Care for Rescued Wildlife

When our Wildlife Rapid Rescue Team rescues animals from poachers, traffickers, markets or restaurants, those that are healthy and suited for the wild are immediately released into protected areas. But many of the animals that are rescued are injured and need the help of our specialists at the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center to aid in their recovery.

Wildlife Alliance ensures that the rescued animals receive proper medical attention and care prior to their release. Sometimes, however, animals that are too young, not suited for release due to injuries or trauma, or are in need of long-term attention will spend the duration of their lives at the rescue center.

Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center

This Cambodian government-run facility is set in over 5,600 acres of regenerated forest and is supported by Wildlife Alliance animal husbandry specialists, headed by Wildlife Rescue Director Nick Marx, who assist with the daily operations of the rescue center. The Center currently houses over 1,200 animals, including 93 species of endangered and threatened animals such as elephants, tigers, sun bears, Siamese Crocodiles, pileated gibbons and many others.

“All the animals at the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center are victims of the illegal animal trade or habitat loss. If it wasn’t for the conservationists from Wildlife Alliance, these animals would all likely be dead.” - Anderson Cooper, March 21, 2007

Here the animals are rehabilitated and released back into the wild whenever possible. And most recently Wildlife Alliance has developed a captive breeding program that will work to replenish some of Cambodia’ depleted wildlife populations. If a rescued animal is not able to be returned to the wild for any reason (i.e. too young, too badly injured, or too humanized), then the caregivers at PTWRC provide lifetime care and protection.

Wildlife Alliance provides enrichment activities and the opportunity for play and natural behavior for all rescued wildlife. For instance, branches allow rescued pileated gibbons to branchiate, large natural aviaries house waterbirds, and pools and forested areas allow play and socialization for elephants and Indochinese tigers. Since arriving at the rescue center ten years ago, Wildlife Alliance has transformed not only the wildlife enclosures, but all standards of animal care and medical treatment, in line with Western protocols. Over the last 10 years, we have constructed about 150 enclosures, all of which provide enrichment, and are large, forested and natural- with trees, pools infrastructure, and spacious runs.

The Center brings in approximately 200,000 Cambodian and international visitors a year to see the rescued wildlife and learn about conservation efforts in Cambodia. Visitors enjoy an unparalleled opportunity to view dozens of Southeast Asia’s most endangered and vulnerable animals, including tigers, elephants, sun bears, leopards, gibbons, rare monkey species and Siamese crocodiles. Learn how you can visit the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center to see our wildlife rehabilitation work firsthand.