The representative of Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden Single Member Limited Liability Company affirmed the information on December 17.
Saigon Safari Park in Ho Chi Minh City's Cu Chi district is an independent project, funded by the city to add an ecological area for the public. The zoo covers an area of nearly 500 hectares and is unrelated to Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden in District 1.
The Board of Directors of Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden Single Member Limited Liability Company proposed the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee direct relevant authorities to investigate and address the false information spreading on social media.
The false information was spread by a Facebook account on the official page, “Thao Cam Vien—Saigon Zoo & Botanical Garden,” suggesting the relocation of Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden to Saigon Safari Park in Ho Chi Minh City's Cu Chi district. The information was shared by many Facebook accounts, causing the fake news to spread widely, especially after a rumor that Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens would close due to a tax arrear of VND800 billion (US$31.5 million).
Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, Phan Van Mai, affirmed that there is no truth in the rumor that Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden is at risk of closing due to tax debt of VND846 billion. He has assigned the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Natural Resources and Environment to review the land allocation and lease decisions for Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens to seek problem-solving measures.
