The Dalat Forest Protection Department said on Sunday it had received the animal from a local resident and was completing procedures to release it back into its natural habitat.
Earlier, at around 8.30 pm on April 18, Tran The Hung, who owns a bar on Hung Vuong Street in Xuan Truong Ward, found the pangolin inside the building’s basement. Recognising it as a wild animal in need of protection, he contacted authorities.
A resident hands over a rare pangolin to authorities (Photo: Duc Bao).
Forest rangers arrived at the scene the same night to document the case and take custody of the animal in line with regulations.
The pangolin, weighing about 3kg, was reported to be in stable health. Pangolins are classified as endangered wildlife and are listed in Group IB under Vietnam’s Red Book, meaning they are subject to the highest level of protection.
All forms of hunting, captivity, transport or trade involving the species are strictly prohibited and may result in criminal prosecution.