Wildlife in Safe Hands

Wildlife in Safe Hands
Encounter the diversity of Cambodian wildlife at one of the best rescue centres in the region, providing a sanctuary for countless threatened species.
The experience: Phnom Tamao is Cambodia’s leading zoological collection and one of the finest wildlife rescue centres in Southeast Asia. Set in 2,300 hectares of protected forest just 40 km south of Phnom Penh, Phnom Tamao provides a perfect day excursion from the city and enables visitors to view some of Cambodia’s most spectacular wildlife in a natural forest setting. As many as 1,000 animals from more 80 species of Cambodian wildlife can be found at the centre. Elephants, tigers, leopards, bears and other large mammals, all rescued from the illegal wildlife trade or donated by owners who could no longer care for them, are now housed in large, naturalised enclosures within the Phnom Tamao Protected Forest. Phnom Tamao was established by the Forestry Administration of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Fisheries in 1995.
It is supported by a number of international conservation organizations such as Wildlife Alliance, Free the Bears Fund and Care for the Wild. The centre is home to the world’s largest captive collections of pileated gibbons and Malayan sun bears, as well as other rarities such as Siamese crocodiles and greater adjutant storks.

Wherever possible animals are released back into the wild once they have recovered. The centre operates breeding programmes for a number of globally threatened species. Cambodia's wildlife is usually very difficult to spot, as larger mammals inhabit remote and inhospitable areas of the country. Phnom Tamao is their perfect place to discover more about the incredible variety of animals in Cambodia.
How it helps: As the only official government owned facility for the placement of rescued wildlife within Cambodia, Phnom Tamao plays a pivotal role in the fight against the illegal wildlife trade.

Each year, hundreds of animals are rehabilitated here before being re-released into protected areas throughout the country whilst other species are bred for future reintroduction and to create a ‘safety net’ population for their wild counterparts.
With around 400,000 visitors per year, the centre also performs a vital role in helping to educate Cambodians about the conservation threats facing many of the country’s wild animals. The centre helps shape attitudes towards a more sustainable approach regarding natural resources. Phnom Tamao is a popular place for school trips from Phnom Penh, which ensures Cambodia's future generations are educated as to the importance of wildlife protection.