Dong thap: Vietnam's Mekong Delta province of Dong Thap has received six sarus cranes from Thailand as part of the countries' conservation cooperation programme. The transfer, held at Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo in Thailand's Nakhon Ratchasima province on June 22, marks the second phase of the sarus crane conservation and development project at the Tram Chim National Park in Dong Thap for the 2022-2032 period. The latest transfer consists of two males and four females weighing between 5.3kg and 6.7kg. They will be transported from Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo to Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok on June 23, before being flown to Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City and carried by specialised vehicles to the Tram Chim National Park on the same day.

According to Vietnam News Agency, this significant exchange aligns with the ongoing efforts to bolster the declining population of sarus cranes in Vietnam. The collaboration between the two countries aims to introduce a sustainable approach to crane conservation, focusing on habitat preservation and species repopulation. The Tram Chim National Park, recognized as a Ramsar site, provides an ideal environment for these cranes, which are known for their distinctive red heads and tall stature.

The conservation initiative underscores the commitment of both Vietnam and Thailand to environmental preservation and biodiversity protection. This bilateral cooperation not only highlights the importance of international partnerships in wildlife conservation but also sets a precedent for future cross-border environmental projects. The sarus crane, being a symbol of ecological balance, serves as a reminder of the delicate interdependencies within ecosystems, making its conservation a critical concern for both nations.