Endangered Asian Species Trust logo

Endangered Asian Species Trust (EAST)

To visit or volunteer for the Endangered Asian Species Trust in Vietnam, contact them at +84 (0) 2513-669-228 or +84 856669-228 or email enquiries@go-east.org

Endangered Asian Species Trust (EAST) tackles the illegal wildlife trade in Asia, with a current focus on endangered primate rescue and reintroduction in southern Vietnam. They operate the Dao Tien Endangered Primate Species Centre in Vietnam for the rehabilitation of golden-cheeked gibbon, pygmy slow loris, black-shanked douc, and silvered langur (silvered leaf monkey).

Dao Tien Endangered Primate Species Centre is halfway between Ho Chi Minh City and Da Lat in southern Vietnam. They are Open Daily at 8:00am. Tickets can be purchased onsite.

Key Takeaways

* Runs the Dao Tien Endangered Primate Species Centre in Vietnam for the rehabilitation of golden-cheeked gibbon, pygmy slow loris, black-shanked douc, and silvered langur (silvered leaf monkey).

* They allow visitors. Open Daily at 8:00am. Tickets can be purchased onsite.

Primate at Endangered Asian Species Trust
Ellie is enjoying a break from the monsoon rain (Photo Courtesy of Endangered Asian Species Trust)

Endangered Asian Species Trust (EAST): What They Do

Endangered Asian Species Trust’s mission is to help conserve Asia’s endangered wildlife by tackling the illegal wildlife trade in Asia. Their current focus is on endangered primate rescue and reintroduction in southern Vietnam.

They engage communities through conservation education and awareness. They also encourage responsible tourism, respecting wildlife and wild places.

Face of a primate
Beautiful Kulai rescued from the illegal wildlife trade (Photo Courtesy of Endangered Asian Species Trust)

Love gibbons? Check out all of my gibbon blogs here!

Endangered Primate Rescue and Reintroduction

The illegal wildlife trade remains one of the most pressing threats to Asia’s precious fauna. EAST recognizes the urgency of this issue and is taking proactive measures to combat it. Currently, their efforts are concentrated on rescuing and rehabilitating endangered primates in southern Vietnam. This region is a hotspot for primate diversity, but it’s also a target for the illegal pet trade.

EAST’s work involves rescuing these animals from captivity, providing them with necessary care, and ultimately reintroducing them into their natural habitats. This vital work not only saves individual lives but also contributes to the survival of entire species.

To date, they have rescued over 50 endangered primates, with 27 of these rehabilitated and released into native habitats.

Rescued silvered langurs at Endangered Asian Species Trust
Rescued silvered langur Hon Me (Photo Courtesy of Endangered Asian Species Trust)

Conservation Education & Community Engagement

Through comprehensive conservation education programs, EAST engages with local communities to raise awareness about biodiversity and the importance of preserving it for future generations. They empower individuals to become stewards of their own natural heritage. Consequently, this creates a ripple effect that extends beyond immediate conservation projects.

Workshop for rescuing endangered primate by Endangered Asian Species Trust
Workshop for rescuing endangered primate species (Photo Courtesy of Endangered Asian Species Trust)

Responsible Tourism; Respecting Wildlife & Wild Places

Tourism has the power to either contribute to the degradation of natural habitats or be a force for positive change. EAST advocates for the latter by promoting responsible tourism practices.

They emphasize respecting wildlife and their habitats, avoiding activities that could disturb or harm animals, and supporting eco-friendly tourism initiatives. Consequently, they help bridge the gap between human recreation and ecological preservation.

Beautiful old Pygmy loris lady Phong
Beautiful old Pygmy loris lady Phong (Photo Courtesy of Endangered Asian Species Trust)

Dao Tien Endangered Primate Species Centre

The Dao Tien Endangered Primate Species Centre works to rescue imperiled primates and guide them on their journey back to the wild. The center was founded in 2008 and is located on a 56 hectare island on the edge of Cat Tien National Park, in South Vietnam.

Nearly 30 hectares of the island’s forests are now enclosed in semi-forested enclosures, providing areas for tree training in preparation for full release. The center has a quarantine area, a veterinary room, and a staff house. 

Their Journey to Freedom

At Dao Tien, the journey begins with the rescue. Endangered primates who have fallen victim to the illegal wildlife trade, suffered injuries or lost their homes find solace within the center’s walls.

Expert caregivers and veterinarians provide essential medical care and rehabilitation, helping these animals regain their health and strength. It’s a journey that demands patience and dedication, as each individual’s needs are meticulously attended to.

The ultimate goal of Dao Tien is to return these resilient creatures to their natural habitats. The path to the wild is carefully planned, involving stages of socialization, skill development, and adaptation to wild conditions. Through these efforts, Dao Tien not only saves individual lives but contributes to preserving entire species, restoring the delicate balance of ecosystems.

2 primates at Endangered Asian Species Trust
Orphans of the illegal wildlife trade (Photo Courtesy of Endangered Asian Species Trust)

Check out my blog Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center (WRRC)!

Be a Part of the Endangered Asian Species Trust

EAST’s mission invites everyone to play a role in preserving Asia’s diverse and endangered wildlife. Recognizing that conservation is a collective effort, EAST offers multiple avenues for people to engage and contribute to their impactful work. There are several ways you can contribute to their impactful work:

2 primates at Endangered Asian Species Trust
Douc & langur rehabilitation (Photo Courtesy of Endangered Asian Species Trust)

Donate Endangered Asian Species Trust

Your financial support forms the backbone of EAST’s operations. By donating, you directly contribute to the organization’s ability to execute vital rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation efforts.

Your contribution goes towards funding medical care, habitat restoration, educational initiatives, and other critical aspects of their mission. Each donation plays a crucial role in sustaining their endeavors and safeguarding the future of Asia’s unique wildlife.

Annie & Phuc Pygmy loris transferred to their release cage
Annie & Phuc Pygmy loris transferred to their release cage (Photo Courtesy of Endangered Asian Species Trust)

Sponsor an Animal

Sponsoring an animal under EAST’s care is a deeply personal and impactful way to support their cause. Your sponsorship provides essential resources for the well-being of the animals, including proper nutrition, medical attention, and enriching environments.

This direct connection fosters a sense of responsibility and guardianship. Consequently, it allows you to play a tangible role in the journey of an individual animal’s rehabilitation and recovery.

Monkey tree time
Infant langur tree time (Photo Courtesy of Endangered Asian Species Trust)

Volunteer in Vietnam

Volunteering with EAST in Vietnam offers a unique opportunity to contribute directly to fieldwork. By volunteering, you engage with the daily challenges, rescue missions, aiding in animal care, or assisting with educational programs.

Dedicated primate care team on Dao Tien
Dedicated primate care team on Dao Tien (Photo Courtesy of Endangered Asian Species Trust)

Help Endangered Asian Species Trust release Pygmy Loris

EAST’s ongoing campaign to release Pygmy Lorises into protected habitats requires the support of passionate individuals. Your involvement in this initiative signifies a shared commitment to reintroducing these animals into their natural environments. Your support ensures that the Pygmy Lorises have the best chance of survival.

Rescued Pygmy loris at Endangered Asian Species Trust
Rescued Pygmy loris in Dong Nai (Photo Courtesy of Endangered Asian Species Trust)

Follow Endangered Asian Species Trust on Social Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Endangered-Asian-Species-Trust-164617243557223/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/east_daotien/

$ Donate: https://www.justgiving.com/east

3 people rescuing an infant monkey
Phoung and Dr. Viet are rescuing an infant male silvered langur (Photo Courtesy of Endangered Asian Species Trust)

You Might Also Like…