 1993, the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre’s primary function is to provide rescue and rehabilitation to endangered and critically endangered primates that have been confiscated from illegal wildlife trading cases. It has established captive populations of highly endangered primate species, with the final aim to reintroducing and releasing these animals as stable family groups into well-protected natural areas. It is also the first establishment in Indochina and Vietnam specializing in research and conservation of primates. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Tran Quang Phuong says the primates here are fed in a very special way. Food is placed in balls, holes in trees so that primates learn how to find food. The primates are bred in more than 50 large cages, including two fenced semi-wild areas of primary forest. These enclosures are used to prepare animals for release into the wild and provide opportunities to study the behaviour of animals in semi-wild conditions. Up to 166 primate individuals of 10 species have been born in semi-wild areas of the centre. The centre has successfully released hundreds of primates back to the wild. As many as 12 primate individuals have been reintroduced into the wild so far this year. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

The primates are being managed and cared for by 29 veterinary and technical workers and foreign research experts. Among them, there are those who have been working at the centre for 28 years, and there are also young people who have just graduated from school and have only been at the centre for 4-5 months. The centre was founded by Tilo Nadler. Tilo has been active in primate conservation in Vietnam for over 30 years. Originating from Dresden, Germany, Tilo came to Vietnam as project manager for the Frankfurt Zoological Society in 1993. In the same year, he founded the Endangered Primate Rescue Center in response to the need for rehabilitation of confiscated primates. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Although each person has different living circumstances, they all have one thing in common: working as a ‘nanny’ with a special love for primates. As many as 29 staff from the local community and abroad are currently working at the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre currently. They are feeding primates in a very special way. Food is placed in balls, holes in trees so that primates learn how to find food. The primates are bred in more than 50 large cages, including two fenced semi-wild areas of primary forest. These enclosures are used to prepare animals for release into the wild and provide opportunities to study the behaviour of animals in semi-wild conditions. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

The centre is considered a ‘training’ place for primates before being released back into the wild. The primates are bred in more than 50 large cages, including two fenced semi-wild areas of primary forest. These enclosures are used to prepare animals for release into the wild and provide opportunities to study the behaviour of animals in semi-wild conditions. The centre has successfully released hundreds of primates back to the wild. As many as 12 primate individuals have been reintroduced into the wild so far this year. In addition, up to 166 primate individuals of 10 species have been born in semi-wild areas of the centre. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

The primates living at the centre have to instinctively find and get food by themselves before they are released to the wild. More than 180 animals have been born at the centre, some being the first of their species to be born in captivity, including the critically endangered Cat Ba Langur, Delacour’s Langur, and the Grey-Shanked Douc Langur. Today the centre is home to 178 primates representing 14 species. The primates are housed in more than 50 large enclosures including two fenced semi-wild areas of primary forest, measuring 2 and 5 hectares in size. These enclosures serve to prepare animals for release into the wild and provide opportunities to study the behaviour of animals in semi-wild conditions. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Do Dang Khoa, a head keeper at the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre, shared that in 13 years working at the centre, what makes him proud is seeing the resurgence of primates. Most of them were rescued from illegal wildlife trading cases. Many of them suffered from serious injuries. However, after only a short time being cared for at the centre, most of the primates have gradually recovered. They are very friendly with their ‘nannies’ – veterinary workers who are taking care of the animals here. The centre has successful run breeding programmes for some of the world’s rarest primate species – the Cat Ba langur, Delacour’s langur, grey-shanked douc langur, Ha Tinh langur and other highly endangered species. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

‘Every morning when I wake up and see them have fun and grow healthy, so much of my anxiety and fatigue disappears,’ Khoa shares. Khoa finished his Master degree from Vietnam National University of Forestry and began working at the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre since 2008. He is one of the most dedicated and committed persons at the centre. The Endangered Primate Rescue Centre currently employs 29 staff both from the local community and abroad. Veterinary workers in the centre have decided to follow the ‘order from the heart’, spending their youth on rescuing, rehabilitating, and taking care of the most rare and precious wild animals in Vietnam. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Without a real love of nature, the staff here cannot devote themselves to their work and contribute to the conservation of rare and precious animals and bring them back to their natural life. At present, the centre is home to 178 primates representing 14 species. They are bred in more than 50 large enclosures including two fenced semi-wild areas of primary forest. The centre has successfully released hundreds of primates back to the wild. As many as 12 primate individuals have been reintroduced into the wild so far this year. In addition, up to 166 primate individuals of 10 species have been born in semi-wild areas of the centre. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

The work of ‘nannies’ at the centre is very hard as they not only have to prepare food for the primates, but also take care of and monitor their health regularly. Located at the Cuc Phuong national forest, the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre is a not for profit project dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, breeding, research and conservation of Vietnam’s endangered and critically endangered primate species. First established in 1993, through the collaboration between Frankfurt Zoological Society and Cuc Phuong National Park, the centre is presently managed under the umbrella of the Vietnam Primate Conservation Program, jointly operated by Zoo Leipzig and Cuc Phuong National Park. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Each primate species has a different menu, so it is not easy to plan a daily menu for them. The langurs are fed on a natural diet, consisting of tree stems with leaves, flowers, and buds which vary seasonally. They are fed 3 times a day at times that reflect their natural feeding bouts. The daily menu for primates in the centre is prepared by its staff. Every day, the primates here eat from 300-400 kg of leaves, belonging to more than 100 species of trees. The food sources are taken from the planted forest area and ecological restoration area. The botanical garden and incubator with more than 360 species is a place to preserve rare and precious plant genetic resources of Cuc Phuong forest and Vietnam. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

If Cuc Phuong National Park is assessed as one of the world-class botanical gardens, the Endangered Primate Rescue Center is becoming one of the largest places to rescue and nurture wild animals in Southeast Asia. The centre is home to around 170 primates representing 14 species. The primates are housed in more than 50 large enclosures including two fenced semi-wild areas of primary forest, measuring 2 and 5 hectares in size. These enclosures serve to prepare animals for release into the wild and provide opportunities to study the behavior of animals in semi-wild conditions. The centre is considered a ‘training’ place for primates before being released back into the wild. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

After the meal, the staff went to each enclosure to check the health of the primates, clean up the cages to ensure the living environment for them. The primates of Vietnam remain under intense pressure from hunting and habitat fragmentation. These primates require specific care without which they will deteriorate rapidly and eventually die. The centre works alongside local government agencies, NGOs and communities to rescue these animals, thus removing them from a life-threatening situation and improving their chances of survival by providing the appropriate care. The rehabilitation of these primates is a long process by which the centre actively manages rescued primates towards regaining the health and skills required to live as self-sufficiently as possible. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Normally, the work of the ‘nannies’ finishes at 6pm, but sometimes they have to work overnight to take care of sick animals. Do Dang Khoa, a head keeper at the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre, shares that in 13 years working at the centre, what makes him proud is seeing the resurgence of primates. Most of them were rescued from illegal wildlife trading cases. Many of them were injured seriously. However, after only a short time being cared for at the centre, most of the primates have gradually recovered. They are very friendly with their ‘nannies’ – veterinarians who are taking care of the animals. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

The daily work of the centre’s staff includes preparing food, dividing food rations, cleaning the cages, and bathing the primates. Primates’ food is leaves with bitter and acrid tastes such as Ficus auriculata, Ficus racemosa (cluster fig), flamboyant and longans. The Endangered Primate Rescue Centre has successful run breeding programmes for some of the world’s rarest primate species – the Cat Ba langur, Delacour’s langur, grey-shanked douc langur, Ha Tinh langur and other highly endangered species. The langurs are fed on a natural diet, consisting of tree stems with leaves, flowers, and buds which vary seasonally. They are fed 3 times a day at times that reflect their natural feeding bouts. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

The Endangered Primate Rescue Centre in the Cuc Phuong National Park has become an attractive destination for domestic and foreign tourists for many years. ‘Going home’ – a newly-launched free tour at the Cuc Phuong National Park in the northern province of Ninh Binh – allows tourists to release animals back to nature, thereby helping to spread the message of nature conservation among the public. For the first time in a national park in Vietnam, visitors can join authorities in releasing rescued wild animals back to nature. Over the last six decades, Cuc Phuong has not only served as a ‘cradle’ for staff training to be specialised in the forestry sector but also an ideal place to promote environmental education activities. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Coming to the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre, visitors can see the beauty of endangered primates and feel more responsible for protecting wild animals. The primates of Vietnam remain under intense pressure from hunting and habitat fragmentation. These primates require specific care without which they will deteriorate rapidly and eventually die. The centre works alongside local government agencies, NGOs and communities to rescue these animals, thus removing them from a life-threatening situation and improving their chances of survival by providing the appropriate care. The rehabilitation of these primates is a long process by which centre staffs actively manage rescued primates towards regaining the health and skills required to live as self-sufficiently as possible. (Photo: VietnamPlus)