The animal was spotted floating near Bai Chong area by a local resident, who brought it ashore and handed it over to authorities after recognising it as protected wildlife.
Authorities identified it as a Javan pangolin, a protected species under Vietnam’s Group IB wildlife classification.
The pangolin, weighing 2.5 kilogrammes and measuring 53 centimetres in length, was found to be in stable condition and fit for release, according to the Cu Lao Cham Nature Reserve management board.
It was later released into forest on Cu Lao Cham, reflecting growing public awareness of wildlife protection and contributing to species conservation.