The TCEP expanded its facilities to accommodate increased numbers of turtles confiscated from the trade. Thirty-two new terrestrial and semi-aquatic enclosures have beem constructed since June, encompassing more than 300 m² of additional space. An 84 m² quarantine cage was also built to hold new turtles seized from the trade.

     In support of recent developments and cooperation with Hanoi-based rangers, twelve new enclosures for terrestrial turtles were constructed at Soc Son Rescue Center, as part of TCEP efforts to improve facilities for turtles at the strategically placed rescue center just north of Hanoi.
     Soc Son Rescue Center was established in 1997 to provide facilities for animals confiscated by the Hanoi Forest Protection Branch (FPB). FPB rangers are responsible for controlling trade in the Hanoi region, including monitoring bus, railway, airport, and major road links. Hanoi is a major transit point in the trade network, and most wildlife smuggled into Vietnam from Laos and Cambodia, as well as from regions

within Vietnam, flows northward through Hanoi before branching out along several routes for the border of China. In the past, Soc Son Rescue Center has been overwhelmed with large trade seizures often involving several tons of reptiles, as well as bears, macaques, clouded leopards, and other wildlife.
     Efforts in early 2000 by the TCEP have involved the training of both Soc Son and Hanoi FPB rangers on the ecology of and threats to Vietnam’s turtles, as well as some further efforts to develop closer links with Soc Son that will help the center better manage turtles confiscated from the trade. The new enclosures initially housed Indotestudo elongata, which were later translocated to Cat Tien National Park.