Emirates Park Zoo & Resort in Abu Dhabi to support rescue and rehabilitation of endangered animals in Cambodia

Abu Dhabi – April 10, 2024: Emirates Park Zoo & Resort (EPZR), a premier destination for wildlife enthusiasts in the UAE, has reinforced its commitment to global wildlife conservation through a strategic partnership with Wildlife Alliance. Established in early 2024, the partnership supports the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre (PTWRC) in Cambodia, which focuses on the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of wildlife affected by illegal trade and habitat destruction.

Since the beginning of 2024, Wildlife Alliance’s work at PTWRC has led to the rescue of over 550 animals, including two elephant calves with remarkable stories of survival, as well as pangolins and other vulnerable species. EPZR’s support extends beyond direct rescue efforts through its "Made in the Zoo" merchandise initiative, where a percentage of proceeds contributes to Wildlife Alliance’s conservation work in Cambodia. This "purchase with a purpose" initiative not only provides essential funding but also raises awareness among visitors about the importance of wildlife protection, encouraging them to engage more deeply with conservation efforts.

“Conservation is a shared responsibility that transcends borders,” said Dr. Walid Shabaan, Director of Emirates Park Zoo & Resort. “Our partnership with Wildlife Alliance allows us to bring global conservation efforts closer to home, encouraging our visitors to engage with wildlife protection on a personal level. Through education and outreach, we aim to foster a culture of environmental stewardship and inspire the next generation to protect our planet’s biodiversity.”

Among the many wholesome stories is the story of Chanam the elephant, found alone on farmland in October 2024 after villagers attempted to chase away an elephant herd. He was rescued and provided with essential care. Another elephant, Lomphat, was rescued from the Lomphat Wildlife Sanctuary with a severe snare wound on her front right leg, has since gained 24 kg and is recovering well with advanced therapies.

In January 2025, both calves were moved into a specially designed enclosure to ensure their safety and comfort. Additionally, Chhouk, a disabled elephant rescued in March 2007 from Mondulkiri, received a new prosthetic shoe in September 2024, reducing its weight from 20 kg to 15 kg, significantly improving his comfort and mobility.

The partnership also supports the care of rescued pangolins. Three young pangopups—Srey Roth, Srey Pov, and Mimi—rescued from the illegal wildlife trade are currently receiving specialised care at PTWRC’s nursery. Two older pangolins have started weaning, feeding on ants, termites, and their eggs as part of their recovery process. These efforts highlight Wildlife Alliance’s vital role in protecting vulnerable species and promoting long-term rehabilitation.

Education remains central to EPZR’s conservation mission. Inspired by Cambodia’s Kouprey Express Mobile Environmental Education Project (KE), Cambodia’s only mobile environmental education initiative, EPZR has developed a range of interactive conservation programmes, including onsite educational talks, workshops, and digital outreach via social media and live sessions. The Kouprey Express project has achieved remarkable success, reaching over 51,000 students across 55 schools since January 2024. It has also trained more than 588 teachers (68 per cent of whom are female) and distributed over 60,000 educational materials to schools, reinforcing the importance of conservation and environmental responsibility.

EPZR also engages with local universities, providing students with hands-on experience in conservation research, sustainability projects, and internships aligned with the zoo’s mission. Additionally, community outreach programmes in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Municipality and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi offer interactive educational activities and environmental sustainability projects, ensuring that conservation education is accessible and impactful for local communities.

EPZR has been working with Wildlife Alliance since 2019. This collaboration allows EPZR to integrate global conservation efforts into its local outreach and education programmes, strengthening awareness and action within the UAE.

Through this collaboration, EPZR is positioned as a key player in the UAE’s growing conservation movement, linking local efforts with global initiatives. The exchange of knowledge and expertise between EPZR and Wildlife Alliance enhances best practices in animal welfare, conservation management, and community engagement. By connecting visitors in the UAE with global conservation efforts, EPZR is fostering a deeper sense of environmental responsibility and inspiring meaningful action for wildlife protection.