Close-up view of 8 ancient trees at the Zoo that have just been recognized as heritage trees

TPO - Eight "old trees" over 100 years old at Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden have just been recognized as heritage trees, not only having ecological value but also being "living witnesses" of the ups and downs of Vietnamese history.

TPO - Eight "old trees" over 100 years old at Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden have just been recognized as heritage trees, not only having ecological value but also being "living witnesses" of the ups and downs of Vietnamese history.

On December 29, at Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden, the Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment and the Vietnam Heritage Tree Association recognized eight ancient trees, including one rosewood tree, one tung tree, and six acacia trees, as Vietnam Heritage Trees.

These ancient trees are all between 120 and over 200 years old. Among them, the large-fruited rosewood tree stands out as being over 2 centuries old, with a trunk circumference of 4m at 1.3m and a height of about 34m. The tree is classified as endangered (EN) in the Vietnam Red Book.

Close-up view of 8 ancient trees in the Zoo that have just been recognized as heritage trees photo 1

Saigon Zoo has just had 8 ancient trees recognized as Vietnamese heritage trees.

Close-up view of 8 ancient trees in the Zoo that have just been recognized as heritage trees photo 2

Young people are bustling to "check-in" with a 100-year-old rosewood tree.

Ms. Huynh Thu Thao - Chairwoman of the Board of Members of Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden Company Limited said that this is an extremely important and meaningful event for the conservation of flora and fauna throughout the 160-year history of the Zoo.

“Recognizing heritage trees is not just a superficial activity, but also an in-depth work in preserving precious and rare genetic resources of animals and plants,” said Ms. Thao.

Prof. Dr. Phung Chi Si - Vice President of the Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment said that currently Vietnam has about 8,000 trees of 145 species living in 57 provinces and cities recognized as heritage trees.

Close-up view of 8 ancient trees at the Zoo that have just been recognized as heritage trees photo 3

Heritage trees not only have ecological value but are also living witnesses of Vietnamese history.

Close-up view of 8 ancient trees at the Zoo that have just been recognized as heritage trees photo 4

Tree trunks tens of meters high stretch out into the blue sky

According to Mr. Si, the criteria for recognizing a Vietnamese heritage tree include three main factors. First, the tree must be over 200 years old. Second, the heritage tree must have value in terms of gene conservation, environmental protection and must be a rare species. Third, the tree must have a close connection with the activities and lives of the people, contributing to the cultural development and livelihood of the community.

Associate Professor, Dr. Tran Ngoc Hai - Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Heritage Tree Council said that trees hundreds of years old, even thousands of years old, are living creatures, witnessing all changes including climate, hydrology, and social changes. Moreover, heritage trees on islands and archipelagos at sea are also considered living milestones affirming the sovereignty of Vietnam's seas and islands.

Close-up view of 8 ancient trees at the Zoo that have just been recognized as heritage trees photo 5

The roots of the rosewood tree are large and protrude above the ground.

Close-up view of 8 ancient trees in the Zoo that have just been recognized as heritage trees photo 6

The tree provides shade all year round.

According to experts, the recognition of 8 heritage trees in the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden will contribute to raising public awareness in preserving and promoting the protection of the environment and natural heritage. These trees will become symbols for the conservation and sustainable development of the ecosystem at the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden. Visitors can visit and take photos with the heritage trees, contributing to spreading the love of nature, protecting the landscape and living environment.