Established in 1864, through 162 years of formation and development, Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden is associated with the memories of generations of Ho Chi Minh City residents. This place currently cares for and nurtures more than 1,940 animal individuals of 117 species and owns a rich vegetation with more than 2,300 green trees of 310 species, including over 700 perennial trees.
Spreading conservation awareness from the shade of a hundred years
On September 11, Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens organized a ceremony to introduce the Vietnamese heritage tree complex, marking the milestone of receiving 46 more ancient trees of 18 species recognized by the Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment. Along with 8 trees recognized from December 2024, the total number of heritage trees at Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens has now been increased to 54 trees.
This time, the heritage tree complex is marked by many special individuals, from 17 acacia trees associated with the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden landscape planning process to the "old" rubber tree with number 881 - the only remaining rubber individual here.
Prof. Dr. Sc. Dang Huy Huynh - Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment, Chairman of the Vietnam Heritage Tree Council - emphasized that honoring ancient trees at Thao Cam Vien is of great significance in raising community awareness, especially the younger generation, about biodiversity conservation. At the same time, these hundred-year-old trees play the role of absorbing carbon, releasing oxygen, serving the green growth goal and the national net zero commitment.
Not only carrying ecological value, the shady space is also a favorite relaxation spot for people and tourists.
Ms. Ho Ngoc Bao Yen (Hoa Hung ward, Ho Chi Minh City) shared that the fact that many ancient trees are labeled as heritage trees is a very meaningful breakthrough in the city's journey to create green space, helping young people appreciate the natural landscape more and be more aware of environmental protection.
Talking to Lao Dong Newspaper, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Nhut - Deputy Director of Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens - said that the addition of 46 green trees recognized as heritage trees is a great source of encouragement for the team working on nature conservation.
Taking care of green spaces, "consulting" each difficult case
Talking to Lao Dong Newspaper, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Nhut said that the fact that 46 more green trees are recognized as Heritage trees is a great source of encouragement for the team working on nature conservation.
Currently, Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden has a plant factory with about 40 personnel in charge of taking care of the entire green space, including heritage trees. In addition, we proactively coordinate with experts from schools and institutes. When encountering difficult or complex cases, scientific units will jointly assess and consult to come up with specific treatment measures for each individual, to minimize the impact on the growth and development of trees" - Mr. Nhut shared.
