Investigation: Dam Sen Park

LOCATION: DAM SEN PARK,
HO CHI MINH CITY

COUNTRY: VIETNAM

DATE OF VISIT: 2 AUGUST 2018

Born Free sent an investigator, environmental photojournalist Aaron Gekoski, to visit the zoo area situated in Dam Sen Amusement Park.

OUR REPORT:

Two monkeys riding bicycles during a show Many of the animal enclosures seen were small, dark and barren. Of particular concern was a large, male orangutan, whose concrete cage was about 4x5m in size with a glass viewing window. The cage was completely empty, apart from just two large rocks that he was slumped behind. He later moved to the front of cage, where he sat with his head against the glass window, staring. Visitors reached over and banged on the glass to try and get a reaction.

There was an elephant tethered by one of her front legs with a very short chain in a fenced off concrete area. She was barely able to move and appeared quite thin with some of her bones visible under the skin.

The water in the crocodile’s enclosure appeared filthy, filled with scummy water with a seemingly discarded plastic water bottle and other bits of littler floating around.

The park puts on shows in which animals are trained to perform demeaning tricks. Macaque monkeys were dressed up in clothes and had been trained to perform circus-style tricks, such as ride bicycles, lift weights, walk on stilts, and do a handstand on the back of a goat. All monkeys had metal chains around their necks.

NB Prior to our visit to Dam Sen, there were  reports  that the Vietnamese authorities were investigating allegations of cruelty at this zoo, particularly regarding the use of animals in the circus-style shows and also concerns as to the origin of some of the animals. However, following a reported statement that the animal shows would stop, they were clearly still taking place during our visit.

Photographic evidence obtained during the visit can be viewed in the photo gallery below.

ACTION:

Born Free continues to raise awareness of poor conditions in zoos. We are calling on the Vietnamese authorities to take action to improve the conditions and treatment of animals at Dam Sen Park.

UPDATE: 26th March 2020 – The Asia for Animals coalition, of which Born Free is a member, calls for the animal shows at Dam Sen to be brought to an end. Read the letter here.

UPDATE: 5th January 2021 - Dam Sen Park have reportedly made the decision to end the use of elephants, bears, orangutans and macaques in their circus performances. Asia for Animals Coalition urges that the exploitation of reptiles, such as pythons, in animal performances is also brought to an end. Read the letter here.