News about Saigon Zoo - Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens

CONSERVATION EFFORTS FOR A NATURAL HERITAGE SPECIES AT SAIGON ZOO & BOTANICAL GARDENS

A long journey shaped by dedication and important milestones Building up the population The conservation journey began in 1995 with only a very small founder population of four hog deer (Cervus porcinus Zimmermann), including two males and two females. During the first four years, the herd did not reproduce, which required even greater effort, patience, and specially tailored care to help the animals adapt to their environment. Through these continued efforts, the hog deer population at Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens gradually began to breed successfully and consistently, with numbers increasing significantly over time. As the population grew, some individuals were transferred to other institutions for exhibition and conservation purposes, including Phu Quoc Safari in 2016.

21/04/2026

CONSERVATION OF THE CRESTED ARGUS (RHEINARDIA OCELLATA OCELLATA) AT SAIGON ZOO & BOTANICAL GARDENS

When the “stars of the forest” are in danger The Crested Argus is far more than a beautiful bird with a clear, elegant call. It is a remarkable endemic treasure of Southeast Asia, found only in Vietnam and Laos. The species was first named Argus ocellatus by Elliot in 1871, based on a large number of pheasant feathers of unknown origin preserved at the Paris Museum. Earlier, between 1835 and 1859, Verriaux had also used the name Argus ocellatus in manuscript form (according to Delacour, 1951). It was not until 1879 to 1881, when two skins of the Crested Argus collected by Commander Rheinart and the Governor of Cochinchina were confirmed to have originated from Vietnam, that the species’ true geographic origin was officially recognized. The genus Rheinardia was later established in 1882 by Maingonnat (G.W.H. Davison et al., 2020).

21/04/2026

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.”

21/04/2026

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.

21/04/2026

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.”

21/04/2026

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.

21/04/2026

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.

21/04/2026

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.

21/04/2026

“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.

21/04/2026

THE MINIATURE HORSE FAMILY

One morning, as sunlight gently filtered through the ancient trees, the Horse Stable area came alive with activity. At the center of the yard stood Thị Mai, a miniature horse with a glossy coat of white and reddish-brown, her ears flicking at the surrounding sounds. Small yet remarkably strong, miniature horses were once used to pull carts, valued for their endurance and adaptability. Their gentle nature, intelligence, and surprising sturdiness never fail to impress.

21/04/2026

THE GIRAFFE FAMILY

“Gentle Giants” of the Green Garden Giraffes stand out with their long necks and golden-brown coats patterned with unique patches. None of them share the same design. Each pattern is like a unique "fingerprint," creating a distinct identity for each member of the family.

21/04/2026

THE CAPYBARA FAMILY

The capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), often called the water guinea pig, is the largest rodent on Earth. In the wild, it inhabits rivers, swamps, and floodplains, thriving in semi-aquatic environments where its strong swimming skills are essential for survival. With their round bodies, short legs, and serene expressions, capybaras are widely loved for their calm and sociable nature. Their remarkable ability to get along with other species has even earned them the charming nickname “the Ministers of Foreign Affairs” of the animal world.

20/04/2026

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