World Wildlife Day is celebrated every year on March 3rd as a time to appreciate the world’s unique species and biodiversity. This year’s theme focused on investment in people and the planet. To celebrate this day, US Member Wildlife Alliance highlighted some of the people working hard to engage with and protect species at their Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center (PTWRC) in Cambodia. This Center includes over 2,000 hectares of regenerating forest owned by the Cambodian Forest Authority to rehabilitate animals (including Asian elephants, tigers, Pileated gibbons, otters, and many hoofstock, birds and reptiles) hurt by the wildlife trade and support their reintroduction to the wild.
Head Keeper: Sitheng Try
Mr. Sitheng Try has been working at PTWRC for over 25 years. He began hand-raising elephant Lucky, who was rescued by the Forestry Administration when she was 6 months old. Alongside his continued connection of care with Lucky, he has also taken on management of the welfare of all rescued animals at PTWRC and helps the Community Anti-Poaching Unit.
Mr. Sitheng Try walking with Lucky the elephant. [Wildlife Alliance]
Tiger Keeper: Mr. Rong
Mr. Rong has also been working with PTWRC for over 25 years as the facilities dedicated tigerkeeper. HIs unique, familial bond with the tigers has afforded him the privilege of being one of the few staff members with safe, hands-on contact with the tigers.
His passion, knowledge, and precision for wildlife management has made him the manager of the tigers alongside only one other keeper. It has also expanded his work to include care of other animals at PTWRC, including clouded leopards.
Mr. Rong with one of the tigers in his care [Wildlife Alliance]
Elephant Keeper: Mr. Voc
Mr. Voc has been working at PTWRC since 2008. He began caring for civets, leopard cats, and jackals before moving to other orphaned wildlife in the nursery. He now spends both days and nights looking after 2-year-old elephant Chanam. In addition to his work looking after Chanam, he maintains the staff gardens on the premises.
Mr. Voc with Chanam the elephant [Wildlife Alliance]
Beautiful relationships like these between people and nature are showcase why conservation of Earth’s biodiversity is so important. The caretakers at the frontlines of species protection, like Sitheng Try, Mr. Rong, and Mr. Voc, are integral to this mission and its advancement, and we are happy to celebrate the work they do as we continue to invest in people and the planet following this World Wildlife Day.
