A closer look at the 8 ancient trees in the zoo that have just been recognized as heritage trees.

TPO - Eight ancient trees, over 100 years old, at Saigon Zoo have just been recognized as heritage trees, possessing not only ecological value but also serving as "living witnesses" to the ups and downs of Vietnamese history.

TPO - Eight ancient trees, over 100 years old, at Saigon Zoo have just been recognized as heritage trees, possessing not only ecological value but also serving as "living witnesses" to the ups and downs of Vietnamese history.

On December 29th, at the Saigon Zoo, the Vietnam Association for the Protection of Nature and Environment and the Vietnam Heritage Tree Association recognized eight ancient trees, including one sandalwood tree, one tung tree, and six mahogany trees, as Vietnamese Heritage Trees.

These ancient trees are all between 120 and over 200 years old. Among them, the most prominent is the large-fruited sandalwood tree, over two centuries old, with a trunk circumference of 4 meters at 1.3 meters and a height of approximately 34 meters. The tree is classified as endangered (EN) in the Vietnamese Red Book.

A closer look at the 8 ancient trees in the zoo that have just been recognized as heritage trees (photo 1).

Saigon Zoo recently had 8 ancient trees recognized as Vietnamese heritage trees.

A closer look at the 8 ancient trees in the zoo that have just been recognized as heritage trees (photo 2).

Young people are excitedly "checking in" with a mahogany tree that is over 100 years old.

Ms. Huynh Thu Thao, Chairwoman of the Board of Members of Saigon Zoo Co., Ltd., said that this is an extremely important and meaningful event for the conservation of flora and fauna throughout the zoo's 160-year history.

"The recognition of heritage trees is not just a superficial activity, but also has a profound impact on the conservation of rare and valuable genetic resources of plant and animal species," Ms. Thao said.

Professor Phung Chi Si, Vice President of the Vietnam Association for Nature and Environment Protection, stated that currently, Vietnam has approximately 8,000 trees belonging to 145 species living in 57 provinces and cities that have been recognized as heritage trees.

A closer look at the 8 ancient trees in the zoo that have just been recognized as heritage trees (photo 3).

Heritage trees not only have ecological value but also serve as living witnesses to Vietnam's history.

A closer look at the 8 ancient trees in the zoo that have just been recognized as heritage trees (photo 4).

The tree trunks, tens of meters high, stretch towards the blue sky.

According to Mr. Si, the criteria for recognizing Vietnamese heritage trees include three main factors. Firstly, the tree must be over 200 years old. Secondly, the heritage tree must have value in terms of genetic resource conservation, environmental protection, and must be a rare species. Thirdly, the tree must have a close connection with the activities and lives of the people, contributing to the cultural development and livelihoods of the community.

Associate Professor Tran Ngoc Hai, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Heritage Tree Council, stated that ancient trees, hundreds or even thousands of years old, are living organisms that have witnessed all changes, including climatic and hydrological changes, as well as social transformations. Furthermore, heritage trees on islands and archipelagos are considered living landmarks affirming Vietnam's sovereignty over its maritime territories and islands.

A closer look at the 8 ancient trees in the zoo that have just been recognized as heritage trees (photo 5).

The base of the mahogany tree has large roots that protrude above the ground.

A closer look at the 8 ancient trees in the zoo that have just been recognized as heritage trees (photo 6).

The tree provides shade all year round.

According to experts, the recognition of eight heritage trees within the Saigon Zoo will contribute to raising public awareness in preserving and promoting environmental protection and natural heritage. These trees will become symbols of conservation and sustainable development of the ecosystem at the Saigon Zoo. Visitors can visit and take photos with these heritage trees, contributing to spreading love for nature and protecting the landscape and living environment.