The rescued elephant area at Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre has been buzzing with activity! Since welcoming two new arrivals, our dedicated team and partners from the Forestry Administration have been working hard to ensure they get the best care.

Meet Our New Arrivals

Chanam: A spirited 2-year-old elephant rescued in early November.
Lomphat: A playful 6-month-old elephant saved from dogs in Lomphat Wildlife Sanctuary in early December. 

Chanam’s Journey: Thriving in Her New Home

Chanam has been adapting to her new surroundings in her own energetic way. Her bond with her keeper, Vok, is heartwarming. Every night, Vok sleeps nearby to help her feel safe and secure, and their evening swims have become a routine that they both enjoy. 

Chanam is growing steadily, now weighing over 400kg—a healthy gain since her arrival! She’s quick to let everyone know when she’s hungry, showcasing her lively personality.

Lomphat: The Milk Lover

Lomphat has formed a strong bond with her keeper, Sol, thanks to her healthy appetite for milk. Since arriving, she has gained an impressive 24kg! Although she came with a snare wound on her front right leg, it’s healing remarkably well under the care of our diligent veterinary team. Daily dressing changes and advanced therapies are helping her recover swiftly.

While these procedures can be stressful, our team works efficiently to minimize discomfort. Lomphat’s resilience is truly inspiring.

Building New Friendships

Recently, Chanam, Lomphat, and Lucky have been introduced under close supervision. Although Chanam is still learning how to make friends, we’re optimistic that with guidance from their keepers, these elephants will form strong bonds. Lucky’s calm demeanor makes her an excellent role model for the younger elephants.

Exciting New Enclosure

In early January, Lomphat and Chanam moved into their specially designed enclosure. Previously, both were living in adult elephant enclosures, which posed some challenges. For example, Lomphat had to be loosely tied by her neck to prevent her from slipping through the bars or falling into pools unsupervised.

The new enclosure features smaller fences and a shallower pool, making it a safer space for young elephants to play and explore. This setup also allows visitors to view Lomphat casually throughout the day. Previously, public viewing was limited to feeding times, which sometimes resulted in crowded gatherings.

We have also built a dedicated food storage area for the elephants, keeping their meals safely out of reach from free-roaming monkeys and deer. The design not only secures the food but also reduces the risk of disease transmission between animals.

These updates highlight the incredible dedication of our team and the progress of our young elephants. Thank you for supporting our mission to provide the best care and environment for these magnificent creatures. Stay tuned for more updates on their journey!