Local, int’l visitors see elephants, rare wildlife up close in Vietnam’s Central Highlands

The station, operated by the Center for Elephant Conservation, Animal Rescue and Forest Protection Management under the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment, is situated in Buon Don Commune.

This is the first time the center has opened its doors to visitors.

Le Quoc Dung, head of the center’s animal rescue division, said on Tuesday that the unit is offering free admission to local residents and tourists during the 2026 Dak Lak Durian Festival, set to take place from mid-August to September 2, and the National Day holiday, which runs from August 29 to September 2.

The initiative aims to give visitors a better understanding of how animals are rescued, raised and cared for at the station in Ea Mar Village.

Early each morning, the station is bustling with visitors from different parts of the country.

They begin their day with a special experience: learning about and observing friendly elephants living in a semi-wild environment and being cared for under a conservation-oriented model.

Tourists are also introduced to fascinating stories about each of the friendly elephants and how these mammals are cared for and protected.

Besides, visitors have a chance to observe other wildlife species being rescued at the station.

The visit is more than sightseeing.

It offers an opportunity to meet, experience and learn while spreading love for nature and animals during the ongoing holiday.

Visitors can approach Gold and Jun, two human-friendly elephants being cared for at the station.

They can take photos with the elephants and other animals, and even feed the elephants.

The two elephants were rescued and brought under the center’s care many years ago.

In addition to elephants, the station is home to many rare and endangered wildlife species, including pangolins, monitor lizards, Burmese hawk-eagles, binturongs, yellow-cheeked gibbons, turtles and pythons.

Stories about the rescue and treatment of these animals provide visitors, particularly schoolchildren, with greater knowledge and awareness of wildlife protection.

Nguyen Thi Ngoc Anh, who visited the station on Tuesday, shared that the visit offered an opportunity to see wildlife up close and stand near friendly elephants.

“Staff members explained the rescue stories, characteristics and habits of different wildlife species, while we could directly see how dedicated they are in caring for and raising the animals. It was a wonderful experience,” Anh said.

Caring for nearly 200 rare wildlife animals

Dung said that since the festival began, the station had welcomed more than 40 groups, totaling over 500 visitors, for free tours.

The visitors came from many parts of Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Nghe An, Gia Lai and Lam Dong, as well as from overseas.

During their visits, they learned about the animal-care process, rescue operations and efforts to return rehabilitated animals to the wild.

“More than 200 students have visited the station to learn about wildlife,” he said.

The station is currently caring for more than 190 wild animals belonging to 30 species.

The rescue of injured or otherwise vulnerable animals, followed by their treatment and rehabilitation at the station, reflects the dedication and compassion of the staff working there.

Among the rescued animals are rare and endangered species classified in Group I, including pangolins, monitor lizards, Burmese hawk-eagles, binturongs and yellow-cheeked gibbons.

Group II species include pig-tailed and long-tailed macaques, along with more than 70 rare turtles.

The station operates with just five staff members, who handle everything from rescuing and treating injured animals to their daily care.

When an animal arrives at the station, staff first conduct a medical examination and assess its health.

Injured animals are placed in isolation for first aid and treatment.

They are then provided with appropriate nutrition and healthcare to help restore their physical condition and psychological well-being.

The animals are also trained in essential skills to help them adapt and recover their natural behaviors.

“After that, we assess their ability to survive in the wild.

“If they meet the necessary conditions, they are released back into nature.

“For animals that cannot be returned to the wild, we provide appropriate welfare and care for them for the rest of their lives."