Who We Are

Resolve to turn the tide every day

eprc is home to

+ 180 primates

representing

14 species

Many of these primates are cared for only at the Endangered Primate Rescue Center.

who we are?

The Endangered Primate Rescue Center is a not for profit project dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, breeding, research and conservation of Vietnams endangered and critically endangered primate species. First established in 1993, through a collaboration between Frankfurt Zoological Society and Cuc Phuong National Park, the center is presently managed under the umbrella of the Vietnam Primate Conservation Program, jointly operated by Zoo Leipzig and Cuc Phuong National Park. More than 200 animals have been born at the center, some being the first of their species to be born in captivity, including the critically endangered Cat Ba Langur, Delacour’s Langur, and the Grey-Shanked Douc Langur.

Today the center is home to around 220 primates representing 14 species. The primates are housed in more than 50 large enclosures including two fenced semi-wild areas of primary forest, measuring 2 and 5 hectares in size. These enclosures serve to prepare animals for release into the wild and provide opportunities to study the behavior of animals in semi-wild conditions.

The EPRC currently employs 31 staff both from the local community and abroad.

Tilo Nadler

FOUNDER

Tilo has been active in primate conservation in Vietnam for over 30 years. Originating from Dresden, Germany, Tilo came to Vietnam as project manager for the Frankfurt Zoological Society in 1993. In the same year, he founded the Endangered Primate Rescue Center in response to the need for rehabilitation of confiscated primates and was the Director of the EPRC for 22 years.

Currently, Tilo focuses on improving forest protection in Van Long Nature Reserve and release projects for animals rehabilitated at the EPRC.

Dr ralph schoenfelder

DIRECTOR

Dr Ralph has began his work at EPRC since May 2023

He is an experienced veterinarian from Dresden, Germany. He has been the Veterinary Director of the Görlitz District for many years and also teaches veterinary medicine at Leipzig College.

Elke Schwierz

Head Animal Keeper

Elke first came to the EPRC in 2002 and stayed for 5 years with support from the Society for the Conservation of Species and Populations (ZGAP). In 2007 she began working for Zoo Leipzig and was able to work as head keeper at the EPRC at regular intervals as part of the zoos’ keeper training program. As a professionally trained zookeeper, Elke has been able to pass on valuable knowledge and skills to the EPRCs local staff. Fluent in Vietnamese and currently learning the Muong language, Elke works directly alongside the head keepers to oversee all day to day ground operations, and training of staff.

Do Dang Khoa

Project Coordinator

Khoa has finished his Master degree from Vietnam National University of Forestry and began working at the EPRC since 2008. He is one of the most dedicated and committed person at EPRC.

Khoa has extensive field experience, is a quick responder, ensuring the animal’s receiving and releasing process is quick and safe.

NGUYEN THu HUE

animal welfare manager

Hue began working at the EPRC in 2002. Over this time she has worked in all aspects of center operations, including animal care, technical, staff management, and financial management. Hue is responsible for the day to day management of staff and animals, reporting EPRC activities to the national park management, and purchasing of animal food and equipment.

DINH VINH

Technical Head

Vinh started at the EPRC in 1996 and is the longest-serving staff member. Vinh has seen the EPRC grow from only a few animals to what it is today. He has visited Australia for a work placement on the primate department at Melbourne Zoo. In his role as Head Keeper, Vinh’s primary responsibility is to ensure our infrastructure is maintained, build new enclosures and manage technical staff. Vinh is also our main staff for the rescue of confiscated primates.

TRAN THANH QUANG

Administration Manager

Quang was born and grew up in a mountainous village in central Vietnam. Life next to the forest since childhood has given him a special passion for nature. He has many years of experience in the field of environmental education and ecotourism. From beginning of 2020, Quang has started working at EPRC as a technical support officer, while his duties are managing education, communication and volunteering.

HO NGOC PHUONG KHANH

Veterinarian

Khanh is a doctor of Veterinary Medicine, graduated from Nong Lam University of Ho Chi Minh City. She also got a Bachelor Degree in Environmental Management.

Growing up in suburbia, Khanh really enjoyed seeing nature and listening to the sounds of birds singing in the morning, frogs and crickets singing at night. As the years go by, she begins to see the environment around her home deteriorate and the animals disappear. So Khanh decided to work in wildlife and environment conservation. Her main interesting topics are: zoonotic diseases, resolving human – wildlife conflict and against illegal wildlife trade.

STAFF

KEEPERS

The EPRC employs more than 25 local keepers from the region, the majority of whom live in local villages of the Muong ethnic minority, thus the center is an important contributor to the livelihood in the area. Muong people speak a dialect different from the official Vietnamese and traditionally live in a stilt house. Many of them work multiple additional jobs including farming, raising livestock and so on.

Working to ensure a future for Vietnam's primates