Tram Chim National Park receives 6 red-crowned cranes from Thailand

On April 20, at Zone A3 of Tram Chim National Park, the Dong Thap Provincial People’s Committee organized a ceremony to receive six red-crowned cranes for care and nurturing at Tram Chim National Park in Tam Nong district. This event marks a significant milestone in efforts to restore this rare bird species under the project titled “Conservation and Development of Red-Crowned Cranes at Tram Chim National Park for the 2022-2032 period.”

The six juvenile cranes, around seven months old, were bred at Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo in Thailand and transported to Vietnam by air. After completing the required quarantine for wild animals at the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens, and meeting the necessary conditions, they were transferred to Tram Chim National Park for continued care and conservation efforts.

This achievement is the result of effective collaboration between the Dong Thap Provincial People’s Committee and the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand (ZPOT), the Vietnam Zoos Association (VZA), the International Crane Foundation (ICF), and the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens Company Limited.

Mr. Huynh Minh Tuan, Vice Chairman of the Dong Thap Provincial People’s Committee, emphasized that developing the red-crowned crane population holds great significance and contributes meaningfully to broader biodiversity conservation efforts, especially the protection of endangered wildlife species. This reception event is not only a critical milestone but also delivers a powerful message about the community’s shared responsibility to protect nature, ecosystems, and the environment.

At the event, Dong Thap province affirmed its commitment to strictly following the care and husbandry protocols recommended by experts and scientists, ensuring the best living conditions for the growth and development of the red-crowned cranes at Tram Chim National Park. The province also expressed hope that in the future, it would witness a thriving population of cranes breeding naturally in this environment. Additionally, Dong Thap plans to strengthen outreach, awareness-raising, and community education on the value of habitat conservation and environmental protection.

The Dong Thap Provincial People’s Committee also called for the attention, support, and joint efforts of the community, as well as domestic and international organizations and businesses, to ensure the sustainable success of the red-crowned crane conservation program. This initiative aims to contribute to the protection of biodiversity and the natural environment in Vietnam.

According to Jade Donavanik, Chairman of the Board of the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand (ZPOT), it was an honor and deeply moving experience to witness such an important international milestone in the shared mission of conserving nature, biodiversity, and promoting environmental sustainability.

Donavanik emphasized that this event clearly demonstrates the strong commitment, readiness, and responsible engagement of the leadership, people, and businesses of Dong Thap province in implementing the red-crowned crane conservation and development plan in Vietnam. This rare bird species holds high ecological value and is currently facing the threat of extinction.

"I call on all parties to unite in protecting and developing the Eastern red-crowned crane - a symbol of luck and hope. The success of the project will be a clear testament to the strength of regional cooperation in sustainable nature conservation," Mr. Donavanik said.

According to Mr. Donavanik, over the years, cooperation between Thailand and Vietnam in conserving this precious bird species has made significant strides. Important cooperation documents such as Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) and Agreements (MoA) have been signed, laying the groundwork for the Thai government to approve the transfer of red-headed cranes to Vietnam. Additionally, numerous delegations of experts and scientists from both countries have exchanged experiences in crane conservation and natural habitat restoration.

Despite facing many challenges, Mr. Donavanik is confident that the strong partnership and enduring friendship between the two countries will continue to be a solid foundation for the project's success, bringing long-term benefits to the environment, economy, and local communities.

Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Le Minh Hoan stated that today's event of receiving these red-headed cranes marks an important milestone, not only for biodiversity conservation efforts in Dong Thap province but also as a special outcome of the cooperative relationship between Dong Thap and Thailand, facilitated through the pivotal role of C.P Thailand Group and international organizations. This is not just a scientific event but also a vivid demonstration of international cooperation spirit, regional solidarity, while conveying a message to the community about the responsibility of preserving and conserving biodiversity.

The Deputy Speaker further explained the significance of naming the red-headed cranes as "Tha Vi": "Tha" can be understood as an abbreviation of "Thái" (Thai) Thailand. "Vi" is a short form of "Việt" (Vietnamese) Vietnam. Tha Vi (Thai Viet) not only represents the friendly diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Thailand but also connects their homeland - Korat Zoo, Thailand with their "new home" - Tram Chim National Park, Vietnam.

Moreover, "Tha Vi" has a similar pronunciation to the Thai word "thavee," a verb meaning to increase or become more, often used in contexts where something increases in quantity, intensity, or degree, emphasizing the desire for the red-crowned cranes to quickly adapt, bond with their new home, and thrive continuously in the fertile land of Tram Chim.

The Vice Chairman of the National Assembly also called on all parties to join hands in the restoration and development of the Eastern Sarus Crane - an emblem of good fortune and hope. “I firmly believe that, with the determination of the authorities and the support and love for nature from the community, we will successfully restore the red-crowned crane population, not only for Dong Thap, but also as a contribution to the conservation of biodiversity in Vietnam and the Southeast Asian region,” emphasized Mr. Le Minh Hoan.