Not only a place for conservation and scientific research, Cuc Phuong Primate Rescue Center is also a destination for nature lovers. Visitors coming here not only freely explore the rich flora and fauna, admire the beautiful natural landscape in the middle of the old forest, but also see with their own eyes the rare and precious primates cared by the officials and employees of Endangered primate rescue center.
Established in 1993, Cuc Phuong Endangered Primate Rescue Center (EPRC) is considered the common "home" of primates and the first center in Indochina. The main task of the center is to care for and rescue rare and precious primates of Vietnam, initially to study their ecological characteristics to serve as a basis for their release back into the natural environment. However, right after it was established, the center has welcomed hundreds of visitors every year.
Currently, the center is home to about 170 primates representing 14 species. Primates are kept in captivity in more than 50 large enclosures including two fenced semi-wild primary forests, 2 and 5 hectares wide. These areas are used to prepare animals for re-release into the wild and, in addition, provide an opportunity to study the behavior of primates living in semi-wild conditions. More than 180 primates have been born at the center, some of which have been successfully bred for the first time in captivity, including critically endangered species such as Cat Ba's langur, langur white and gray-shanked douc langur.
Most of the individuals here are evidence of illegal wildlife trade discovered and arrested by forest rangers. In which, many individuals were seriously injured as well as mentally disturbed. Every day, the center's animals "eat" from 300-400 kg of leaves, belonging to more than 100 species of trees. This food source is taken from the planted forest area and ecological restoration area. The cage is always kept clean by the staff of the Center to create the most favorable environment for the primates. Currently, there are 31 employees working at EPRC which include both locals and foreigners.
Along with rescue and care work, the Center also organizes the release of animals back into the wild. Before re-stocking, experts conduct surveys, select suitable sites, monitor the ecological environment in the area, investigate the diversity, food reserves and train human resources to manage them. During its operation, the Center has successfully released hundreds of individuals into the wild. Particularly from the beginning of 2021 up to now, 25 individuals have been successfully re-released.
For many years, the Endangered Primate Rescue Center (EPRC) Cuc Phuong has become an attractive destination for tourists. Coming here, visitors can admire the beauty of nature, visit the magical "kingdom" of primates threatened by extinction and feel more responsible in joining hands to protect the wild animals.