Most of the primates at EPRC are victims of illegal wildlife trafficking, transferred by authorities or people. (Photo: Van Chi/ VNA)
There are about 2,500 red-shanked douc langur (Pygathrix nemaeus), classified as Critically Endangered in the Vietnam Red Book and the World Red Book, in the wild. (Photo: Van Chi/VNA)
The red-shanked douc langur is known as the “Queen of Primates” thanks to its colorful fur; both male and female adults have long white beards around their faces, and are characterized by reddish-brown legs. (Photo: Van Chi/VNA)
The white-rumped douc langur (Trachypithecus delacouri) in the EPRC’s semi-wild area, with a wild population of about 400 individuals. (Photo: Van Chi/VNA)
Langurs in the EPRC are provided with about 400kg of fresh leaves per day for 3 meals, mainly leaves with a bitter, astringent taste. (Photo: Van Chi/VNA)
The female red-cheeked gibbon stands out with its orange-beige fur, with a few black streaks on its head. (Photo: Van Chi/VNA)
A family of grey-shanked douc langurs (Pygathrix cinerea) at the EPRC. (Photo: Van Chi/VNA)
A grey-shanked douc langur (Pygathrix cinerea) at the EPRC. (Photo: Van Chi/VNA)
Behind the comprehensive care of primates is the tireless dedication of the team of experts, staff and volunteers. (Photo: Van Chi/VNA)
The center is open to visitors with guides, aiming to raise awareness among visitors and the community about the value of primates and nature conservation. (Photo: Van Chi/VNA)
Discovering the “kingdom” of rare primates in Cuc Phuong National Park
The Endangered Primate Rescue Center (EPRC) in Cuc Phuong National Park is a safe haven for nearly 250 individuals of 14 endangered primate species in need of protection. Established in 1993, EPRC is the first center in Indochina to carry out the mission of rescuing, rehabilitating, breeding, conserving and releasing rare primates of Vietnam back into the wild. With more than 70 cages and 2 semi-wild areas, this place is actively protecting the “treasures” of the old forest such as gibbons, langurs and loris from illegal wildlife trafficking and the risk of extinction. Photos taken by Van Chi and published by the Vietnam News Agency.
