From rescuer to unexpected father: A forest ranger's bond with an orphaned monkey in central Vietnam

On an autumn morning at Bach Ma National Park, Phan Sau, an animal rescuer at the park's wildlife rescue center, made his way to the monkey enclosure carrying a familiar bag of fresh milk.

The moment Lucky spotted Sau in his green ranger uniform, the little monkey, curled up in a thin blanket, sprang to his feet and began calling out excitedly. As soon as the door opened, Lucky leapt into Sau's arms, clinging to him like a child eagerly welcoming a family member home.

Sau gently held the monkey and brought the milk carton to his mouth. Lucky drank obediently, one sip at a time, gazing at his caretaker. For the young monkey, Sau's embrace had seemingly become the most familiar and comforting place of all.

A tiny survivor finds a lifeline

Six months ago, Sau and his colleagues received a report of a mother monkey that had been struck and killed by a car while crossing the La Son-Tuy Loan Expressway near Bach Ma National Park.

When the rescue team arrived, the mother monkey was lying motionless in the middle of the road. Still clinging to her back was a tiny infant, its eyes wide with confusion.

"I will never forget the sight of the baby monkey burying its head against its mother's chest, searching for milk even though she was already dead. Everyone there was deeply moved by the sight," Sau recalled.

The baby was subsequently taken to the wildlife rescue center at Bach Ma National Park. Sau named him Lucky in the hope that better days would lie ahead for the little animal that had just lost its mother.

But keeping Lucky alive and healthy proved challenging, and his first days at the center required intensive care.

When Lucky first arrived at the park, he was frightened by almost everything around him. Whenever someone approached, he would curl up, clutch his chest, and huddle into a ball as if trying to protect himself.

"Back then, he could barely eat or drink and became so thin that it broke my heart to see him. I had to stay by his side, care for him every step of the way, and feed him milk one sip at a time," Sau said.

Concerned for the young monkey, Sau asked his superiors for permission to take Lucky home after work so he could feed him during the night. The following morning, he would bring the monkey back to the park.

This became their daily routine during Lucky's early days. Sau carefully looked after every aspect of his care, from each sip of milk and every meal to bathing him.

According to Sau, Lucky is a picky eater and can develop an upset stomach if given unfamiliar food. He therefore keeps a close eye on the monkey's meals, caring for him and spending time playing with him to help him gradually adjust to his new surroundings.

Over time, the once-frightened, timid monkey has grown increasingly active and sociable. Lucky recognizes Sau by his familiar green ranger uniform and always tries to leap into his arms whenever he arrives.

Sau is not the only one who has grown attached to Lucky. Other staff members at Bach Ma National Park have also taken a special liking to the young monkey. Whenever they have fresh fruit, they save some for him; whenever they come across an interesting toy, they want to bring it along for Lucky.

The story of Lucky has also become part of the park staff's conversations with visiting tourist groups, offering a glimpse into their work rescuing and protecting wildlife. 

After learning about the monkey's circumstances, a woman from Phu Loc Commune, Hue City also offered to sponsor his milk supply, helping ensure he receives the care he needs.

A love that must let go

On sunny days, Sau often takes Lucky outside to practice climbing, explore his surroundings, and develop the survival skills he will need in the wild.

For Sau, caring for Lucky means more than feeding, bathing and playing with him. His greater goal is to help the young monkey become independent, learn to forage for food and adapt to life in its natural habitat.

Despite the close bond they have formed, Sau hopes that one day Lucky will no longer need his care.

"My hope is that he will eventually master all the skills a monkey needs to survive and return to the wild, roaming freely through the forests of Bach Ma," Sau said.

Nguyen Vu Linh, director of Bach Ma National Park, said Lucky is among the animals rescued and given emergency care by the park. Once he reaches adulthood, he will be trained to develop essential survival skills before being released back into the wild.

At Bach Ma, Lucky continues to grow day by day, surrounded by the affection of the people who care for rescued wildlife.

For Sau, the greatest joy is not having the little monkey leap into his arms every morning, but knowing that one day he may see Lucky confidently swinging from branch to branch, foraging for food and finding his place in the forest.

When that day comes, the monkey named 'Lucky' will have found the greatest fortune of all: the freedom to live in the wild, where he belongs.