Who We Are

Resolve to turn the tide every day

eprc is home to

+ 170 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 180 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 170 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.

Radoslaw Ratajszczak

DIRECTOR

First came to Vietnam in 1987, Radoslaw is the first person who recorded photo of 03 endemic primates in Vietnam: Cat Ba langur, Delacours langur and Tokin Snub-nosed Monkey.
During his many years working at major zoos in Poland, Radoslaw has worked as professional zoo keeper, Animal head keeper, manager… and he assumed the position Chairman of Wroclaw Zoo, the largest zoo in Poland. During his 15 years in charge of the zoo, his zoo sponsored many wildlife conservation projects in the world and Vietnam, such as the Saola conservation project, Stripe rabbit conservation project, conservation project of pangolins and small carnivores in Vietnam…
After retiring at the Zoo Wroclaw in February 2022, Radoslaw decided to continue his dedication to wildlife conservation by taking on the position of director of EPRC, with the mission to save and recovery the primate population of Vietnam which is in danger of extinction.

Elke Schwierz

Foreign Head 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 Keeper

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.

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