Meet sun bears, pythons, and other rescued wildlife at Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center, which helps animals hurt by poachers and other mistreatment. Animals are released into the wild when possible, so there are no guarantees about the species you’ll see in the rehabilitation center, but it’s a fascinating stop for wildlife lovers.
With plenty of forest for resident animals to enjoy, the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center is a haven for wildlife. While you can visit the center on your own by hiring a vehicle in Phnom Penh, limited signage and information make tours a good choice. Tours from Phnom Penh to the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center generally combine round-trip transport with admission to the site—some also feature perks such as access to areas that are generally closed to the public.
The Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center is located on National Road Number 2, in Tro Pang Sap village, and it’s a 25 mile (40 km.) trip from Phnom Penh. Visit the center on a guided tour from Phnom Penh—some include stops at the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, which is in the same direction—or hire a taxi for the trip. When negotiating with the taxi, be sure to agree on how much time you spend at the rescue center.
Open from 8am to 5pm, the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center welcomes visitors seven days a week. During the season that stretches from March to May, visiting the rescue center can be hot and dusty, and there are no air-conditioned facilities onsite. Consider a morning visit, when both travelers and animals tend to be more alert.
In addition to the travel basics—bottled water, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes—a few extras for your trip to the wildlife center can go a long way. A crowd of locals sells fresh fruit near the entrance to the wildlife center that you can feed to animals; bring small-denomination cash if you’d like to join in. Since resident monkeys have been known to snatch cameras and phones from visitors, secure them with a leash or keep your distance.
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