Phnom Tamao Wildlife Sanctuary
Phnom Tamao Wildlife Sanctuary
Located 40 km south of Phnom Penh, Phnom Tamao sanctuary spans 2,285 hectares and serves as a rescue center for wildlife saved from poaching and illegal trafficking.
Phnom Tamao is not a conventional zoo. Sprawling across 2,285 hectares of forests, plains and waterways, it functions as a rescue center for Cambodian wildlife victimized by poaching and illegal trade. Located roughly 40 kilometers south of Phnom Penh in Takeo province, the site welcomes confiscated, injured or orphaned animals in enclosures calibrated to their ecological needs.
Why Visit Phnom Tamao
The appeal of this place lies in its dual mission: sanctuary and research center. Unlike an exhibition park, the majority of animals here arrived following customs seizures or operations against traffickers. Teams, supported notably by Wildlife Alliance, care for, rehabilitate and, when possible, release residents into protected wild habitats.
A visit therefore carries strong educational dimensions: each enclosure tells a story of dismantled trafficking, a rescued animal, and a care protocol. It is also one of the rare places in Southeast Asia where you can observe endemic species rarely visible in nature, such as sun bears or white-cheeked gibbons.
Site History
Phnom Tamao was established by the Cambodian forestry administration to address the influx of animals seized from poachers. The turning point came in 2000: a joint operation between the forestry administration and Wildlife Alliance, conducted in Phnom Penh, made it possible to recover 7 tigers destined for illegal sale. This intervention helped expose organized trafficking networks operating in the country and laid the foundations for the park's big cat sanctuary.
Since then, the center has continued to expand. It housed over 1,000 animals in 2013 and today welcomes approximately 1,200 individuals, according to the latest figures released by partner NGOs.
What to See in the Park
The Bear Sanctuary
One of the site's greatest achievements: over 10 hectares dedicated to bears, home to approximately 130 individuals. Phnom Tamao holds the world's largest population of rescued sun bears, which share space with Asiatic black bears, also called moon bears. The sanctuary offers a discovery trail, a research center and an educational hall devoted to the biology and threats facing these species.
The Tigers
Descendants and companions of the seven tigers rescued in 2000 live in vast forest enclosures reproducing their natural habitat. Guides explain in detail each resident's journey and care protocols.
Asian Elephants
A few protected and cared-for elephants are subject to individual veterinary monitoring. Their small numbers allow for attentive care impossible to replicate in open jungle.
Primates and Semi-Wild Fauna
Gibbons, macaques and other primates roam partly freely through the canopy. Deer, wild boar and squirrels move along the pathways, making the visit more immersive than in a conventional zoo.
Practical Information
- Duration of visit: allow 2 to 4 hours to explore the main areas of the park on foot or by internal tuk-tuk.
- Entrance fees: moderately priced entry for foreign visitors, with possible supplements for guided tours with access to care areas.
- Hours: the park is open daily during daylight hours. Morning is preferable, when it's cooler and wildlife is more active.
- What to bring: water, closed-toe shoes, mosquito repellent, hat.
- What not to do: feed the animals, stray from designated trails, or attempt to touch semi-wild species.
How to Get There
The park is reached from Phnom Penh via National Highway 2, approximately 40 kilometers heading south. Expect 1 to 1.5 hours of travel depending on traffic leaving the capital.
- Private car with driver: the most comfortable option for a day excursion.
- Long-distance tuk-tuk: possible but slower and more exposed to heat.
- Organized excursion: several agencies offer combined Phnom Tamao + nearby Takeo province sites.
See Also in the Region
Takeo province and the Phnom Penh surroundings offer several complementary sites:
- Phnom Da: hilltop crowned with pre-Angkorian temples, at the far south of the province.
- Choeung Ek: Killing Fields memorial, a major historical stop at Phnom Penh's gates.
- Takeo: gateway town for exploring the province and its rural areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions
It is first and foremost a rescue center managed by the Cambodian forestry administration with support from NGOs like Wildlife Alliance. Animals arrive following seizures, injuries or orphaning, and some are released after rehabilitation.
Between 2 and 4 hours depending on your pace. With a guide and a visit to the bear sanctuary, plan for a full half-day rather.
Yes. On the route from Phnom Penh, it is common to pair Phnom Tamao with the Choeung Ek memorial. Heading further south, you can reach the temples of Phnom Da and the town of Takeo.
Yes, the educational format works well for families. A few areas (tigers, bears) are strictly enclosed, and the presence of semi-wild monkeys and deer particularly appeals to younger visitors.
Plan Your Trip to Cambodge
Phnom Tamao fits naturally into an itinerary around Phnom Penh and southern Cambodge. To build a complete itinerary, consult our tailor-made Cambodge journeys.
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