image displayed if flash reader not installed

Cambodia Wildlife Rescue

Wildlife in Safe Hands

Born Free?

Free the Bears

Help for the Hunted

Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center

Baby Boom at Phnom Tamau

Phnom Tamao Zoo and Wildlife Rescue Center (PTWRC)

PTWRC, set up by the Forestry Administration (FA) of the Cambodian Government, is considered one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in south-east Asia. It is located 45 km (30 miles) south of Phnom Penh on National Road 2, next to Tro Pang Sap village, in 2,300 hectares (5500 acres) of protected regenerating forest. The zoo itself covers 80 hectares (200 acres), with additional land reserved for its future extension and development. The sanctuary is continually undergoing improvements and strives to provide suitable habits for its larger animals.

PTWRC recieves rescued wildlife from poachers, markets, restaurants and wildlife traffickers, and where possible, the animals are cared for, rehabilitated and released into protected areas. Many confiscated or donated animals are unable, due to a variety of reasons, to be released in the wild and are therefore housed at PTWRC. The hope is that these animals will contribute to the gene pool in future wildlife rehabilitation programs.

The Smooth-Coated Otter pens at Phnom Tamao, sponsored by Furget-Me-Not PTWRC currently houses over 1,100 animals, which include 93 species of endangered and threatened animals. It is home to a large group of smooth-coated otters, and was also the home of Dara, the hairy-nosed otter who is our mascot.

The Director of the Centre, Mr Nhek Ratanapich, works with many wildlife aid organisations to carry out the PTWRC mission. With an annual feeding bill alone of over £65000 ($100,000), the centre relies on private donations and sponsorship for funding. IOSF’s Furget-Me-Not campaign is helping by funding the care of the otters and other organisations also providing support include Wildlife Alliance and Conservation International.

In 2008, Furget-Me-Not raised funds to build Dara a new pen, more suitable for his needs, with enough space to house a future mate and family. We are also raising money to pay for food for all the otters at PTWRC, which costs about £4000 ($6000) per year. We have been working with the Wildlife Alliance vet, Nick Marx, to make sure the otters stay in good health.