Monkey Rescue at a Primate Sanctuary in Vietnam

  • The Project

    Volunteer in a Primate Rescue Centre in Vietnam dedicated to the protection of endangered primates. The centre carries out the work of rehabilitation, breeding, research, conservation and habitat protection.

    Established in 1993, the centre was set up to care for endangered and critically endangered primates who were confiscated from illegal trade following the introduction of the ‘Vietnam Primate Conservation Programme’. Today the centre is home to more than 140 primates from 15 species and subspecies. Several endangered species of Langur kept at the centre can be found in no other facilities around the world!

    The goal of the centre is to establish stable populations of highly endangered primate species in captivity so that they may be a part of further reintroduction and release programmes.

  • Why the project needs you

    The combination of poaching and the illegal trade of primates has led to the decimation of many species’ populations. The centre acts as a rescue facility for primates confiscated from illegal trade and also works to breed the primates to bolster the populations of endangered species.

    So far 9 species have been successfully bred at the centre, with a total over more than 50 infants born! The centre faces a huge challenge in balancing the unparalleled success of the breeding programme with their continuing care for the rescued animals. Staff often have to travel thousands of kilometres to collect rescued primates, placing further strain on limited resources.

    Volunteer assistance in the day to day running of the centre helps to facilitate the incredible work that they are achieving in primate protection and conservation!

    Project Location

    The centre is located in the stunning Cuc Phoung National Park, 120km southwest of Hanoi. Cuc Phuong boasts engaging cultural and wildlife heritage and enchanting scenery. Magnificent limestone mountains rise up majestically from the green rice-terraces and traditional stilt houses of the Muong hill-tribe. Covered in a dense forest, this landscape forms a habitat for some of Asia's rarest species.

  • Project Facts

    • Duration: 2 - 26 weeks
    • Cost: £1095($1916) for 2 weeks, £255($446) for each week thereafter
    • Requirements: age 18+
    • Location: Cuc Phuong National Park, 3.5 Hours outside Hanoi
    • Project activities: Prepare food for animals and assist keepers with husbandry, clean enclosures and paths, general maintenance and refurbishment of centre
    • Working hours: 09:00 - 16:30, Monday - Friday. Weekends by roster.
    • Project Availability: Project start every Monday.

  • What is included

    • Accommodation: Shared room in a volunteer house.
    • Airport pick up and transfer to project site
    • Transfer back to Hanoi
    • Training: Pre-departure packs, on-site orientation, a basic language class and a local phrase book for the remainder of your stay
    • Support: 24 hour support
    • Excursions: Staff will help plan cultural visits to temples and archeological sites, local hikes, and cultural outings. (Activity prices may be extra)

  • What is not included

    • Flights
    • Insurance
    • Visas
    • Meals: Volunteers must buy their own food. Restaurant meals are cheap ($3-4) in the local town.
    • Airport drop-off

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