The six cranes, comprising two males and four females and weighing 5,3-6,7 kg, traveled from Thailand's Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo to Suvarnabhumi Airport, then on flight VN604 to TP HCM. During the journey, they received continuous care, health monitoring, and were maintained in a temperature-controlled environment.
The flight landed at Tan Son Nhat Airport on the afternoon of 23/6. Following quarantine and customs clearance, a specialized vehicle transported the cranes to Tram Chim. By approximately 21h that evening, all 6 individuals were safely settled in the rearing area, showing stable health.
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Sarus cranes transported by specialized vehicle to Tram Chim National Park. *Photo: Dong Thap Provincial Portal*
Nguyen Phuoc Thien, Vice Chairman of the Dong Thap Provincial People's Committee, noted that this latest reception both enhances the conservation program and serves as a crucial step in the Project for Sarus Crane Conservation and Development at Tram Chim National Park.
Provincial leaders explained that this second intake allows for an assessment of the care provided to the first crane group, introduced to Tram Chim in 2025. This evaluation will help refine technical procedures for future stages.
From 2022 to 2032, Dong Thap aims to receive, breed, and release approximately 100 sarus cranes into the wild. The goal is to establish a stable, self-sustaining breeding population at Tram Chim.
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Nguyen Phuoc Thien speaks at the reception ceremony. *Photo: Hong Ngu*
Tram Chim was historically a critical habitat for sarus cranes in the lower Mekong River, once hosting over 1,000 individuals. However, habitat degradation and dwindling food sources led to the species' gradual disappearance over many years.
Dong Thap provincial leaders acknowledge that reintroducing sarus cranes to Tram Chim faces many challenges. This conservation program extends beyond restoring a rare bird species; it also involves wetland ecosystem restoration, biodiversity conservation, and developing sustainable livelihoods for buffer zone communities.
Ngoc Tai
