The event was attended by Mr. Le Minh Hoan, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly; members of the Provincial Party Standing Committee, the People's Committee of the province, and the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of the province; experts; representatives of international organizations; the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand (ZPOT) and Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo (Korat Zoo); businesses; and provincial departments.

The Provincial Party Secretary delivering a welcome speech to the delegates attending the ceremony

According to Mr. Le Quoc Phong, Secretary of the Dong Thap Provincial Party Committee, the ceremony to welcome the first cranes reflects the responsible spirit of multiple generations of Dong Thap leaders and the people of Tam Nong and Dong Thap in persistently protecting the environment, restoring ecosystems, and preserving natural landscapes to facilitate the return of the sarus crane—an endemic species of Tram Chim National Park and a symbol of Dong Thap Province.

The Provincial Party Secretary emphasized that the goal was not only to nurture, care for, and conserve cranes for eventual reintroduction into the wild, but also to develop a long-term, scientific research program that included crane care, breeding, conservation, and the establishment of a stable and sustainable ecosystem in Tram Chim.

To achieve today's initial success, Mr. Le Quoc Phong expressed gratitude for the support of high-ranking Vietnamese leaders, including Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Le Minh Hoan; contributions from the International Crane Foundation, notably Dr. Tran Triet; Thai partners who have accompanied and supported Dong Thap; businesses, organizations, and individuals who provided material and spiritual resources and media outreach; and the people of Tam Nong and Dong Thap who have adopted more sustainable farming practices to create a safer environment for the cranes.

Korat Zoo (right) presenting a sarus crane model to Tram Chim National Park

To honor the milestone of the formal return of the six cranes to their habitat at Tram Chim National Park, Mr. Thanachon Kensingh, Director of Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo (Korat Zoo), handed a crane model to Mr. Nguyen Van Lam, Director of Tram Chim National Park, during the event

The six cranes relocated to Tram Chim National Park are not only unique and valuable birds, but also valued "friends".  The six cranes were called Tha Vi, Ti Ci, Lotus, Ban Mit, Phuc Vien, and Tan Nguyen by the Organizing Committee to show their respect and long-term commitment to these new companions.

The naming ceremony for the Sarus Cranes

The Zoological Park Organization of Thailand (ZPOT) performed an important part in caring for and preparing the six cranes for their return home.  According to Associate Professor Dr. Jade Donavanik, Chairman of the ZPOT Board, conserving sarus cranes is more than just saving a species; it also shows the international community's shared duty for ensuring ecological sustainability.

Associate Professor Dr. Jade Donavanik expressed confidence that, with close cooperation between relevant Thai and Vietnamese agencies, as well as the solidarity of social organizations, businesses, and research experts, this project would achieve long-term success and become a model for environmental collaboration not only in the region but also globally.

Provincial Party Secretary Le Quoc Phong presenting commemorative gifts to the Propaganda Team

The conservation of sarus cranes and other wild birds is not only the duty of authorities; it also demands community participation.  As a result, the Tam Nong District People's Committee formed the "Propaganda Team for the Protection of Sarus Cranes and Wild Birds in Tram Chim National Park."  On Vietnam Book and Reading Culture Day, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly, Le Minh Hoan, delivered books to the Propaganda Team.

 Vice Chairman Le Minh Hoan expressed his emotions upon witnessing the sarus cranes after years of absence.  He was even more happy to witness the excitement of Tam Nong residents and students as they welcomed the cranes and enjoyed the lively environment at Tram Chim National Park today.

Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Le Minh Hoan (in blue) hopes every resident of ram Chim and Tam Nong understands the value of the sarus crane - the more they know, the more they will cherish it

Vice Chairman Le Minh Hoan remarked on the 10-year journey that saw the inhabitants of Tram Chim overcome their "fears" and transform their farming philosophy. Today's success is evidenced by the cranes' return in recent seasons, indicating that a suitable habitat has been constructed for them. With the addition of the cranes from Thailand, this feat helps not only Tram Chim National Park, Vietnam, but also Thailand, signifying the relationship between the two countries. The gathering also marked the start of a collective reflection on how to protect and restore ecosystems.   "If we nurture nature, nature will nurture us in return," Vice Chairman Le Minh Hoan underlined.

On this occasion, the Vice Chairman presented a painting with the message "Community Safeguarding the Home of Birds" and a commemorative ceramic vase named "One Crane's Wing—Preserving a Thousand Greens" to the Management Board. The success of the Sarus Crane Development and Conservation Project at Tram Chim National Park is due to the devotion, enthusiasm, and responsibility of numerous groups and individuals.

Chairman of the People's Committee of Dong Thap Province Tran Tri Quang presenting Certificates of Merit to individuals

To acknowledge and honor outstanding contributions to the project's progress, Dong Thap Province's People's Committee Chairman chose to present Certificates of Merit to five collectives and 19 individuals.  The five collectives are: C.P. Vietnam Livestock Corporation Joint Stock Company; Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden One Member Limited Liability Company; Tram Chim National Park; the Embassy of Thailand in Vietnam; and the Thai Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City.

Nguyệt Ánh

Translated by Gia Vi