June 4, 2016 in Kandal province: A major joint rescue operation with our Wildlife Rapid Rescue Team (WRRT) and the Cambodian Customs Office saved the lives of wildlife animals. These wildlife include 8 Yellow-headed Temple Turtles, 21 Giant Asian Pond Turtles, 178 Asian Leaf Turtles, 4 Asian Box Turtles, 2 Burmese Pythons and 468 Rat Snakes. The operation came about after Customs officers near the Cambodian/Vietnamese border in Koh Thom received information concerning the transportation of wildlife via boat that was destined for the Vietnamese and Chinese markets. The suspected boat was located and the traders responsible for the wildlife offences managed to escape just prior to authorities attending.
WRRT members assisted local authorities with compiling and lodging the required documentation before transporting all rescued wildlife directly to the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center (PTWRC) where veterinarian staff are assessing the condition of each animal. Once deemed fit for release, all will be transported to protected natural habitats and released in the coming weeks.
