Help Bring Wildlife Back to Angkor Forest

As part of the exciting expansion of the ambitious Angkor Release Project, a trio of Endangered silvered langurs were successfully released into the forest of Angkor Archaeological Park last December. They were first transferred to their release enclosure in Angkor Thom in mid July 2014, where they acclimated to their new surroundings for 5 months before the doors to their enclosure was opened. It took the male and one of the females fifteen minutes before they decided to leave. We were initially concerned they would leave the other female behind, however after another fifteen minutes she made her exit, and the two were waiting for her outside. So far, the langurs have stayed close to their release site and we continue to offer them supplemental food as they adjust to their new home in the wild!

The silvered langurs are the second set of animals that we have released into this protected forest. In December 2013, the Wildlife Release Project at Angkor Archaeological Park was initiated with the successful release of two endangered gibbons. This release project is a groundbreaking new endeavor between Wildlife Alliance, the Forestry Administration and the Apsara Authority that manages the World Heritage site, to repopulate the barren forest at Angkor Archaeological Park. The area is now well protected and we are extremely fortunate to be the ones with permission to start repopulating the forests with species that used to live here.

Listed by the IUCN as Endangered, silvered langurs are beautiful tree-dwelling monkeys that have long tails and a unique salt-and-pepper coat. Infants are born with a bright orange coat and only begin developing grey fur after three months. These incredible animals are endangered due to habitat loss, the illegal wildlife trade and use in traditional medicines. It is our hope that this monitored release program will help bolster their dwindling populations and safeguard their uncertain future. Guards have been stationed to protect the forest, and the langurs will continue to be monitored to ensure they thrive in their new home.

We want to thank you for your support and hope you will help Wildlife Alliance continue to be at the forefront of conservation and wildlife protection in the Southeast Asian tropical belt, by making a gift to the Angkor Release Project on Bonus Day this Wednesday. 

On July 15, GlobalGiving is offering donors a chance to increase their impact by matching every donation made to our project at 50%. Matching starts at 9AM EDT, and we hope you will take advantage of this great opportunity to give rescued and endangered wildlife a second chance at life in the wild!