Phnom Penh Wildlife Rescue Centre

I spent the afternoon at Phnom Penh Wildlife Rescue Centre which is home to 1200 animals rescued from the illegal wildlife trade. They aim to eliminate the illegal wildlife trade and ensure all animals rescued are given the proper care and attention they need. No animals are ever turned away and those who are sadly unable to be released are given a permanent home. The enclosures seem a good size compared to some other places I’ve seen in the UK.

Animals that can be released are, as soon as possible, but the birds and monkey’s often stay close by for several months and continue to get fed, testimony to how happy they are there. Certain animals need guidance before they are able to live safely in the forest on their own. Here they are given the tools they need to successfully provide for themselves in the wild.

One elephant I met had been aggressive to humans and blocking cars from passing him which led to abuse so he was taken in and trained to be friendlier. The trainers seemed to be warm and the animals enjoyed the praise and rewards.

The Wildlife Rapid Rescue Team (WRRT) is a unit of eight military policemen and four Forestry officials implemented by Wildlife Alliance and the Cambodian Forestry Administration to address the illegal wildlife trade, they patrol the entire country rescuing illegally traded wild animals from unscrupulous dealers. 90% of Phnom Penh restaurants no longer serve wildlife dishes and over 2000 offenders have been arrested or fined since 2001 because of the WRRT's hard work. Without this team the extremely cruel and damaging trade would be rife once again in Cambodia.

This is Chhouk, he was found wandering the forest with a serious leg injury likely caused by a trap set by poachers. If he’d been left he would certainly have died. But taken to the centre his foot was given time to heal and the Cambodian School of Prosthetics and Orthotics was asked to make him a prosthetic which would enable him to walk properly again. As you can imagine, these are not cheap to make and as he grows, his prosthetic must be changed also. He can not be released into the wild again but has been given a permanent home at the centre.


I treated myself to a foot massage, facial, manicure and pedicure on my final evening. An hour long full body massage, which I had a couple of days ago, is about £4 so there really is no reason not to enjoy a bit of pampering. The ladies are very friendly and surround you, one at your feet, one at your head and one at your hands. Their dialogue made me smile “Sista, you wan me pluck eyebrow, extra won dollar?” “Sista, you wan hot tea” - is there any other kind to the English? and a “Sorry Sista” when I jumped out of my skin after having my toes cracked unexpectedly during the massage.

I popped into Linda’s, our hard working tour operator aka “the fixer”, for supper before heading back to the hotel to pack. Happy days!