Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center

A sun bear takes a nap in one of Free the Bears hammocks

Are you ready to go wild? Just a stone's throw away from the bustling city of Phnom Penh, there's a wildlife sanctuary that's sure to get your heart racing. Phnom Tamao Wildlife Sanctuary is home to over 1,200 animals, including tigers, elephants, and gibbons, just to name a few.

Whether you're an animal lover or just looking for Cambodia adventure tours , a visit to Phnom Tamao is the perfect way to escape the concrete jungle and get back to nature.

Basic Facts of Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center

Indochinese tiger at the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Secure Centre

Phnom Tamao Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the southeastern part of Cambodia, about 40 kilometers south of the capital city, Phnom Penh. The sanctuary covers an area of approximately 2,500 hectares and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including over 1,200 animals.

The center is open every day from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, and the entrance fee is $5 for foreigners and $1 for locals. Children under 5 years old can enter for free.

The sanctuary has a unique program called "Elephant Livelihood Initiative Environment" (ELIE), which provides a safe and sustainable habitat for elephants and supports local communities through eco-tourism.

History and Development of Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center

Adorable baby leoperd cat rescued

Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center was originally established in 1995 as a rescue center for animals that were confiscated from illegal wildlife traders or those that were injured and in need of medical attention. It is run by the Cambodian Forestry Administration in partnership with the Wildlife Alliance, a non-profit organization dedicated to wildlife protection and conservation.

In 2001, a new elephant enclosure was built, providing a larger space for the elephants to roam and exercise. In 2004, the center also opened a new enclosure for bears, providing a more natural environment for the animals. In 2005, the center built a new veterinary clinic, allowing for more advanced medical care for the animals.

Despite these developments, Phnom Tamao still faces many challenges in terms of funding and resources. However, the center continues to work tirelessly to provide a safe and healthy environment for the animals under its care.

How to Visit Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center

Getting up close to the juvenile macaques

When it comes to Cambodia best places to stay, Phnom Tamao will never let you down! Visitors to the center can enjoy a range of activities, including guided tours, animal feeding, and volunteering.

The center offers four types of tours: the basic tour, the half-day tour, the full-day tour, and the overnight tour. Each tour provides a unique experience of the center, and visitors can learn about the animals and their habitats, as well as the conservation efforts being undertaken by the center.

Some of the animals that visitors can see at the center include tigers, elephants, gibbons, crocodiles, and sun bears. The center also has a breeding program for several endangered species, including the pileated gibbon and the Eld's deer. Visitors can observe these animals in their natural habitats, and learn about the efforts being made to protect them.

How to Get to Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center

Phnom Penh motorbikes

There are optional ways to get around Phnom Penh, Visitors can hire a tuk-tuk, a motorbike, or a taxi to visit Phnom Tamao, which usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic.

Another option is to take a local bus from the Central Market in Phnom Penh, which costs around $2 and takes about 2 hours. Alternatively, visitors can join us for a guided tour, which includes transportation to and from the center.

Practical Visiting Tips

Monks in phnon penh tree-lined street

Here are some tips to help you make the most of your visit to the center:

1. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, as you will be walking around the center for several hours.
2. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent, as the center can get quite hot and buggy.
3. Follow the instructions of the tour guide and the center staff, and do not touch or feed the animals without any permission.
4. Do not bring any food or drink into the center, as it can be harmful to the animals.
5. You can take lots of photos and videos, and share them on social media to raise awareness about the center and its mission.

In the End

Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center is not just a tourist attraction, but a crucial conservation center that plays a vital role in protecting endangered species in Cambodia. By visiting the center, you can learn about the challenges facing wildlife in Cambodia, and support the efforts being made to preserve it.

So, if you are planning a trip to Cambodia, make sure to add Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center to your itinerary. Feel also free to let us know for tailoring you Cambodia tour!