At EXO Foundation, protecting Asia’s endangered wildlife goes hand-in-hand with empowering local communities and raising awareness. We are supporting the grant to Free the Bears in Cambodia, supporting critical animal welfare and visitor education initiatives at the Cambodia Bear Sanctuary.
Located within the Phnom Tamao Zoological Park, Protected Forest, and Arboretum, the sanctuary currently provides lifelong care and rehabilitation to nearly 120 rescued Sun Bears and Asiatic Black Bears (Moon Bears).
Essential Welfare: The New Enrichment Workshop
For rescued wildlife that cannot be returned to the wild, environmental enrichment is a cornerstone of proper care. Enrichment tools—such as climbing platforms, hidden foraging puzzles, and sensory items—encourage natural behaviors, reduce stress, and keep the bears physically and mentally active.
With our grant, Free the Bears is constructing a dedicated Enrichment Workshop at the sanctuary. This facility provides staff, volunteers, and visiting students with a space to design, build, and store custom enrichment items for the sanctuary’s 120 resident bears.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Wildlife Warriors
In addition to direct animal care, education is key to ending the illegal wildlife trade. Phnom Tamao welcomes over 250,000 visitors every year, nearly 90% of whom are Cambodian nationals.
To turn these visits into meaningful learning experiences, a partial of budgets is allocated toward installing new, engaging educational signage at the sanctuary’s Bear Discovery Centre. These displays educate local and international guests on:
- The biology and natural behaviors of Sun Bears and Moon Bears.
- The impacts of habitat loss and illegal wildlife trade.
- How local communities can actively contribute to wildlife protection.
Sustainable Travel in Action
Through experiences like the Bear Care Tour at Phnom Tamao, travelers can go behind the scenes to learn about rescue operations, help prepare enrichment snacks, and directly support the daily care of rescued animals. By connecting travel with conservation, we help build a future where wildlife and local communities thrive side-by-side.
🐻 Visit & Support
Traveling to Phnom Penh? Consider adding a visit to the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre to meet the dedicated caretakers and learn how you can support bear conservation in Southeast Asia.