Cuc Phuong Turtle Conservation Center

The Turtle Conservation Center (TCC) at Cuc Phuong National Park is a premier wildlife facility in Southeast Asia dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and breeding of endangered land and freshwater turtles. Established in 1998, the center serves as a vital sanctuary for turtles confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade, which poses a severe threat to Vietnam's biodiversity. Vietnam is home to over 25 turtle species, many of which are on the brink of extinction due to habitat loss and poaching. The TCC features specialized facilities, including hatcheries, quarantine areas, and large outdoor enclosures designed to mimic natural ecosystems. A core component of its mission is the release of healthy, captive-bred turtles back into protected wild habitats to bolster declining populations. The center also plays a crucial role in public education, hosting thousands of students and tourists annually to raise awareness about environmental conservation. Located within Vietnam's oldest national park, founded in 1962, the center exemplifies international cooperation in wildlife protection. Its efforts have been instrumental in saving species like the critically endangered Vietnamese Pond Turtle from total disappearance.

Nearby cities

Sam Son

A historic coastal resort town in Thanh Hoa province, famous for its long sandy beaches and colonial heritage.

Ninh Bình

Known as the 'Ha Long Bay on land' for its stunning landscape of karst peaks and rice paddies.

Cua Lo

A picturesque coastal town in Nghe An province, known for its clear waters and wide sandy beaches.

Tam Điệp

A city in Ninh Bình province, known for its cement industry and its strategic location between North and Central Vietnam.

Vĩnh Yên

The capital of Vĩnh Phúc province and a significant economic hub near Hanoi.

Phủ Lý

A city on the banks of the Đáy River, heavily destroyed during the Vietnam War and later rebuilt.

Bắc Giang

A city to the northeast of Hanoi, known for its lychees and strategic location.

Hải Dương

A city in the Red River Delta, known for its traditional green bean cakes.

History & landmarks

Tràng An Landscape Complex

A spectacular area of limestone karst peaks permeated with valleys, many of them partly submerged and surrounded by steep, almost vertica…

Nam Dinh

Nam Dinh is a historical province in the Red River Delta, known for its magnificent temples and as the birthplace of the famous Phở noodl…

Nature

Hoan Kiem Lake

A historical lake in the heart of Hanoi, known as the 'Lake of the Returned Sword', and a popular spot for locals and tourists.

More places

Cúc Phương National Park

Vietnam's oldest national park, located in Ninh Bình Province.

Bear Sanctuary Ninh Bình

A sanctuary by Four Paws that rescues bears affected by the bear bile industry and illegal wildlife trade.

Bái Đính Pagoda

A vast complex of Buddhist temples on Bái Đính Mountain in Ninh Bình Province, holding many Vietnamese records.

Hoa Lư Ancient Capital

The capital of Vietnam in the 10th and 11th centuries, now a site of ancient temples and pagodas.

Citadel of the Ho Dynasty

A 14th-century citadel built according to feng shui principles, known for its massive stone walls.

Perfume Pagoda

A vast complex of Buddhist temples and shrines built into the limestone Huong Tich mountains.

Epizootic Disease Research Centre

A specialized center dedicated to the research and control of epizootic diseases, playing a vital role in public health and agriculture.

Thủ Lệ Park (Hanoi Zoo)

A large park and zoo in central Hanoi, featuring a large lake, playgrounds, and a variety of animals.