Changing awareness about wildlife protection: Kon Ka Kinh

Rescue efforts from many parties

On May 11, at sub-zone 432 within the forest area managed by Kon Ka Kinh National Park in Gia Lai province, the Center for Rescue, Conservation, and Creature Development of Kon Ka Kinh National Park (CRCCD) organized the release of eight forest animals belonging to Groups IB and IIB - endangered and rare species - back into the wild after a period of rescue, care and rehabilitation.

The eight animals released this time included elongated tortoises, Indian eagles, pig-tailed macaques, Sunda pangolins, stripe-necked turtles, Asian leaf turtles, Asian small-clawed otters, and giant Asian pond turtle.

“All the animals were received by the center in April 2026 through voluntary handovers from local residents and coordination with authorities in Gia Lai province. When we encountered them for the first time, many individuals were in weak condition, and some were seriously injured and exhausted. Several had even lost their natural instincts,” said Director Tran Van Thu of the CRCCD.

Through professional rescue procedures, including veterinary treatment, appropriate nutrition, and the restoration of wild behaviors, the center gradually helped the animals regain their health and survival skills. Periodic health assessments conducted in early May 2026 confirmed that all eight animals were in good condition and had regained their natural instincts, making them capable of surviving independently in the forest.

The wildlife release operation was conducted under the supervision of local authorities, forest rangers, and police forces. The process complied with legal regulations and ensured the animals' safety after their release.

Spreading a positive message

Since the start of 2026, Kon Ka Kinh National Park has organized five wildlife release operations, returning 49 animals from 13 species to the wild, including more than 20 endangered animals belonging to Groups IB and IIB. Some prime examples include elongated tortoises (Indotestudo elongata, Group IIB), Sunda pangolins (Manis javanica, Group IB), central Vietnamese flowerback box turtles (Cuora bourreti, Group IB), and pygmy slow lorises (Xanthonycticebus pygmaeus, Group IB).

“All the wild animals released back into nature since the beginning of the year have been confirmed healthy after receiving proper rescue and care. This work contributes significantly to balancing and maintaining the natural forest ecosystem,” said the CRCCD Director.

Returning endangered and rare wildlife species to their natural habitats not only helps restore animal populations within the forest ecosystem of Kon Ka Kinh National Park but also demonstrates the effectiveness of rescue and forest conservation efforts in Gia Lai province. More importantly, the activity continues to spread a strong message about biodiversity protection, calling on communities to join efforts to end illegal hunting, captivity, and wildlife trade.

Ngo Van Thang, Director of Kon Ka Kinh National Park, said, “Eighty percent of the wildlife received by the park has been voluntarily handed over by local residents. This is an encouraging sign of changing community awareness regarding wildlife protection. It is also the result of long-term communication and advocacy efforts by Kon Ka Kinh National Park and local authorities.”

Amid the vast mountains and forests of the Central Highlands, Kon Ka Kinh National Park stretches out like an endless green carpet, a priceless gift generously bestowed upon Gia Lai by nature. With nearly 42,000 ha of primary forest and forest coverage approaching 94%, the park is home to more than 1,700 plant species and nearly 900 animal species.

Kon Ka Kinh National Park is also the source of major rivers such as the Ba, Dak Pne, and Ayun rivers, playing an important role in climate regulation, water protection, and ecological balance for the entire region. The park’s buffer zone of more than 15,000 ha spans 18 villages in five communes, where the Ba Na ethnic community preserves its gong culture, rong houses, brocade weaving, and festivals deeply rooted in mountain traditions.

From cloud-covered mountain peaks to waterfalls hidden deep within the forest, from centuries-old trees to the echoing calls of langurs through the canopy, every step into Kon Ka Kinh is a journey of discovery and a sacred connection between humans and nature.