Meaningful Environmental Messages from “Gia Dinh Haha”

Returning Elephants to the Forest

In Episode 13, aired on 6 September, “Gia Dinh Haha” left viewers with touching images of elephants in Dak Lak and a message about forest preservation and wildlife protection. H’Tau, a 46-year-old female elephant, stood tall in the lush forest a timeless symbol of the Central Highlands. Her owner, Do Thi, said the family has raised H’Tau since 1980.

In the past, Dak Lak elephants were often used in tourism activities like elephant rides at Buon Don Suspension Bridge Tourism Center or Lak Lake. Since 2023, however, thanks to funding from Animals Asia, elephants have been released into natural environments. Now they rest and take part only in friendly tourism activities such as being observed or photographed.

Still, releasing elephants into the wild faces many challenges, as shared by host Y Xim Ndu during the Dak Lak journey: limited funding, elephants’ survival skills, and the deep bonds built over decades between elephants and local families.

Conversations between Y Xim Ndu and the cast revealed fascinating details: elephants eat about 100 kilograms of food daily; they love humans like children; families take turns caring for them as “shared children”; and they are considered heirlooms passed down from generation to generation. “For the M’nong people, elephants are spiritually significant. They are called ‘Do,’ meaning grandparents, and seen as family members. When an elephant dies, families hold funerals and grieve like for a human,” Y Xim Ndu said.

Over the years, the number of domesticated elephants in Dak Lak has dropped from 500 to just a few dozen, with most no longer able to reproduce. This poses serious conservation challenges. Communities and conservationists have increasingly spoken out against using elephants for rides and circuses. Writers, influencers, and activists alike continue to raise their voices for elephants and wildlife.

Guest singer Toc Tien shared through the program: “I hope this brief meeting with H’Tau helped us understand elephants in their natural environment, so we can treat them better and contribute to protecting wildlife.”

Any Time Is the Right Time to Plant Trees

In Dak Lak, the cast planted a milk fruit tree as a gift for host Y Xim Ndu in his coffee garden. Earlier, in Lao Cai, Jun Pham initiated the idea of planting 500 pine trees to reforest bare hills in Bac Ha. Local host Vang Thi Thong, who is also part of the forest protection team, said villagers constantly prepare seedlings to plant on empty land. Pine trees prevent erosion, protect the soil, create habitats for wildlife, and most importantly protect people’s safety.



Inspired by  “Gia Dinh Haha”, Lao Cai Province launched the campaign “Gia dinh Haha – For a Happy Vietnam” in August 2025.

Images of highland women carrying seedlings alongside the cast and crew symbolized the harmony and connection between people and nature. Tree planting has long been promoted by organizations and individuals. Alongside shows like “Hanh trinh ruc ro” and “2 Ngay 1 Dem”,  “Gia Dinh Haha” has spread positive messages about protecting the environment and nature.

Y Xim Ndu, who left his government job to pursue eco-tourism and elephant conservation, said: “People say the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, but the second-best time is now.”

For the cast, meaningful actions like tree planting, speaking up for wildlife, cleaning beaches, practicing natural farming, and joining ecological experiences are not only valuable in themselves but also inspire audiences.

That is why “Gia Dinh Haha” is more than just entertainment, it is a source of healing, inspiration, and motivation for local tourism development.