Standing up for some of Vietnams
most forgotten species…

Quick facts:
Location: Ninh Binh, Vietnam
Facility type: Turtle sanctuary
Opportunities: Visits, Volunteering

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A Day at the Ninh Binh Bear Sanctuary

Many people don’t even know turtles are native to Vietnam, let alone how many species are in need of conservation efforts. Unfortunately, they are considered important in some traditional medicines and are thought to increase longevity, so are often trafficked and sold in market environments.

This is where the Turtle Conservation Centre (TCC) in the Cuc Phuong National Park comes in. In my opinion, supporting the work of this centre makes a major contribution to protecting turtles all around Vietnam.

As a day visitor, I’d say this facility is not fully optimised for tourism. You have a self-guided walk around so see the animals currently in their care and read about each species. It’s certainly interesting and an amazing opportunity to see them, but the overall experience is not dissimilar to a zoo. However, this is simply because tourism is not their number one priority. This doesn’t mean they don’t have amazing impact - they do, and are well worth a visit.

The Asian Turtle Program (ATP)

TCC is one of the projects operated by the Asian Turtle Program.

In fact, The Asian Turtle Program was established during the development of TCC (1998) before later (2015) merging with Indo Myanmar Conservation, a UK- and Vietnam-registered NGO.

ATP has a mission to; ‘conserve Asia’s tortoises and freshwater turtles by conducting research, protecting habitats, raising awareness and building expertise.’

Read more about their mission and projects here.

What IMPACT does TCC have?

Rescue and care for confiscated turtles

The TCC gives advice to wildlife authorities all over the country when turtle are confiscated from the wildlife trade. They also often take in confiscated turtles.
All the turtles at TCC have either been confiscated from illegal turtle trade or were born here at the centre. They currently over 1100 individuals of 19 turtle species native to Vietnam.
Release and Breeding Programmes

As finding safe release sites for turtles in Vietnam is complicated, TCC houses turtles until suitable release sites are found, but release IS the end goal and the centre has successfully released over 80 crtitically endangered or endangered turtles into protected forest areas.
They also work to create breeding programmes for some of the most endangered species at the centre. More than 900 turtles have been born at the center from adults confiscated from illegal trade.
Education and Research

TCC puts an emphasis on training students and young professionals, especially Vietnamese, to encourage the next generation of young turtle scientists and conservationists.
They host of the annual Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Field Skill Training Course for university students and rangers from Vietnam and have established a program to give students and staff from international universities and zoos the opportunity to gain experience and exchange knowledge through conducting short research projects or volunteering at the centre.

The Cuc Phuong National Park

This is Vietnam’s FIRST national park and its largest nature reserve. So naturally, it’s home to some incredible conservation facilities:

Endangered Primate Rescue Centre (EPRC)

Turtle Conservation Centre (TCC)
Save Vietnam’s Wildlife (SVW)

Here’s how I’d plan the perfect day if I were going back:

Arrive early and visit EPRC and TCC from 8:30–10 AM.
EPRC: Hearing the gibbons sing in the semi-wild area was the highlight for us. It happened just after the facility reopened post-lunch. I’d bet the same happens right when they open at 8:30 AM—so head here first.
TCC: This self-guided tour took us the longest. We loved just watching the turtles and snapping photos.
Take a stroll around the rest of the National Park. You can check out the size of the EPRC semi-wild area, wander the forest, and enjoy the vibes (and butterflies!).
Drive back into town (about 1 hour) for lunch or other activities. There’s not much else to do in the park during this time, so it’s worth breaking up your day.
⭐ BONUS TIP! On your way back, stop by the Bear Sanctuary. You can easily combine it with your visit to the National Park.
Either later that same day or another evening, return to the National Park to visit SVW and see the nocturnal carnivores. Then tell me all about it—I need to go back just to experience this myself!

How to Support TCC

Follow TCC on Instagram for updates on their programmes and campaigns.

You can donate to support the overall work of the Asian Turtle Program, or indicate that you’d like your donation to directly support TCC.
Find more info here.
Looking for a gift for an animal lover in your life? Virtual adoptions not only fund the sanctuary and give these bears everything they need, they also help you feel connected to the individual.
TCC offers virtual adoptions of many different species with different tiers of sponsorship. See all their options here.
Anyone with a passion for animals is welcome to volunteer with TCC! Tasks will include things such as helping staff to prepare food for turtles, cleaning enclosures, creating environmental enrichment, record keeping, data collection, media assistance, tour guides, medical assistance, and more.
Read more about the opportunity here.