The Asia for Animals Coalition in collaboration with Animals Asia have appealed against the cruel use of animals in Vietnam’s circuses for years. Investigators have recently discovered that Dam Sen Circus has gone back on their word almost a year ago to stop using macaques in performances and again are using them and a host of other animals in their shows. Therefore, we are writing to them again to ask them to cease these cruel activities.
A COPY OF THE LETTER, ADDRESSED TO:
Mr Nguyen Quoc Anh
General Director
Phu Tho Tourist Service Joint Stock Company Number 15 Road 2
Lu Gia Plaza Building
Ward 15, District 11,
Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam
Re: The continued use of wild animals in Dam Sen circus
Dear Mr Nguyen Quoc Anh,
25th March, 2020
We are writing on behalf of the Asia for Animals Coalition, representing international animal welfare and conservation organizations. We express our deep concern with regards to the continued use of wild animals within the animal circus at the Dam Sen Tourist Park in Ho Chi Minh City.
Our investigations have revealed that Dam Sen Tourist Park is again using macaques and pythons, together with some other animals, after nearly one year of not using wild animals in their circus performances.
This decision goes against the global trend of a dismissal of animal circuses, where over 57 countries and regions have issued a complete or partial ban of all animals for circus performances.1 Within Vietnamese communities, there are more and more people speaking up for animals and expressing their opposition to animal performances.
We believe that continuing the animal circus performances will have negative impacts on Dam Sen Tourist Park’s reputation. In addition, Dam Sen is registering to become a member of the South
According to data from Animal Defenders International updated to January 2020 East Asian Zoos and Aquariums Association, whose policy does not accept the use of wild animals in circuses.
Scientists warn that wildlife can transmit diseases to humans. In light of the increasing spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), I am sure you will agree that your performing wild animals currently pose a threat of disease transmission to the trainers, performers and audiences of the shows.
On behalf of the undersigned organisations around the globe and the many millions of members they represent, we urge that Dam Sen stop the use of all animals for circus performances with immediate effect.
Sent on behalf of the following organisations:
- Anima-Society for the Protection of Animals (Macau)
- Animal Concerns Research & Education Society
- Animal Guardians
- Animal People Forum
- Animals Asia Foundation
- Big Cat Rescue
- Blue Cross of India
- Born Free Foundation
- Change for Animals Foundation
- Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations
- FOUR PAWS
- Humane Society International
- International Animal Rescue
- International Fund for Animal Welfare
- RSPCA UK
- Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
- The Jane Goodall Institute – Nepal
- The Philippines Animal Welfare Society
- VShine Animal Protection Association
- World Animal Protection
Please respond to David Neale, Animal Welfare Director, Animals Asia Foundation, Room 1501, Tung Hip Commercial Building, 244-252 Des Voeux Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong dneale@animalsasia.org or afacoalition@gmail.com
Copied to;
Lam Tung Que
Deputy Director
Ho Chi Minh City’s Forest Protection Department Number 01 Do Ngoc Thanh
Ward 14, District 5
Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam
Email: cckl.snn@tphcm.gov.vn
Tran Viet Anh
Chairman
Phu Tho Tourist Service Joint Stock Company Number 15 Road 2
Lu Gia Plaza Building
Ward 15, District 11
Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam
Phạm Diep Ngan
Secretary
Vietnam Zoo Association Floor 20A, Vincom Dong Khoi 72 Le Thanh Ton
District 1
Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam
Email: diepnganpham@gmail.com
Vo Ngoc Tuan
General Director
Dam Sen Water Park Corporation 3 Hoa Binh Road,
Ward 3, District 11
Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam
Image: Dam Sen Cultural Park and Zoo in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietname – Tripwolf
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