Help Care for Rescued Animals in Cambodia

Dear Friends,

In an unexpected tragedy, Sambo the elephant passed away after a protracted illness from complications following a routine veterinary procedure.

Sambo was saved from a certain death sentence late last year after he killed several people in the village where he lived as a domesticated elephant. The enraged bull elephant was terrorizing a village in Cambodia’s Kompong Speu province and was coming into dangerous conflict with fearful villagers.

Had the situation persisted, Sambo would have been killed without doubt. However, thanks to the efforts of the Cambodian government’s Forestry Administration and Wildlife Alliance, Sambo was captured and transported to the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center, a Forestry Administration-run facility that cares for rescued animals. Thanks to your generosity, Wildlife Alliance was able to take the lead in rescuing Sambo, gathering the necessary equipment and overseeing the operation to move the dangerous elephant to a new home. 

Saving Sambo from a very dangerous situation that likely would have resulted in both his death and the death of more Cambodian villagers in December was a tremendous collaborative effort.

Unfortunately, the ordeal affected Sambo dramatically and he was unable to eat and get the necessary nutrients. He was eventually convinced to consume fruit laden with antibiotics, and his appetite returned. He seemed well on his way to recovery, but a routine intervention proved too much for Sambo.

He died in February in Forestry Administration care at the rescue center. All of us at Wildlife Alliance are heartbroken by the news. 

Consider honoring Sambo by following the progress of other elephants and wildlife at Phnom Tamao Rescue Center. We are grateful for your support, which ensured Sambo spent the last few months of his life cared for and loved.

Thanks,

Suwanna Gauntlett