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Rare wildlife strays into residents’ gardens, handed over to authorities

1/13/2026 6:12:00 AM

Residents in central Vietnam have handed over rare wildlife after discovering protected animals wandering into their home gardens, enabling authorities to arrange their return to the wild.

On January 11, police in Dien Ban Ward, Danang City, received a rare toothed turtle weighing about 6.8 kg from Nguyen Quoc Hiep, 26, for release back into its natural habitat.

Hiep said he found the turtle wandering into his garden. Recognising it as protected wildlife, he proactively contacted local authorities to hand it over.

The species, also known as the yellow-headed temple turtle, has the scientific name Heosemys annandalii. It is listed in Group IIB under Vietnam’s classification of endangered, precious and rare forest animals requiring strict protection.

On the same day, police in Tuy Phuoc Bac Commune, Gia Lai Province, also received two rare peafowl handed over by Tran Thi Hieu Nhi, 35.

Previously, on the evening of January 8, Nhi discovered two unfamiliar birds flying into her garden. After researching, she identified them as peafowl, a protected species, and contacted police to arrange their handover.

Tuy Phuoc Bac Commune police coordinated with the Tuy Phuoc-Quy Nhon Forest Protection Unit to identify the species. The birds were confirmed to be Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus).

Under Vietnamese law, the Indian peafowl is classified in Group IIB, meaning hunting and illegal trade are strictly prohibited. However, the species may be kept legally as ornamental animals if all regulatory conditions and documentation are met.

The two peafowl are currently being temporarily cared for at FLC Safari Quy Nhon Wildlife Park, located in Quy Nhon Dong Ward, Gia Lai Province, while procedures are completed for their release back into the natural forest environment.

Source: Dtinews

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