The Endangered Primate Rescue Center is a not-for-profit project dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, breeding, research and conservation of Vietnam’s 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 managed by Zoo Leipzig in collaboration with the Cuc Phuong National Park since 2013.

Most of the primates living in the Center come from illegal wildlife trade, hunting, or are victims of habitat loss. Consequently, the EPRC is home to some of the rarest primates in the world. To maintain a healthy, genetically diverse backup population of these highly endangered species, the Center has run a breeding programme for many years. 12 species have been successfully bred, some of which were world firsts, including the Delacour’s Langur, the Cat Ba Langur, the Grey-shanked Douc Langur and the Hatinh Langur.

Today the EPRC is home to around 230 primates representing 15 species. The primates are housed in more than 50 large enclosures including two fenced semi-wild areas of primary forest for langurs and gibbons, measuring 2 and 5 hectares in size. Additionally, there are four smaller semi-wild areas for slow lorises (from 180 to 400 m²). These enclosures serve to prepare animals for release into the wild and provide opportunities to study the behavior of animals in semi-wild conditions.

To offer high-standard care for the primates the EPRC currently employs 31 staff both from the local community and abroad. In addition, the Center continues its cooperation with Kolping Youth Community Services through the weltwärts program, welcoming two volunteers each year.