The opening of the carnivore and pangolin education centre
The centre is a collaborative project between Save Vietnam’s Wildlife, a non-profit organisation committed to protecting Vietnam’s endangered animals, and the Cuc Phuong National Park.
The opening on February 20 was attended by UK Ambassador to Vietnam Giles Lever, representatives of foreign embassies, local authorities, wildlife conservationists and pupils of Cuc Phuong Primary School.Ho Thi Kim Lan, an official at the centre said the creative-interactive space inside the centre will help the community to understand the dangers facing wildlife in Vietnam and encourage their involvement in protecting rare animals from extinction.
The centre also offers an opportunity for pangolin enthusiasts and conservationists to join hands in raising awareness about the unique mammal.
The trafficking of pangolins has led to the animal being given the critically endangered status. In Vietnam and China, their meat is considered a delicacy while their scales are believed to have medicinal properties.