In Vietnam’s oldest forest, a hidden sanctuary gives rare primates a second chance—rescued, rehabilitated, and full of hope.
Tucked away in the heart of Cúc Phương National Park, Vietnam’s oldest and most biodiverse national park, is a remarkable place working quietly but powerfully to protect some of the world’s rarest primates. The Endangered Primate Rescue Center (EPRC) has been a sanctuary for over 30 years, dedicated to rescuing, caring for, and rehabilitating endangered monkeys, langurs, and more from across Vietnam. Founded in 1993, the center is home to around 160 primates representing multiple different species, many of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Some, like the Delacour’s langur or the Cat Ba langur, are critically endangered and are on the edge of extinction. The center works daily to ensure these animals not only survive but thrive.
On a visit here, you’ll go behind the scenes to see how this mission comes to life. The center has dozens of large enclosures and semi-wild areas, where some primates learn to adapt to a more natural environment in hopes of one day returning to the wild. Walking through the leafy paths of the facility, you might hear the melodic calls of gibbons echo through the trees or spot langurs swinging from branch to branch. It’s a peaceful, moving experience that puts you face-to-face with the reality of conservation and the hope that still exists. This is not a zoo or a tourist attraction. It’s a working rescue center fueled by passion, science, and care.
Visiting the EPRC is a reminder that behind every rescued animal is a story of survival, and a team committed to giving them a second chance in the forests they once called home. For anyone curious to learn more about the center, reach out to sales.vietnam@khiri.com.