The Asia for Animals Coalition has raised this letter of concern stating:
“We are writing on behalf of the Asia for Animals Coalition, representing international animal welfare and conservation organisations. We express our deep concern with regards to the living conditions for animals at the Cu Chi Water Park in Ho Chi Minh City.
We have serious concerns with regards the standard of animal care at the park. Our investigations show animals living in exceptionally poor conditions, social animals living alone, and animals which appear to be suffering from states of advanced malnutrition.
The enclosures and cages contain very few opportunities for animals to express any natural behaviours and in some cases appear to be in a state of disrepair and present serious health risks.”
We have also received information suggesting that the Cu Chi Water Park are planning on importing more species and thus we request that any applications being made to import animals are rejected on the basis of the parks inability to meet the needs of the animals, and thus an inability to meet CITES regulation on ‘appropriate and acceptable destinations’ for any CITES listed species.
On behalf of our members globally, we appeal to Forestry Protection Dept. to conduct an investigation into the standards of animal care at the Cu Chi Water Park and put in place measures to alleviate the obvious suffering for the many animals within the park as a matter of urgency.