Zoos In Cambodia: A Tourist Guide For Wildlife Enthusiasts

While temples and history may dominate the landscape of Cambodia, there are several exciting animal parks and nature centres around the country as well. Conservation and tourism go hand in hand for every zoo in Cambodia, and they provide the most unforgettable wildlife experiences. Traditional zoos house not only native but also exotic animals in ethical sanctuaries and fun, friendly spaces. This information is provided for all animal lovers who promise something truly special for every important zoo in Cambodia.

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Top Zoos In Cambodia: An Enchanting Wildlife Experience

Some of the amazing zoos to visit in Cambodia include the following:

1. Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre

A group of Dhole peacefully passes through the enclosures at Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre.

Photo: Wildlife Alliance / Wikimedia Commons

Rescued from the illegal wildlife trade are the animals residing in the largest zoo in Cambodia, the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre. Spanning over 2,000 hectares and just outside Phnom Penh, it harbours tigers, elephants, sun bears, etc. The Forestry Administration outlines this important zoo in Cambodia in collaboration with NGOs. You can walk the scenic forest trails, and you support wildlife rehabilitation, as a result, this became a zoo that is famous for ethical animal care.

Distance: 45 km from Phnom Penh
Entry Fee: ₹400
Best Time: November to March

2. Angkor Centre For Conservation Of Biodiversity (ACCB)

Signboards at the expansive enclosure at ACCB, a zoo in Cambodia.

Photo: Dnrallis / Wikimedia Commons

The Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity is tucked near the Angkor temples, Cambodia and is a sanctuary-style zoo. The organisation has to deal with breeding endangered species and environmental education. Here, they care for the species: gibbons, hornbills and turtles. ACCB is known as a famous zoo in Cambodia that takes a conservation-first approach, which offers guided tours by appointment. In addition, it’s an important zoo that contributes to biodiversity research and community outreach in Cambodia.

Distance: 40 km from Siem Reap
Entry Fee: ₹500 (donation-based)
Best Time: November to February

3. Kampot Zoo

An image of animals playing in open enclosures at a zoo in Cambodia.

Photo: Amaury Laporte / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Kampot Zoo, nestled in a quiet area of the charming riverside town of Kampot, is a small but quickly growing zoo. It has stirred up criticism in days past, but improvements to Animal Welfare and facilities are boosting an otherwise bleak situation. Lions, monkeys and tropical birds are some of the animals that can be found in this popular Cambodian zoo, which is home to all local visitors and tourists. Though continually focused on better standards, it’s become an important zoo in Cambodia, providing education for wildlife in southern Cambodia.

Distance: 9 km from Kampot town
Entry Fee: ₹250
Best Time: December to March

Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Kampot

4. Mondulkiri Elephant & Wildlife Sanctuary

An image of Lyle's Flying Fox enjoying freely at the zoo in Cambodia

Photo: Hanay / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The Mondulkiri Elephant & Wildlife Sanctuary is not a traditional zoo, but it is a very special and unique zoo in Cambodia that provides a responsible elephant experience. This site is set in the highlands of eastern Cambodia and promotes ethical tourism and the preservation of habitat. People can walk up close and interact with elephants and get to know about the conservation practices put in place for them. Ideal for eco-conscious travellers, it is an important zoo in Cambodia. Both its ethical operations and its immersive setting mean that it is worthy of being described as a famous zoo in Cambodia.

Distance: 11 km from Sen Monorom
Entry Fee: ₹3,000 (full-day tour)
Best Time: October to March

5. Takeo Zoo

An image of gibbons in their habitat at Takeo Zoo, a peaceful zoo in Cambodia.

Photo: Jackaustinmck / Wikimedia Commons

If you’re looking for one of the lesser-known yet high-quality zoos in Cambodia, take a look at Takeo Zoo, which is near the Vietnamese border. This is a mix of local and exotic animals, such as crocodiles, bears and peacocks. Though the facilities are basic, it is a well-known zoo in Cambodia and caters to local visitors. Efforts are afoot to improve animal welfare. It also serves an important role in introducing rural communities to biodiversity and conservation in Cambodia.

Distance: 80 km from Phnom Penh
Entry Fee: ₹300
Best Time: November to February

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Phnom Penh

6. Wildlife Alliance’s Wildlife Release Station

An image of wild squirrels resting and enjoying themselves at a zoo in Cambodia.

Photo: David J. Stang / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

A unique zoo in Cambodia, the Wildlife Release Station in Koh Kong is a nature conservancy in which animals undergo rehabilitation before being released into the wild. Wildlife Alliance manages it, and it aims to protect species like pangolins, lorises and civets. It counts as a famous zoo in Cambodia to conservationists, and it offers prearranged eco tours. But it’s also an important zoo in Cambodia as far as the global protection efforts for wildlife are concerned.

Distance: 290 km from Phnom Penh
Entry Fee: ₹4,500 (tour packages)
Best Time: November to April

7. Cambodia Butterfly Garden

Brightly colored butterflies fluttering among tropical flowers in the garden space in Cambodia Butterfly Garden.

Photo: Syed Sajidul Islam / Wikimedia Commons

Most definitely not a zoo as you would describe it, but a wonderful zoo in Cambodia for insect and plant lovers, the Cambodia Butterfly Garden in Siem Reap is. It houses hundreds of butterfly species as well as tropical flora, which is both educational and visually stunning. If you are a kid or just any nature enthusiast, this crazy town is considered a famous zoo in Cambodia. It’s also an important zoological institution in Cambodia for natural science learning, with its strong emphasis on ecology and life cycles.

Distance: 1.5 km from central Siem Reap
Entry Fee: ₹150
Best Time: November to February

Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Cambodia

8. Phnom Penh Safari World

An image of a tourist enjoying and playing with elephants at a zoo in Cambodia.

Photo: CinemaPTAjuda / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Located in Cambodia, Safari World Phnom Penh is a modern entertainment quality zoo comprising live animal shows, safari tram rides and exotic animals such as tigers and zebras. It’s one of the more commercial zoos in Cambodia, but it’s one that draws in locals to tourists alike to visit. It also provides an enjoyable day out while raising awareness of the different species of animals. It also serves as an important zoo in Cambodia for the education and entertainment of the people.

Distance: 20 km from Phnom Penh
Entry Fee: ₹850
Best Time: December to February

9. Prey Veng Mini Zoo

An image of a tiger resting at a zoo in Cambodia, with lush green surroundings.

Photo: Suhel Quader / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

This small and humble zoo in Cambodia, which is only a few miles from the killing fields, gives local children a chance to see animals, like goats, rabbits and parrots, up close. It is an emerging important zoo in Cambodia that is actively increasing its species list and educational outreach. While it’s not quite as large as the more famed zoo in Cambodia, it does provide a truly genuine experience in areas where such exposure is scarce. Great for short visits or school field trips.

Distance: 90 km from Phnom Penh
Entry Fee: ₹100
Best Time: November to January

Suggested Read: Top Things To Do In Cambodia

10. Wat Phnom Nature Garden

An image of a Siamese Crocodile resting at a zoo in Cambodia.

Photo: Keshav Mukund Kandhadai / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The Wat Phnom Nature Garden, the tiny zoo in Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh, nestled in the city centre between the capital’s iconic temple complex, is one of the least important zoological establishments. Residents included deer, peacocks, and monkeys in a tranquil garden setting. Although it is not a full-blown world-famous zoo in Cambodia, it is a nice place for people living in the city to enjoy quick relaxation with the sighting of animals. The zoo is important in Cambodia partly because it combines nature exposure with cultural tourism.

Distance: 0 km (within Phnom Penh)
Entry Fee: ₹120
Best Time: November to February

Each of the zoos in Cambodia on this list offers its visitors a unique kind of experience, whether you’re planning a wildlife adventure or a peaceful nature retreat. The zoo in Cambodia is thrillingly varied — elephant treks, butterfly gardens, safari rides — an assortment of activities that zoos offer in the exotic world. Ready to plan your wild escape? Pick your favourite and embark on an adventurous getaway!

Cover Photo: Dominic Nelson / Wikimedia Commons

Top 10 Zoos In Cambodia For An Unforgettable Experience