For The Animals is an Australian conservation charity dedicated to protecting endangered wildlife in Southeast Asia. In Cambodia, they work closely with Wildlife Alliance, the leading anti-trafficking organisation in Asia, (according to the peak body, TRAFFIC.) Wildlife Alliance has been responsible for rescuing over 60,000 animals from poachers, traffickers and the illegal pet trade since 2001.
For the Animals was founded in 2011 by a former Wildlife Alliance employee. Since then, For The Animals has hosted trips to Cambodia so that donors could get a firsthand look at their work.
WILDLIFE RESCUE EXPERIENCE – 7 NIGHT PACKAGE
This tour is for all animal lovers who would like to contribute to saving wildlife from poaching and trafficking in Cambodia. The tour includes three sites operated by Wildlife Alliance, the leading conservation organisation in Asia focused on protecting wildlife from trafficking. The three sites enable guests to witness the rescue, rehabilitation, and release operations which have saved over 70,000 animals since 2001.
Your experience includes:
7 Nights in 4* accommodation
Behind the Scenes Tour to meet rescued animals at Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre including access to areas closed to the public
Two nights at the Wildlife Release Station in remote Chi Phat
Private viewing near Angkor Wat of animals released and living successfully in the wild with their young.
Internal flights in Cambodia from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
Private transfers throughout
Breakfast daily
Four lunches & one dinner
ITINERARY
Day 1
Touch down at Phnom Penh International Airport where you’ll be met by a representative from Trails of Indochina. You’ll be transferred from the airport to the White Mansion Hotel (or similar).
Day 2 – (Breakfast & Lunch)
Staff from the Wildlife Alliance will meet you at your hotel at approximately 8am. On the way to Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre the tour will stop at the local market to buy fresh fruit for the animals.
Once you arrive at the Centre, you’ll have to option to hand feed the female elephants & observe gentle positive reinforcement. See the team care for Chhouk, the first elephant in Cambodia to get a prosthetic foot. Then take a break for a delicious Cambodian lunch and fresh style coconut water.
Time to get up close with leopards, gibbons, otters and other endangered animals that the Wildlife Alliance has helped rescue and care for at the Sanctuary. Visit the nursery in the rehabilitation area (a section closed to the public) and see the beautiful baby animals that are being cared for around the clock. You’ll also get the chance to interact with rescued baby macaque monkeys in their enclosure as you feed them (at guide’s discretion).
Depart the rescue centre and return to the hotel around 4-5pm in the afternoon.
Stay overnight at White Mansion Boutique Hotel in a Deluxe Room (or similar).
Day 3 – (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
You’ll be picked up from your hotel by the Wildlife Alliance team for the 3 hour journey to the remote Wildlife Release Station. On the way you’ll also get to visit the Chi Phat Eco Tourism Project, dedicated to preserving the surrounding environment, providing unique adventures for guests and livelihoods for a community that previously relied on poaching and deforestation.
Once you arrive at the centre, you can see animals being prepared for a safe return to the wild. You can also check out the chalets built by For the Animals, meet with the local staff and discover some unique flora and fauna.
Spend the night in one of the chalets.
Day 4 – (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
The morning starts with breakfast at the chalets followed by a tour of the facility. Here you’ll get to learn more about the rehabilitation and release programs and may even get to witness some of the animals including sun bears, leopard kittens, hornbills, pangolin and others being fed!
The staff focus on a “soft” approach that enables the animals to return for food and shelter if needed.
There will also be time to go for a hike, relax in your chalet’s hammock or enjoy more flora and fauna. You may even spot some released birds who like to revisit the station!
Spend the night in one of the chalets.
Day 5 – (Breakfast)
Enjoy one last morning at the Release Station and get ready to return to Phnom Penh. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to relax or explore, the choice is up to you!
Stay overnight at the Rosewood Phnom Penh in a Premier River Room (or similar).
Day 6 – (Breakfast)
Say goodbye to Phnom Penh. Meet with your guide at 12pm to be transferred to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap. You’ll be met with a Trails of Indochina representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the evening is free for you to explore the restaurants and markets of Siem Reap.
Stay overnight at Belmond La Residence Angkor in a Junior Suite (or similar).
Day 7 – (Breakfast & Lunch)
Today you’ll start with some history! First you’ll visit Banteay Srei, an intricate temple built in the 10th century that’s dedicated to the Hindu God, Shiva.
From there, it’s just a short drive and an easy hike to Kbal Spean (which translates to Bridge Head), a riverbed which is decorated with ancient carvings of Hindu gods and goddesses. Make sure to check out the stunning waterfall while you’re there! During the rainy season, the path may be slippery so sensible footwear is advised. After lunch at a traditional restaurant, you’ll be transferred back to Siem Reap.
Later in the afternoon, there’s a major tour highlight! You’ll be transferred with your guide to the private viewing area of one of several gibbon pairs that have been released back into the wild near Angkor Wat. On arrival at the Flight of the Gibbon parking lot (not associated with Wildlife Alliance), you’ll be met by a Wildlife Alliance staff member who will lead you to the gibbons in the forest. This experience is strictly off limits to the public and exclusive to guests who book this complete tour. It will be of short duration in order to preserve the safety of the released animals.
Stay overnight at Belmond Le Residence Angkor in a Junior Suite (or similar).
Day 08 – (Breakfast)
The last morning of your tour is free for you to relax and say goodbye to your Cambodia adventure. Meet up with your guide and transfer at 12pm to be taken to the airport.
land only
ACCOMMODATION FROM $2599pp
UPGRADES: add 5* Accommodation From $1076pp
TRAVEL DATES: Valid for Travel:01 Nov 19 – 31 Mar 20
Seasonal Surcharges May Apply: 24 Dec 19 – 02 Jan 20
Inclusive dates.
About the Charity
For The Animals is an Australian conservation charity dedicated to protecting endangered wildlife in Southeast Asia. In Cambodia, they work closely with Wildlife Alliance, the leading anti-trafficking organisation in Asia, (according to the peak body, TRAFFIC.) Wildlife Alliance has been responsible for rescuing over 60,000 animals from poachers, traffickers and the illegal pet trade since 2001.
For the Animals was founded in 2011 by a former Wildlife Alliance employee. Since then, For The Animals has hosted trips to Cambodia so that donors could get a firsthand look at their work.
