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Story
& Picture by : Jon Bugge.
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A vulture surveys it's
enclosure within the aviary section of the
Phnom Ta Mao zoo.
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PHNOM
TA MAO ZOOLOGICAL
Gardens and Rescue Center
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The keeping of
animals in zoos has been a common practise
for centuries. It is only now, when our understanding
of the balance of nature increases, that we
are aware of the important role zoos can play
in conservation. The word zoo is derived from
the Greek word: "zoion", meaning
animal, in Khmer the word zoo translates as:
"suonsat." It is never going to
be the first thing a visitor thinks about
when coming to Cambodia - however they may
be in for a pleasant surprise.
Located in Tro Pang Sap village, Tro Pang
Sap commune, Ba Ti district, Takeo province,
it lies approximately 40 kilometres from Phnom
Penh along National Route 2. One must turn
right for a further five kilometres along
a sandy track.
Upon entering the grounds the scale of the
project becomes apparent. The area in which
the zoo is located covers approximately 70
hectares. It is within the Phnom Tamao protected
forest area of 2,500 hectares. Within this
area, |
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1,200 hectares
are set aside to plant trees. Phnom Ta Mao is by
far the largest zoo in Cambodia and the influx of
visitors testifies to this. Officially opened by
Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen in 2000, although
it had been running for some five years previously.
There are at least five official zoos in the country;
there are thought to be several more private zoos
also operating.
Within the gardens are some viewpoints from rock
outcrops, allowing one to comprehend the extent
of the zoo. It also provides a birds eye view of
the enclosures. The buildings and enclosures are
sympathetically designed and blend into the environs.
One of the largest enclosures is for the Sun and
Asiatic Black bears. These docile animals are hunted
for their gall bladder and their paws, both believed
to have curative medicinal properties - an idea
that has little, if any, scientific proof. It is
through the dedicated work of organisations such
as Free The Bears and Wild Aid that these animals
are being rescued. |
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An Asian elephant mother
and adopted calf - young rescued elephants
are normally paired off with
an older female.
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The
zoo also boasts some of the kingdoms, and
thus the regions, rarest animals. Pileated
Gibbons have an enclosure and are always keen
to show off their acrobatic skills. There
are also Asiatic Tigers; these majestic animals
have a spacious enclosure and will hopefully
be the closest you ever get to a live (or
dead) tiger. Siamese crocodiles and other
rare and endangered species all have found
a haven in the zoo.
As well as serving the role of a zoo, the
centre also offers rescue facilities. Animals
taken from poachers and the illegal wildlife
trade are often brought to the zoo. Here they
can, with a bit of luck (and sponsorship)
have their own enclosure. With sponsors from
Tiger Beer to Mobitel all getting in on the
corporate responsibility act, many of the
enclosures are well appointed and large.
The area of the zoo is large and it is a good
idea to acquaint yourself with a map of the
site. There is one on display in the grounds
and information can be found at the office
and museum. There are several different areas
and signage can be slightly confusing.
One of the areas contains some fascinating
bird life. These include more common fowl
and some stunning peacocks, whose iridescent
plumage is a feast for the eye. Hornbills
and vultures add to the collection. The zoo
even boasts a lioness. Quite extraordinary
seeing as, contrary to Angkorian sculpture,
lions have never been indigenous to this part
of the world. The animal was seized by officials
at Pochentong International Airport, whilst
trying to be smuggled as a dog. At present
she lives alone. There are a variety of native
animals including flying foxes, otters and
wild dogs.
One can really see the tangible benefits of
zoos such as Tamao. They play a crucial role
in preserving endangered species.
A secondary, but equally important, role is
that of education. More often than not it
is ignorance that poses the greatest threat
to the flora and fauna of the kingdom. People
do not know the basic tenets of conservation. |
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The
zoo provides a glimpse of the wildlife in
a controlled environment. It is hoped that
it will also play a role in educating a new
generation of Khmers about the importance
of their wildlife.
Whilst the zoo maybe basic in comparison with
others in the region, it is a start and an
important one at that. The idea is that through
preserving animals they will be able to attract
visitors and thus create income. The important
lesson that conservation can be translated
into cash is one that has to be learnt.
With more than sixty staff the zoo provides
a source of employment as well. The estimated
cost of running the zoo - primarily the food
for the amount of animals, let alone the salaries
involved - is more than 120 dollars a day.
On a financial basis this is counteracted
by the amount of visitors. In a normal week
the zoo may receive between 500 - 600 visitors.
For Cambodians it costs 1000 riel (25 US cents)
and for foreigners the cost is two dollars.
Simple maths show that even if all of the
visitors in a week were Khmer, the income
generated would be approximately 125 - 150
dollars a week - only enough to feed the animals
for one day. Thus the role of funding is crucial
in the survival and feasibility of this zoo.
On public holidays the number of visitors
in a week can reach as high as 7- 8,000 people.
To encourage more visitors and to help increase
the cash flow, the Department of Forestry
is planning the construction of a trail to
connect the zoo and Tonle Bati - when completed
this nature trail will be approximately six
kilometres long.
Whilst there are those who will claim that
zoos are tantamount to prisons, there are
others who see them as important tools in
the conservation struggle. For some species
they are the only chance of survival.
Whatever your opinion, they play a crucial,
albeit controversial role. In Cambodia there
is a fine example, which with some due attention
and development, could become another of the
kingdom’s great attractions. |
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Tigers also roam wild
in Cambodia
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Lounging around: a monkey
relaxes in it’s enclosure.
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It
is important to remember certain rules when
visiting a zoo. For those who have never been
to a zoo they should read the following to
help alleviate the stress that captive animals
can endure.
-Do not feed the animals. They live in captivity
and are fed regularly.
This could affect their diet and thus their
health.
-Do not make excessive noise near the enclosures.
This can cause alarm distress and result in
injurious actions by the animals.
-Do not litter near the enclosure - in fact
do not litter at all! Animals, especially
the primates, can get hold of this rubbish
and could end up hurting themselves.
-Do not touch the animals, even stroking,
this endangers you - they are wild animals
- and their behavior in captivity maybe aggressive.
-Remember these animals would have - and should
be - in the wild.
If you were a prisoner you would not want
to be taunted and annoyed by visiting animals.
-Use common sense when dealing with such situations.
If in doubt, don't do it. |
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Suite
B8, Regency Square, InterContinental Hotel, 294 Mao Tse Toung
Boulevard,
Phnom Penh, Kingdom of Cambodia.
Tel: (855) 23 213 133 Fax: (855) 23 213 033
E-mail:
editor@leisurecambodia.com |
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