Help Care for Rescued Animals in Cambodia

Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre (PTWRC) has been bustling with activity in recent months. In March 2024, two young male white lions were transferred to the tiger enclosures, which were built by Wildlife Alliance. Our dedicated tiger keeper, Mr. Rong, is now overseeing their care. Though we received limited information we understand the lions, named A-koo and A-kow, were donated by a Chinese man. Upon arrival, both were in fragile condition—A-koo especially, as he could barely use his hind legs. Initially, Fari, our resident tigress, seemed unsettled by their presence, but she quickly adapted. While the new surroundings and their poor health left the lions lethargic at first, it’s remarkable what proper care, sunshine, and exercise can achieve. Today, they are thriving, playing together in their spacious, forested enclosure. Visitors would never guess that A-koo could barely walk just a few months ago.

Our disabled male elephant, Chhouk, continues to be a focus of concern. Rescued in March 2007 from the forests of Mondulkiri when he was just two years old, Chhouk now relies on a prosthetic for his left front leg. Unfortunately, his condition worsened after a serious incident in September 2023, when fellow elephant Lucky knocked him down, breaking his right leg and exacerbating lesions on his stump. Recovery has been slow, but thanks to the advice of international wildlife veterinarians, hydrotherapy was introduced in a specially designed pool completed in December 2023. This, along with a new medication regimen and the arrival of our elephant specialist, Dr. Roopan, has significantly improved Chhouk’s condition. The addition of a laser machine to treat both his internal and external injuries has further accelerated his healing process.

PTWRC’s captive breeding programs continue to yield remarkable success, leading to the reintroduction of various species into protected areas across Cambodia. In the first five months of 2024 alone, 10 wild pigs, 18 sambar, 14 muntjac, and 4 Eld’s deer were transferred from PTWRC to provinces such as Mondulkiri and Koh Kong, with some awaiting release in Phnom Kravanh National Park. This initiative, part of our Angkor Wildlife Release Program and the Koh Kong Wildlife Release Station, aims to increase biodiversity in areas we help protect. Though ‘captive breeding program’ may sound technical, it’s often a natural process—when animals are cared for thoughtfully and introduced carefully, they tend to follow their instincts.

Your generous donations enable us to care for and rehabilitate all the animals at PTWRC and release wildlife back into their natural habitat. Thank you for your invaluable support.