Help Care for Rescued Animals in Cambodia

Last week, our beautiful elephant Lucky fell critically ill with a very serious virus and was in need of urgent medical treatment. Lucky arrived at Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center (PTWRC) at the tender age of 6 months. Poachers in Koh Kong province had likely killed Lucky’s mother and took her to sell on the illegal market. The Forestry Administration found her in a disheartening state and brought her to PTWRC. Sitheng, Lucky’s mahout, has been by her side since her arrival and now, 15 years later, the two remain closely bonded. Her tender nature has also made her our Elephant Ambassador, and she has since touched the hearts of thousands.

We are grateful to have received an outpouring of support for Lucky, and we’d like to thank all of you for your kindness. Since the first sign of illness, the keepers and vets have not left her side and have done everything they can to provide her with physical and emotional support. Sitheng is sleeping in a hammock next to her at night to provide her with emotional comfort, and our Director, Nick Marx brings her favorite foods from Phnom Penh city to encourage her to eat. Our vets are giving her round the clock care, and we are consulting with an International vet from Thailand who flew in last week with antiviral medication that is not available in Cambodia.

Her treatment costs have now exceeded $10,000 - a small price to pay for the well-being of this Endangered animal, but a large expense nonetheless. So far, we have raised close to $3,000, and we hope you will consider making a gift towards her continued care.  Every little bit helps!