Confusion arises over how to handle the kangaroos caught in Cao Bang.

Kangaroos are not native to the area and therefore cannot be released into the environment, while state-run rescue centers have limited resources and cannot afford to care for them for life.

On November 11th, the Thach An District Forest Management Unit in Cao Bang Province discovered another kangaroo in the wild, bringing the total to four. All were abandoned by a smuggling group during illegal border crossings. While awaiting verification of their origin, they are being kept at the Thach An District Forest Management Unit before being transferred to the Hoang Lien Wildlife Rescue, Conservation and Development Center (Lao Cai).

Cao Bang forest rangers are unsure how to handle the four kangaroos because the species is not yet permitted for import into Vietnam, and information about the species is very limited.

Some experts say the animals caught in Cao Bang are wallabies, also known as mini kangaroos, which originate from Australia. Adults weigh approximately 30 kg and have a body length of 1.8 m including the tail. According to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment 's list, wallabies are not considered an invasive alien species.

Three kangaroos were discovered and captured in Duc Long commune between November 8th and 10th. Photo: CTV — Three kangaroos were discovered and captured in Duc Long commune between November 8th and 10th. Photo: *CTV*

According to Article 10 of Circular No. 29/2019 of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development on the handling of confiscated forest animals, evidence, and forest animals voluntarily surrendered to the State by organizations and individuals, there are five forms of handling: releasing them back into their natural environment; rescue; transfer to zoos, scientific research facilities, training and environmental education institutions, and specialized museums; sale; and finally, destruction.

However, the four wallabies are not native to the area and therefore cannot be released back into their natural habitat. They are healthy and show no signs of disease, so they are not eligible for rescue or euthanasia. An animal rescue expert stated that wallabies are an invasive species and are not a priority for rescue. If they are transferred to the rescue center in Lao Cai, extreme caution must be exercised in isolating them and testing for diseases to prevent cross-infection to other animals.

Representatives from Animals Asia argue that invasive species should not be released into the wild. State-run rescue centers, if they wish to care for them, must have sufficient resources and enclosures, as they need to be cared for until the end of their lives. "Rescue centers in Vietnam are not well-off; caring for this species would deplete their resources," they said, suggesting that kangaroos should ideally be moved to semi-wild (safari) zoos.

Although not officially imported into Vietnam, for the past five years, some farms have brought in wallabies through unofficial channels and resold them to people who want them as pets, to keep in large gardens or in ecological zones. In 2018, a farm in Thanh Tri district, Hanoi, imported about 10 wallabies, domesticated them, and bred them.

Pham Chieu

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