100-y-o trees at Saigon Zoo earn Heritage status

On Friday morning, the Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment (VACNE) recognized 46 trees from 18 species at the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden as Vietnam Heritage Trees.

Khaya senegalensis made up the largest group, with 17 trees, followed by nine dipterocarp trees. 

Tamarind and rain tree species each accounted for three trees. 

The remaining 14 species include rubber trees, Cassine glauca var. cochinchinensis, Terminalia calamansanai, forest ambarella, Copaifera officinalis, Sindora siamensis, wild almond, tamanu, ironwood, Albizia odoratissima, teak, Diospyros decandra, Canarium subulatum and Tetrameles nudiflora.

Several of the recognized trees are the only surviving specimens of their species at the zoo, while some species are also listed in Vietnam's Red Data Book.

In 2024, the zoo had eight trees, one rosewood, one silk-cotton tree and six Khaya senegalensis, recognized as Vietnam Heritage Trees.

One of the rain trees was among the first specimens brought from Africa and planted at the zoo. It is believed to be as old as the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden itself.

Established in 1864, the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden has played a role in conservation, education and research, helping preserve Vietnam's plant and animal genetic resources and biodiversity.

The zoo currently cares for more than 1,940 animals from 117 species and more than 2,300 trees from 310 species, including over 700 mature trees.

The recognition is expected to raise public awareness and encourage efforts to care for the trees, protect the environment and preserve the zoo's natural landscape.