White Rhinoceros Ceratotherium simum
Despite the name, none of the rhinoceros species still living in the world today is actually white. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Dutch settlers in Africa encountered a huge animal with a broad, flat, square-shaped upper lip, perfectly adapted for grazing close to the ground. In Dutch, this feature was described as “wijd,” meaning “wide” or “broad.” When the British later arrived, they mistakenly understood “wijd” as “white”, as the two words sounded quite similar. And so, the name “white rhino” was born.
Crocodile Garden
Crocodiles are ancient giant reptiles that have survived for more than 200 million years to the present day. Their bodies are highly adapted to life both on land and in water. Their thick armored skin protects them from predators and helps them withstand harsh weather conditions, while their highly effective hunting abilities ensure a reliable food supply for survival.
Ny the Elephant
Among the elephants living at Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Ny had a difficult childhood. She was brought to a circus and raised there. Behind the stage lights and the applause she received for her performances were long days of demanding training, including exercises that went against the natural behavior, instincts, and physical structure of elephants.
Ca the Hippopotamus
Hippopotamuses are highly territorial animals and can be quite short-tempered. Their territorial behavior has been responsible for many tragic accidents around the world. Because they are herbivores and appear slow-moving when on land, many people assume that hippos are gentle.
Bô the Elephant
Auntie Chuông, the oldest female elephant, slowly continued her story. In 1993, Bô was brought to the zoo from Tanh Linh, Dong Nai, when he was still very young. He was a young elephant who had been left behind by his herd after they moved away from the farmers’ cultivated areas.
Lucky, the Old Gray Wolf
Lucky, an old gray wolf, is the only remaining representative of his species living at Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens...
Tùng and His Big Cats
Tùng is an animal keeper at Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens, where he is responsible for a group of small-sized carnivores in the cat family (Felidae). The largest animals under his care are the leopards, while the smallest are the jungle cats. Every day, Tùng moves swiftly from one enclosure to another, cleaning the facilities, preparing food, and keeping a close eye on the health and well-being of the animals in his care.
NHẤT – THE DASHING BENGAL TIGER
From the very first glance, Nhất leaves a strong impression. With his striking face, sharp eyes, and powerful presence, he looks every bit the king of the jungle. Every step he takes feels quick, confident, and full of strength, enough to make anyone nearby stop and stare in admiration. And yet, behind that majestic appearance is a tiger with a wonderfully mischievous side.
CHUÔNG – THE BELOVED ELDER ASIAN ELEPHANT
A Keeper of Memories Across Generations The Elderly Elephant Chuông (Elephas maximus) has lived at Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens for many years. For many visitors, she is more than just an animal. Parents often bring their children here and smile as they say, “We used to take photos with that old elephant when we were young.”
BO THE SOUTHERN WHITE RHINOCEROS
Bo, a female Southern White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) originating from Africa, is one of the most remarkable residents of the Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens. With her impressive size, thick folds of pale grey skin, and two distinctive horns at the front of her face, she often captures the attention of visitors the moment they see her. From a distance, Bo appears powerful and imposing, yet those who spend a little more time watching her may notice a quieter, gentler side. When she hears an unfamiliar sound, her ears turn subtly toward it, and she lifts her nose into the air, as if carefully reading the world around her.
MIKA – THE ADORABLY POWERFUL “BOSS OF THE BEAR ENCLOSURE”
At Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens, if there is one “powerful figure” in the bear enclosure who needs no nameplate, no announcement, and no formal introduction to make visitors smile the moment they appear, it is Mika, the irresistibly adorable “boss of the enclosure.”
FLAMINGOS – THE “WATERFRONT IDOLS” OF SAIGON ZOO AND BOTANICAL GARDENS
With their long, slender legs and brilliant pink plumage, these “waterfront idols” always appear in their finest attire. Every slow stride through the shallow water looks like a runway walk—no spotlights or music needed. Sunlight glinting off their silky feathers is all it takes to steal the show.
DZÍT THE PYGMY HIPPO
With an average lifespan of around 30 years in the wild, Uncle Dzít, born in 1990, is affectionately regarded as a venerable “old gentleman.” His health and vitality at this age are a source of immense pride for the animal care team at Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens.
NOEL THE BEAR – A “CHRISTMAS MIRACLE”
A Meaningful Name Noel entered the world on the night of December 23, 2020—just a day before Christmas—bringing with her a sense of surprise and quiet hope. In honor of her special arrival and the rarity of a sun bear birth under managed care, her keepers chose the name Noel, giving it a deeply meaningful touch.
“CÔNG THỊ TAI NƠ” – A VERY SPECIAL RACCOON AT SAIGON ZOO & BOTANICAL GARDENS
A 100% Real Stowaway Journey In late September 2020, at a warehouse in Ho Chi Minh City, workers opened a container of frozen beef imported from the United States, kept at –18°C. Inside, they discovered an unexpected stowaway—Công Thị Tai Nơ. For 35 days at sea, hidden among the frozen cargo, Công Thị Tai Nơ had survived the journey, likely feeding on the stored meat. With no passport and no visa, she became the most extraordinary traveler of that voyage. Soon after, Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens coordinated with the relevant authorities to receive and care for her, granting her “resident status” and a new home in the heart of the city.
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