On October 21 and 22, 2023, Save Vietnam’s Wildlife (SVW) in collaboration with Cuc Phuong National Park, the Tuy Hoa City Police (Phu Yen), and the Economic Police Division of the Gia Lai Provincial Police, successfully rescued a total of 43 wild animals, including 18 pangolins, 11 turtles, 2 ferret badgers, 5 water dragons, and 7 snakes.

All of these animals were victims of two separate wildlife trafficking cases in Phu Yen and Gia Lai provinces. In the Phu Yen case, the Investigation Police Agency of Tuy Hoa City seized 2 pangolins, 2 ferret badgers, 5 water dragons, and 2 snakes (1 king cobra and 1 Indochinese rat snake) from a private storage facility. In the Gia Lai case, the Economic Police Division of the Gia Lai Provincial Police seized 16 pangolins, 11 turtles (8 big-headed turtles and 3 box turtles), and 5 king cobras at a suspect's residence in Thang Loi Ward, Gia Lai, on the afternoon of October 19. All suspects involved are currently being detained by the authorities.

Most of the animals were found in a weak and dehydrated state. Upon receiving the report, SVW contacted the Gia Lai Police and flew in on the night of October 21, 2023, to provide timely care. Currently, the veterinary team is conducting health checks, administering fluids, cleaning wounds, and transferring the animals into plastic transport crates. The SVW rescue team expects to transport the animals to their rescue center within the next 1-2 days.

To curb wildlife poaching and protect Vietnam's biodiversity, we need the concerted efforts and coordination of authorities and conservation organizations. It is also essential to establish clear definitions and specific legal sanctions to address cases involving the illegal "use and consumption of wildlife." Furthermore, raising public awareness about the consequences of illegal wildlife trade and the role individuals play in preventing it is of critical importance.

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