VietNamNet Bridge - Billions of dong have been spent on food for pangolins seized in wildlife trafficking cases. However, the animals have died because they cannot live in captivity.

 

About 70 pangolins have been kept at the Wildlife Research and Conservation Center as  exhibits for wildlife trafficking cases. As the cases are still being investigated, the animals cannot return to their natural living environment. Over 40 individuals have died while waiting for the day when they get free.

Explaining this, Tran Quang Phuong, manager of the Carnivore and Pangolin Conservation Program within the cooperation program between the Cuc Phuong National Park and Wildlife Research and Conservation Center, said all pangolins seized in trafficking cases were exhausted when they were brought to Vietnam, because Vietnam was the last link in the trafficking ring.

In fact, the pangolins were not fed, or were fed unreasonable food when they were carried to Indonesia and Malaysia. Pangolins only eat ants and termites. 

Even if pangolins have enough food, they cannot live for a long time in captivity. Pangolins live separately. If more than one has to stay together, they would feel depressed and die. 

Meanwhile, according to Phuong, there are over 20 cages at the center, and each of the cages sometimes has 3-4 pangolins.  

Phuong said it was very costly to breed pangolins. One pangolin weighing, 5-7 kilos needs VND45,000 worth of food a day, or over VND1 million a month. To feed 70 pangolins, the center would have to spend some VND100 million a month.

In 2015, the center received 130 pangolins and set free 59, while 40 died and 20 left. 

Even if pangolins have enough food, they cannot live for a long time in captivity. Pangolins live separately. If more than one has to stay together, they would feel depressed and die.

If the center has to receive 130 every year, it would have to spend VND1 billion just on food for pangolin. Besides, the center would also have to spend money to treat pangolins’ diseases.

“We are afraid we don’t have money to feed so many pangolins every year,” Phuong said, adding that the major source of income of the center is from donated money from travelers, businesses and organizations.

Under the current laws, wild animals which are exhibits in trafficking cases will be set free only when the investigation and trial finishes. Meanwhile, the investigation and trial can take several months or even one year.

Phuong also warned that it is not only costly to feed pangolins and have their health examined, but also to practice before releasing them.

“Since the animals had to live in captivity for a long time, they have lost the natural instinct. You’ll need to train them before you free them,” he explained.

Dat Viet