Immerse yourself in a wildlife haven near the legendary temples of Angkor, in the province of Siem Reap. At the Angkor Biodiversity Conservation Center, you can both admire the fauna and observe preservation efforts.
Established by Allwetterzoo Münster and the Zoological Society for the Conservation of Species and Populations with the support of Dr. Stephan Goetz, the Angkor Biodiversity Conservation Center (ACCB) was founded in 2003. As the first NGO dedicated to nature conservation in Cambodia, the center is located in Phnom Kulen National Park, near Siem Reap. It is dedicated to saving endangered animals, caring for them, and reintroducing them into the forests at the end of their stay. The ACCB also plays a significant role in breeding programs aimed at preventing the extinction of certain endangered species.
The ACCB awaits you about fifty kilometers north of the city of Siem Reap. You can perfectly combine this visit with the discovery of the historical site of Banteay Sray. Beyond the pink citadel, you delve into the heart of Phnom Kulen National Park. It is in this wild paradise, at the foot of the Kbal Spean mountain, that the ACCB has chosen to establish itself.
Visiting the center requires a prior reservation. Accompanied by an environmentally trained tour guide provided by the NGO, explore the splendid fauna of the park and discover the exciting conservation projects implemented on site.
In Cambodia, the scourge of illegal logging persists, especially around Siem Reap, where human activities since the era of the Khmer Empire have devastated natural habitats and endangered the fauna that depends on them. Projects like the ACCB help counteract this tragic fate for animals. Rising as a fortress against poachers, the center offers a safe sanctuary along with a range of care for endangered species. At the same time, the NGO raises awareness among local communities and retrieves animals held illegally.
During the visit, the guide will introduce you to the animals rescued and cared for in the center. Residents change as individuals are reintroduced into the forest. However, you can generally find birds, monkeys, and other indigenous species.
With around 45 faunal species and a total of 550 animals, including gibbons, silver langurs, turtles, small carnivores, peacocks, and a variety of raptors, the center offers a diverse experience. Don't miss the majestic Sarus cranes among the large waders.
Take advantage of this unique opportunity to encounter fauna reintroduced into the temples of Angkor. In addition to long-haired gibbons, you may catch sight of a collection of small primates. Let yourself be enchanted by their distinctive calls while enjoying the mystical landscape of the archaeological site.
Located 50 kilometers north of Siem Reap and 12 kilometers from Banteay Sray, the Angkor Biodiversity Conservation Center is accessible via National Road 67. In Siem Reap, various means of transportation are available to reach the site. Tuk-tuks are the most affordable options, but if you prefer to travel in comfort, taxis are preferable. Before setting off, make sure to negotiate the stop times for each visit.
The ACCB welcomes visitors Monday through Saturday, with scheduled departures at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., for approximately 1.5-hour tours from the entrance gate near the Kbal Spean parking lot. It is crucial to arrive on time, as late visits are avoided for logistical reasons and to minimize stress on the animals. For groups of more than 15 people, please book at least 48 hours in advance.
As for admission fees, although there is no fixed rate, a minimum donation of 3 USD is suggested. As a nonprofit organization, the ACCB uses all funds collected for animal food, infrastructure maintenance, and support for local communities. No profit is taken by the administration.