Tourists experience the night tour.

After the "When Night Falls" tour concluded at 10 PM, many youngsters were seen entering the Zoo with a hope to experience the nightlife of wild animals in Saigon.

Bui Thanh Thuy, a resident of Tan Binh district (HCMC), described it as "impressive." Thuy said, "After checking the zoo's Facebook page, I decided to bring my child for the tour because seeing the animals at night is much different from daytime visits. We witnessed the nocturnal hunting habits of wild animals, which was a bit scary but so exciting. It was a great way to learn more about the characteristics of predators and herbivores in their environment."

"Walk lightly, speak quietly" - the tour guide's advice before entering the darkness heightens visitors' curiosity. The experience is uniquely engaging: everyone must remain silent, keep their eyes peeled, and feel excitement with every rustle and breath of the nocturnal animals.

Visitors observe predators like tigers, leopards, and hyenas on their nightly hunts, and witness herbivores and waterfowl at their most active. The tour also features king cobras and reticulated pythons, species with distinctive nighttime hunting habits, and leopards known for their exceptional camouflage and tendency to hunt and rest high in the trees. There is fire leopard, a rare predator with striking fur, and the surprisingly agile raccoon with a gentle appearance.

A raccoon is looking at visitors.

"I was particularly impressed by the hyena's wildness and its laugh, which was quite startling. I also want to see the raccoon named "Cong Thi Ten No" and the white tiger, as I heard their interesting stories and want to learn more," a visitor said.

“Many animals sleep during the day and become more active at night. I particularly enjoyed seeing the tiger, admiring its beauty and fierceness. I found the tour enjoyable," a man said.

Throughout the tour, the zoo's guides provided insights into the habits and behaviors of each species, sharing stories about the origins of the animals' names. Hoang Thuy Duyen, a 22-year-old from Hanoi, told VOV, "I found the tour both fun and insightful, as it offered a chance to observe the animals I had never seen before. I especially enjoyed watching the raccoons and their adorable family."

Currently, the tour is offered every Saturday evening, with time slots from 7-8 PM and 8:15-9:15 PM. Each tour accommodates a maximum of 20 and a minimum of 10 guests, and is open to visitors aged 10 to 65. The tour costs about 8 USD per person.

The Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens recommends wearing long-sleeved clothing and sneakers for insect protection and ease of movement. To participate, visitors must register at least 10 days in advance, select a tour time, and pay the fee five days prior to the tour date.

Nguyen Thanh Nhut, Deputy Director of the Zoo, said, "Expanding the tour to accommodate more visitors would be beneficial for promoting the zoo's activities. However, any increase in tour capacity must prioritize animal welfare standards, ensuring that animals have adequate rest, both day and night, and that the program does not disrupt their natural living habits."

Leaving the hustle and bustle behind, the tour offers visitors a tranquil escape, where they can listen to the sounds of nature and immerse themselves in the mysterious beauty of the night, a truly relaxing experience.