Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre
Zoo National wildlife rescue centre rehabilitating rescued animals
Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre, outside Phnom Penh, runs guided tours and feeding sessions where visitors observe rescued gibbons, bears and other rehabilitated animals while learning about wildlife rescue and care.
Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre is a large rescue and rehabilitation complex for confiscated and injured wildlife located to the south of Phnom Penh. It is operated in cooperation with the Cambodian Forestry Administration and international conservation partners and focuses on rehabilitation, veterinary care and long-term care for animals.
The centre holds hundreds of rescued animals from dozens of native species including primates, bears, reptiles and birds, and provides educational visits for the public. Facilities include rescue enclosures and a veterinary facility used for rehabilitation and treatment.
The site was developed to centralise care for animals seized from the illegal wildlife trade and expanded with support from conservation organisations since the late 20th and early 21st centuries. It functions both as an operational rescue centre and as a public education site about wildlife protection.
Phnom Tamao sits in the lowland countryside south of Phnom Penh and is reachable by road from the capital; travel time varies with traffic but is typically a few hours from central Phnom Penh.
- Visitor access: Open to visitors with guided walks around enclosures and educational displays about wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.
- Collection and management: Houses rescued native wildlife from across Cambodia, kept in a range of enclosures and rehabilitation areas run in cooperation with the Forestry Administration and international NGOs.
How to Get to Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre #
Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre lies south of Phnom Penh and is reached by road from the capital via National Road 2 (NR2). It is approximately 40-45 km from central Phnom Penh, so expect a drive of around 45-60 minutes by private car or taxi depending on traffic. Organized day‑trip vans and tour operators from Phnom Penh commonly drop visitors at the centre entrance, which is a short walk from the parking/visitor area.
Tips for Visiting Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre #
- Plan a morning visit and go straight to the main visitor centre on arrival to pick up a site map and schedule; animals are generally more active in the cooler morning hours and the centre is commonly visited as a half-day trip from Phnom Penh.
- Arrange private transport or join an organized tour from Phnom Penh-public transport is limited and the reserve is about 45-60 minutes south of the city on National Road 2, so having reliable transport maximizes time at the park.
- Prioritize the larger enclosures (elephants, big cats, bears) early in your visit and ask staff about any scheduled feedings or keeper talks; these are often the highlights and can be missed by people who move through quickly.
- Avoid peak local holiday weekends if possible; weekday mornings see fewer day-trip groups and make it easier to view animals without crowds at viewing platforms and enclosures.
Best Time to Visit Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre #
Best visited in the cool, dry months (November-February) when paths are drier and outdoor viewing is more comfortable.
Weather & Climate near Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre #
Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 34°C. Abundant rainfall (1238 mm/year), wettest in October with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 22°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is warm, feeling like 28°C. The driest month with just 8 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 30°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 32°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is hot, feeling like 34°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (149 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (114 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (118 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (127 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (201 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (243 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (127 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
