Cuc Phuong National Park receives 12 rescued Javan pangolins. Photo by the park.
Cao Bang police earlier detected a seven-seat car showing suspicious signs while travelling through Tra Linh Commune at 2 pm on December 3.
Inside the vehicle, officers found two sealed foam boxes containing 12 live Javan pangolins.
According to authorities, the animals had been force-fed by traders to increase their weight before sale, leaving them dehydrated and severely exhausted at the time of rescue. Police contacted Save Vietnams Wildlife, which provided emergency care and took over the animals.
Photo by Cuc Phuong National Park
The driver has been detained as police investigate illegal wildlife transport and trade.
The Javan pangolin is the only mammal in the world fully covered in hard scales and is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, requiring strict protection.
