One of the twelve rescued Javan pangolins are released into the wild at Cuc Phuong National Park.
The Save Vietnam’s Wildlife (SVW) organisation, in cooperation with Cuc Phuong National Park, has released 12 Javan pangolins (Manis javanica) into the wild, in a move aimed at preserving the critically endangered species.
According to SVW, the released animals had all been victims of illegal wildlife trafficking. They were rescued, rehabilitated and prepared for reintroduction into their native habitat.
Among the group was one pangolin born at the SVW facility and four that were hand-raised from infancy. All individuals underwent a recovery process to regain their health and survival instincts before being released.
Earlier, on June 17, SVW and Cuc Phuong National Park successfully rescued two other Javan pangolins in Quang Ninh Province.
The animals were discovered in a parcel declared as containing softshell turtles. It had been sent via passenger coach from Nam Dinh to Cam Pha City, Quang Ninh. Upon arrival, neither the sender nor the recipient could be contacted, and the package was left at the coach station.
Suspicious staff opened the package and found two live pangolins instead of turtles. They promptly notified authorities and handed over the animals to police in Cam Son ward, Cam Pha City.
Both pangolins were found in poor condition, suffering from dehydration, weight loss and minor external injuries. Upon receiving the report, SVW’s rescue team immediately transported them to the Wildlife Rescue Centre at Cuc Phuong National Park for emergency care. The two animals are currently under close veterinary observation in an isolation area.
Both the Javan pangolin (Manis javanica) and the Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) are listed as critically endangered. Years of illegal wildlife trade have pushed these species to the brink of extinction.
In Vietnam, they are included in the list of endangered, precious and rare species prioritised for protection under national law. Trafficking in pangolin scales or live animals is punishable by up to five years in prison or a fine ranging from VND 500 million to VND 2 billion (approximately USD 19,600 to USD 78,400) for individuals.