The center is the primary release site for rehabilitated wildlife rescued by the Wildlife Rapid Rescue Team.
PTWRC maintains a specialized nursery for orphaned primates and small carnivores found during anti-poaching operations.
It holds a significant population of endangered Malayan sun bears, often rescued from the bile-farming industry.
The park grounds are part of a larger protected forest reserve that remains one of the last remaining semi-evergreen forest patches in the region.
The resident elephant population includes animals rescued from harsh labor conditions in the tourism and logging industries.
Phnom Tamao Zoological Park and Wildlife Rescue Center (PTWRC) is Cambodia's largest wildlife rescue facility, situated within a 2,285-hectare protected forest area. Operated in partnership with Wildlife Alliance, it functions primarily as a sanctuary for animals rescued from the illegal wildlife trade. The park houses rescued elephants, tigers, sun bears, and primates, often providing permanent homes for individuals unable to be released back into the wild. Unlike traditional zoos, it emphasizes rehabilitation, quarantine, and species conservation efforts. Visitors can observe animals in large, naturalistic enclosures designed to mimic their native habitats. The facility is the only one of its kind in the country with a specialized veterinary team dedicated to wildlife trauma care.
The viewing platforms overlooking the larger elephant enclosures offer the most unobstructed and safe vantage points for photography.
Bring high-quality insect repellent and sunscreen as the enclosures are located in exposed, sunny areas.
Hire a local guide to access the 'Behind the Scenes' areas, which provide deeper insight into rescue operations.
Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes as the park covers a vast area with unpaved paths.
Do not attempt to touch or feed the animals, even if keepers appear to be doing so, as these are wild creatures with unpredictable behavior.
Maintain a quiet volume to avoid stressing rescued animals, and strictly adhere to 'no feeding' rules to ensure the health of the wildlife.
