Reports of mass animal deaths at safari denied

Monday, Feb 22, 2016 18:10

A group of zebras in Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc. Vingroup has denied reports on social media that thousands of species of rare birds and animals have died at the newly-opened park. — Photo vingroup

HA NOI (Biz Hub) — Vietnamese conglomerate Vingroup, investor of Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc, has denied reports on social media that thousands of species of rare birds and animals have died at the newly-opened park.

Vingroup clarified that the death toll was just 100 and not as claimed.

According to the company's press release, under the park's management within two months of the opening, the animals have become familiar with the new habitat and are in good health, adding that several species have even given birth.

However, Vingroup has admitted that more than 100 animals, including birds and mammals, had died due to lengthy transportation procedures and their inability to adapt to the new environment and climate.

The company also said that 135 small monkeys, which are local inhabitants of Phu Quoc Island weighing around 150-200 grams, have fled because the cages they had been put in were designed for larger animals.

Except for the monkeys, no other animals have escaped from the safari park, Vingroup said.

Phu Quoc safari park is home to around 3,000 animals belonging to 150 species, including rare animals such as Arabian onyxes, tigers, lions, ring-tailed lemurs, black-and-white ruffed lemurs, rhinoceros' and elephants, which have all been given CITES certificate, according to Vingroup.

The company affirmed that the import of animals to the wildlife park is done in compliance with international and Vietnamese laws and strict regulations on wildlife.

In its statement, Vingroup said that the Phu Quoc safari park's mission is to promote the conservation of wildlife animals and the environment, in addition to serving tourism purposes. — VNS

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