On June 24, the Dong Thap Provincial People's Committee, in coordination with the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand (ZPOT), the Vietnam Zoo Association (VZA), and the International Crane Foundation’s crane conservation program at Tram Chim National Park, officially received six sarus cranes transported from Thailand to Tram Chim National Park.
The transfer marks the second intake under the “Conservation and Development of Sarus Cranes at Tram Chim National Park for the 2022–2032 Period” project. The initiative aims to restore the sarus crane population through the reception, care, breeding research, and gradual reintroduction of the birds into the wild.
The first intake took place in 2025 and included six cranes. After one year of care, the birds have remained healthy, adapted well to the ecological conditions at Tram Chim National Park, and are being prepared for the breeding phase.
Under the plan, Dong Thap will receive a total of 30 sarus cranes, each around six months old, from Thailand by 2028.
Director Nguyen Van Lam of Tram Chim National Park said the six cranes were safely transported to the park on the evening of June 23 and placed in a dedicated care facility. The birds are in stable condition and have adapted well following the journey from Thailand.
Director Tran Triet of the Southeast Asia, Pacific, India and Australia Crane Conservation Program noted that during the first intake, the cranes had to undergo quarantine at the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Ho Chi Minh City before being transferred to Tram Chim National Park.
This time, the birds were transported directly to Tram Chim National Park, reflecting international partners’ confidence in the park’s ability to receive, care for, and manage sarus cranes. It also demonstrates that local authorities have gradually mastered the technical procedures, facilities, and husbandry expertise required after one year of implementing the project.
Nguyen Phuoc Thien, Vice Chairman of the Dong Thap Provincial People's Committee, said the arrival of six additional cranes not only strengthens the breeding stock for the project but also underscores the province’s commitment to preserving and restoring the ecological values of the Tram Chim wetlands.
Following the initial success of the 2025 intake, Dong Thap has gained greater confidence in achieving its goal of restoring a viable sarus crane population at Tram Chim National Park.
The province plans to continue expanding international cooperation while promoting the role of scientists, businesses, and local communities in biodiversity conservation.
The overall objective of the “Conservation and Development of Sarus Cranes at Tram Chim National Park for the 2022–2032 Period” project is to restore and expand the sarus crane population through captive breeding and reintroduction into the wild.
Under the project, 100 cranes will be raised and released, with a target of at least 50 surviving in the wild. The released population is expected to breed naturally, survive independently, and live year-round at Tram Chim National Park.
