Unable to perform the traditional animal release ritual for peace as Vesak (31/5) approaches, Minh Huong, 30, from Hanoi, transferred 60,000 VND to an online account. She requested the recipient release 20 fish into a river during a livestream.

Huong’s habit of releasing fish on the full moon and first day of the lunar month ceased in late 2024 due to her distance from a river and commitments caring for her child. In mid-2025, she discovered an online animal release livestream on social media. Observing the channel owner sitting by a river, reciting the sender's name, and praying before releasing fish, Huong messaged them for account details.

At 3,000 VND per catfish or loach, she calculated that this service saved her travel time and the effort of finding suitable water sources. "I could watch them count and release the fish into the river, which assured me I wasn't being scammed", Huong said.

Since then, she dedicates 100,000 VND monthly to this service.

A man releases small catfish, priced at 3,000 VND each, into the river after receiving requests from livestream viewers, morning of 26/5. *Photo: Kenhphongsanh/Tiktok*

Minh Han, 22, from Ho Chi Minh City, previously sent money to charity groups for animal release services but worried about the lack of verifiable images. She switched to booking services via TikTok livestreams. The student noted these channels operate daily, offering small fish for 3,000 VND each or larger fish at market price. "The convenience helps me easily fulfill my wishes, as long as my intention is sincere", Han said.

A VnExpress survey indicates that "online animal release" services emerged during the Vu Lan Festival (seventh lunar month full moon) in 2025 and continue to be popular. Livestream sessions on the full moon and first day of each lunar month often attract thousands of followers.

On the afternoon of 26/5, a TikTok livestream received hundreds of orders. The channel owner, seated by the river, continuously prompted, "Please comment your information so I can release the fish and recite prayers". After a few complimentary releases, the host suggested viewers wishing to "dedicate merits" scan a QR code for transfers.

Quoc Binh, who runs an animal release livestream channel since mid-2025, reported that each session draws hundreds of viewers, releasing anywhere from hundreds to 1,000 fish. On regular days, he streams for 6 hours, extending to about 12 hours on full moon and first lunar days.

Huu Manh, a member of a charity team in An Giang, regularly receives money from busy individuals to purchase and release fish into the Tien River. After receiving a request, Manh’s team photographs the purchased fish along with receipts for customer verification.

A video of a woman livestreaming animal release, releasing fish into murky water on the 14th day of the seventh lunar month, 2025 (5/9/2025), sparked mixed reactions. *Source: H.T.S/TikTok*

However, the service has generated mixed reactions. Supporters highlight its convenience and the good intentions of participants. Opponents voice concerns about exploitation and fraud from anonymous accounts, arguing that the absence of direct participation diminishes sincerity.

Ngoc Linh, 29, from Ninh Binh, initially found online animal release convenient. She expressed disappointment after witnessing a service provider dump a basin of fish directly into a black, polluted canal. "After hearing many warnings about released fish being immediately recaptured and sold, I decided to stop transferring money", Linh recounted.

Doctor Nguyen Duc Hien, Director of the Center for Research and Training of Traditional Culture, explained that animal release is rooted in Buddhist compassion, fostering love and reducing harm. Traditionally, people would buy (rescue) animals destined for slaughter and release them into suitable environments, accompanied by prayers for peace.

Online animal release emerged from the demands of busy modern life and is not entirely negative. However, publicly disclosing transferred amounts and continuously calling out names on livestreams distorts the practice’s core value into a spiritual performance. "Relying on others for animal release lacks transparency, carries risks of fraud, and fosters a mindset that simply transferring money fulfills a good deed", Hien said.

A man in Ho Chi Minh City hires a boat for 100,000 VND to go to the middle of the Saigon River to "send the Kitchen God to heaven" on 10/2. *Photo: Quynh Tran*

Experts also highlight a paradox: increased demand stimulates the animal capture market, and releasing creatures into unsuitable environments threatens ecosystems. In May 2026, the Da Nang City People's Committee issued a directive to rectify improper animal release practices, encouraging religious observances that align with biodiversity protection.

"Animal release in modern times should be broadly understood to include environmental protection, limiting killing, helping people, and spreading positive energy", the expert said.

Associate Professor Bui Hoai Son, Standing Member of the National Assembly's Culture and Education Committee, stated that when animal release transforms into a profitable business, it eradicates its original meaning and condones killing. He advised people to support animal protection organizations and environmental conservation instead of following online trends.

Quynh Nguyen