Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre
This wonderful
wildlife sanctuary
(adult/child US$5/2; 8am-5pm)
for rescued animals is
home to gibbons, sun bears, elephants, tigers, lions, deer, ginormous pythons and a
massive bird enclosure. They were all taken from poachers or abusive owners and receive
care and shelter here as part of a sustainable breeding program. Wherever possible anim-
als are released back into the wild once they have recovered. The centre operates breeding
programs for a number of globally threatened species.
The sanctuary occupies a vast site south of the capital and its animals are kept in excel-
lent conditions by Southeast Asian standards, with plenty of room to roam in enclosures
that have been improved and expanded over the years with help from international wild-
life NGOs. Spread out as it is, it feels like a zoo crossed with a safari park.
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 adjut-
ant storks. Other popular enclosures include huge areas for the large tiger population, and
there are elephants that sometimes take part in activities such as painting. You'll also find
a walk-through area with macaques and deer, and a huge aviary.
Cambodia's wildlife is usually very difficult to spot, as larger mammals inhabit remote
areas of the country. Phnom Tamao is the perfect place to discover more about the incred-
ible variety of animals in Cambodia. If you don't like zoos, you might not like this wild-
life sanctuary, but remember that these animals have been rescued from traffickers and
poachers and need a home. Visitors that come here will be doing their own small bit to
help in the protection and survival of Cambodia's varied and wonderful wildlife.
Tours
Free the Bears
(
www.freethebears.org
)
Free the Bears operates a Bear Keeper for a Day program to allow
students and adults with a genuine interest in wildlife a better understanding of the Asian
black bear and Malayan sun bear. Participants have no contact with the bears, but spend
the day behind the scenes of the sanctuary learning the ins and outs of caring for the
130-plus bears being looked after here. One- to 12-week volunteer positions are also
available.
TOUR
