Last August, I had the opportunity to experience a day volunteering at Save Vietnam’s Wildlife (SVW) – a non-profit organization operating in the field of wildlife conservation in Vietnam. This was the first time I directly supported the care, rescue and rehabilitation of pangolins and carnivores confiscated from illegal hunting and trading.

Activities at Save Vietnam’s Wildlife

To participate in this activity, I registered for the volunteer experience program organized by SVW. In the morning, we were given a brief introduction about the work, safety principles as well as the process of caring for wild animals. After that, I was assigned to participate in some daily activities at the center. At first, I was quite bewildered because volunteer work here requires meticulousness, patience and absolute compliance with regulations so as not to affect the health of the animals.

During the day, I directly supported the caretakers, from preparing food for the pangolins, cleaning the cages to observing and monitoring their behavior. I learned how to classify food, prepare appropriate rations, and even help record data on the health status of each individual. The work seems simple but is very important, because every small detail can affect the process of recovering the animal’s instincts.

Memorable moments

What I remember most is the moment I first came into close contact with a pangolin. Before, I had only seen pangolins through pictures or news reports, but when I saw them with my own eyes, I was really moved. Pangolins are small and gentle with special scales covering their entire body. Their eyes were timid, both bewildered and alert, as if they were still haunted by the days of being hunted. When I gently touched them, I clearly felt the fragility of a creature in need of protection. That moment made me appreciate even more the value of conservation work – that each individual saved is a new hope for a species facing the risk of extinction.

This work for me is both difficult and meaningful. The difficulty lies in the fact that it requires carefulness in every action, strictly following instructions to avoid making mistakes. Just a little carelessness can cause pangolins or carnivores to be injured. Moreover, cleaning the cages, preparing food and working continuously in hot and humid weather is quite tiring. But the more I do it, the more I feel the responsibility and love that the staff at SVW have for this work. They do it not only for work, but also for a great mission – to preserve the lives of species that are gradually disappearing from nature.

End of a new experience

After finishing a day of volunteering, I sat back and thought about all the experiences I had just gone through. I felt extremely lucky to have witnessed and contributed a small part in the process of caring for and rescuing wild animals. The experience of volunteering for a day at SVW gave me more than I expected. It not only helped me understand more about pangolins – a gentle but critically endangered animal – but also made me realize the profound meaning of conservation.