The Vinpearl One Member Company Ltd Phu Quoc, owner of a recently-opened five-star resort on the country’s largest island Phu Quoc, has asked for permission to take up the rescue and care of Dugongs, a rare marine mammal species.

The Dugongs spend their entire life at sea. Photo: glogster.com

According to Huynh Vinh Lac, vice head of the Kien Giang provincial People’s Committee Office, the company said it is ready to receive and take care of Dugongs captured by fishermen or those rescued by relevant authorities.

The company will also conduct communication activities to raise public awareness about the rare species and conservation work.

Dang Thanh Thuy, director of the company, said that with modern facilities of its aquarium and nearly ten years of experience in taking care of sea creatures, the company is capable of taking good care of the animal, which is facing high danger of extinction.

The Dugongs are herbivorous marine mammals that spend their entire life at sea and are better known as “sea cows” for their habit of grazing on sea grass. In Vietnam, they can be found only in waters around Phu Quoc Island and Con Dao Island.

They are hunted for food, oil, traditional medicine and jewelry, and listed globally as vulnerable to extinction.

The Red Book of Vietnam has also put the Dugong on the list of “critically endangered” animals as the population is less than 100 around both Phu Quoc and Con Dao islands.

Source: VNA