On the morning of August 23, 2025, Cat Ba National Park received a report from Ms. Nguyen Thi Hien (born 1952), a permanent resident of Hai Son Village, Cat Hai District, Hai Phong City. While performing her routine morning livestock feeding, she discovered one (01) wild animal specimen trapped in the B40 wire mesh of her livestock enclosure. Unsure of how to handle the situation safely, Ms. Hien proactively notified Cat Ba National Park authorities to request professional assistance for the rescue and subsequent release of the animal back into its natural habitat.
Individual Reticulated Python ensnared in B40 chain-link fencing
Upon receipt of the notification, the Cat Ba National Park Forest Ranger Station took the lead, in coordination with the Department of Heritage, Biosphere, and Ecotourism, to arrive at the scene and rescue the aforementioned animal. The specimen trapped in the residential area was identified as a Burmese Python (Scientific name: Python molurus), with a recorded weight of 9 kilograms.
The Burmese Python (Python molurus) is classified under Group IIB of the list of endangered, precious, and rare forest animals, which is subject to legal protection as stipulated in Circular No. 27/2025/TT-BNN&MT issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. Following its custody, rescue, rehabilitation, and clinical health assessment, the aforementioned specimen was found to be in optimal health, meeting all necessary criteria for immediate re-release into its natural habitat.
Cat Ba National Park authorities, in coordination with the Center for Education for Sustainable Development (located at HH1 Me Tri Ha Urban Area, Tu Liem Ward, Hanoi), conducted the re-release of the Burmese Python into its natural habitat. This activity was integrated into a nature-based STEM experiential education program currently being held at the Cat Ba Archipelago Biosphere Reserve for primary and lower secondary students. The release took place within the Park’s Strictly Protected Zone, in the presence of a large group of teachers, students, parents, and relevant functional forces from Cat Ba National Park.
Collective efforts to protect the environment, conserve forest flora and fauna genetic resources, and re-release endangered and rare species—such as the Burmese Python, Silver Pheasant, Rhesus Macaque, and Tokay Gecko—not only ensure statutory compliance with biodiversity conservation laws but also demonstrate the community’s humanitarian spirit and responsibility. These actions are vital in preserving and promoting the values of the Cat Ba Archipelago Biosphere Reserve for both present and future generations. Through this hands-on experience, students will foster a deeper appreciation for nature and gain a more profound understanding of the intrinsic value of wildlife, particularly the endemic Cat Ba Langur and other native species within the archipelago.
