Help Care for Rescued Animals in Cambodia

During the first quarter of 2025:

• 225 animals arrived at PTWRC, including: 15 pig-tailed macaques, 6 long-tailed macaques, 4 pileated gibbons, 4 silvered langurs, 2 tigers, 1 douc langur, 1 leopard cat and 1 sun bear.
• 31 animals were born at PTWRC, including 9 smooth-coated otters, 2 binturongs, 1 Eld’s deer and 1 pileated gibbon.
• 87 animals died at PTWRC during this quarter. Most of these were recently rescued animals that had endured poor handling and treatment and arrive extremely stressed.
• 164 animals were released from PTWRC, including 80 pythons, 11 silver langurs and 16 pileated gibbons.

We have been successfully hand-raising 3 infant pangolins at our nursery, called Srey Poth, Srey Roth and Mimi. The three infants were rescued and brought to PTWRC at a really critical age for their survival and development. The Critically Endangered Sunda pangolin is one of the world’s most trafficked mammals and they are predicted to decline even more if they are not protected. Our three infants are getting stronger by the day and the eldest moved out of the nursery in March. We plan to soft-release the three pangolins at our Wildlife Release Station this year.

The nursery keepers have been busy hand-rearing and rehabilitating four infant gibbons—two pileated and two yellow-cheeked - aged between 2 months and 1.5 years. The youngest still require bottle feeding, while the oldest are learning to swing through their enclosure at increasing speeds. The two yellow-cheeked gibbons are housed together to reduce human imprinting and encourage social development.

Chhouk, our elephant with a prosthetic leg, continues to receive excellent care from our vets and keepers. He is being treated for a chronic pressure sore on his stump and an abscess on his side, both regularly treated with infrared laser therapy to support healing. Chhouk also participates in twice-daily training sessions using positive reinforcement, helping ensure his ongoing medical care remains as stress-free and cooperative as possible.

Thank you, as ever, for your support. With your help we can continue to rescue, rehabilitate and release Cambodia’s wildlife.

2024 was another busy year at Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre and thanks to your support:

• 786 animals arrived at Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre
• 55% were classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List
• 628 rehabilitated animals were released into suitable habitat

This year, we will continue to rescue and rehabilitate wildlife from all areas of Cambodia, such as our two new baby elephants, Lomphat and Chanam, who were rescued last year due to injuries and malnourishment. 

In early January, Lomphat and Chanam moved into their specially designed enclosure. Previously, both were living in adult elephant enclosures, which posed some challenges. For example, Lomphat had to be loosely tied by her neck to prevent her from slipping through the bars or falling into pools unsupervised.

The new enclosure features smaller fences and a shallower pool, making it a safer space for young elephants to play and explore. This setup also allows visitors to view Lomphat casually throughout the day. Previously, public viewing was limited to feeding times, which sometimes resulted in crowded gatherings. We have also built a dedicated food storage area for the elephants, keeping their meals safely out of reach from free-roaming monkeys and deer. The design not only secures the food but also reduces the risk of disease transmission between animals.

Lomphat has formed a strong bond with her keeper, Sol, thanks to her healthy appetite for milk. Since arriving, she has gained an impressive 24kg! Although she came with a snare wound on her front right leg, it’s healing remarkably well under the care of our diligent veterinary team. Daily dressing changes and advanced therapies are helping her recover swiftly. While these procedures can be stressful, our team works efficiently to minimize discomfort. Lomphat’s resilience is truly inspiring.

Chanam has been adapting to her new surroundings in her own energetic way. Her bond with her keeper, Vok, is heartwarming. Every night, Vok sleeps nearby to help her feel safe and secure, and their evening swims have become a routine that they both enjoy. Chanam is growing steadily, now weighing over 400kg—a healthy gain since her arrival! She’s quick to let everyone know when she’s hungry, showcasing her lively personality.

Thank you, as ever, for your support. With your help we can continue the great work we achieved last year.