Three oriental pied hornbills (Anthracoceros albirostris), after being rehabilitated at our Wildlife Release Station in the Cardamom Rainforest, were released! The iconic birds were rescued from the illegal wildlife trade by our Wildlife Rapid Rescue Team (WRRT). Hornbills are hunted for their casques, which are common souvenirs, and feathers. After rescuing the juvenile hornbills, the WRRT transported them to the Release Station to rebuild their strength and adjust to their new environment deep in the rainforest. Now that the hornbills are old enough, their enclosure door has been opened for good!
The WRS keepers continue to put food out for the birds in order to ease their transition back into the wild. The trio has been staying near camp along with an older female who was released about two years ago. They spend their nights in the safety of the trees near their old enclosure but spend their days exploring the surrounding forest.
