Authorities in Vinh Hung Ward, Nghe An Province, said on June 17 that they had issued a public notice seeking the lawful owner of two birds voluntarily surrendered by a local resident.
Nguyen Thi Hien, 66, of Thanh Vinh Ward, said she discovered the birds at around 8 am on June 15 while visiting a friend in Nghi Kim 11 residential area in Vinh Hung Ward.
The birds were roaming freely along a road and appeared to have become separated from their owner.
Hien initially considered keeping the birds as pets because of their striking appearance. However, after discussing the matter with her son and learning about regulations concerning wildlife, she reported the discovery to local police.
Authorities were present at Hien's home, second from right, to identify the two peafowl, shown in the inset photo (Photo: Trung Hieu).
Following the report, the Vinh Hung Ward People's Committee invited forestry officials to examine the birds.
Preliminary identification suggested that the two birds are Indian Peafowl.
The species is listed under Appendix III of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and is subject to strict management regulations.
Under Vietnamese law, the transportation, trade or keeping of Indian peafowl requires approval from competent authorities and documentation proving their legal origin.
Local authorities said that if no lawful owner comes forward within five days of the public notice, procedures will be initiated to transfer the birds to relevant agencies for release into an appropriate natural environment.
While awaiting verification of ownership, the birds have been placed under Hien's temporary care.
"Since being asked to look after them, I've hardly slept. I'm worried they might die or be stolen," she said.
Hien said she hopes the rightful owner can be identified soon, or that the notification period will expire quickly so the birds can be transferred to authorities and returned to the wild.
