The Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Ho Chi Minh City has announced the launch of a new nighttime tour program titled ‘When Night falls,’ offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the world of nocturnal wildlife.

The new tours are aimed at giving locals and tourists a deeper understanding of the nocturnal habits of animals that are primarily active at night.

The program is set to take place once a week, every Saturday evening, with two separate slots.

Each tour will last for one hour, with a capacity of 10-20 visitors.

Tourists can opt to join a tour from 7:00 to 8:00 pm or from 8:15 to 9:15 pm. 

During the tours, visitors will be introduced to the unique behaviors and natural habitats of the zoo’s nocturnal animals. 

They will be provided with information about the animals’ origins, habits, and life stories.

Importantly, the program will not disturb the animals as the tours are designed to respect their natural routines.

The animals featured in the program are nocturnal creatures.

Ensuring animals’ well-being

Mai Khac Trung Truc, director of the zoo’s animal division, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that the tours would focus exclusively on the enclosures of nocturnal animals. 

Visitors will not pass through other areas of the zoo, preventing any unnecessary disturbances.

The behavior of the selected animals has been carefully studied using scientific research and camera monitoring. 

As a result, the tours were structured to keep each stop at an enclosure short, minimizing any negative impact.

Lighting during the tours will be kept to a minimum, with visitors primarily observing the animals in the dim light. 

The guides will refrain from using loudspeakers, and visitors are asked to avoid talking loudly to maintain a quiet and respectful atmosphere. 

According to Truc, the main focus of the program is to allow visitors to observe the hunting, food hiding, and ambush behaviors of animals -- activities that are typically not visible during the daytime.

Important guidelines for nighttime tours

Visitors participating in a nighttime tour are allowed to take photos, but must avoid using flash photography, as it could startle the animals and disrupt their natural behavior.

Besides, they are advised to wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants to protect themselves from insects, as well as comfortable footwear.

To join the program, visitors must register in advance, at least 10 days before the tour date, and complete the necessary paperwork no later than five days before the scheduled tour.

Registrations can be made starting Wednesday in person at the zoo or by emailing trungtamgiaoducvuonthutcvsg@gmail.com or calling 02839100885.

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