Our Work
wildlife conservation and prevention organization (wcpo)
The Wildlife Conservation and Prevention Organization (WCPO) is a small organization working to help wildlife in need in Cambodia. With limited resources, we do what we can to assist animals that are sick, injured, abandoned, or otherwise unable to care for themselves. Every situation is different. We try to understand each animal's condition and needs before deciding what care and support may be appropriate.
Rescue
When wildlife is found injured, sick, abandoned, or in a situation where it is at risk, we work to provide assistance when we have the ability and resources to do so. Our priority is the safety and welfare of the animal. We aim to reduce stress and unnecessary handling and provide a safe place for the animal to receive the care it needs.
Medical Care
Many rescued animals arrive with injuries, illness, weakness, or other health problems. We provide appropriate medical attention and supportive care, working with veterinary professionals when veterinary assessment or treatment is required.
Depending on the animal's condition, care may include treatment, medication, wound care, nutrition, rest, observation, and continued monitoring during recovery. Some animals arrive with serious injuries, while others may require care for less severe conditions. Every animal deserves appropriate attention, regardless of the size of the injury or the circumstances in which it was found.
Rehabilitation
Recovery does not end when an animal's immediate medical problem has been treated. Wild animals may need time to regain strength, develop or recover natural behaviors, and become more independent. For primates that have spent time in human care, rehabilitation can be especially important because they may have become dependent on people or may not have developed the skills necessary to survive independently. Our goal is to provide an environment that supports recovery while minimizing unnecessary human dependence.
Preparing for Release
When an animal has recovered, we consider whether it may be suitable for return to the wild. Release should never be based simply on the fact that an animal appears healthy. We consider factors such as physical health, behavior, independence, ability to obtain food, ability to respond to threats, social needs, and the suitability of the intended environment. When release is appropriate, we aim to prepare the animal carefully and, where possible, monitor its progress after release. Not every animal can safely return to the wild. For those that cannot, our responsibility is to ensure that they receive appropriate care and protection.
Caring for Abandoned and Captive Primates
One of the challenges we have encountered is the growing need to help monkeys that have been kept as pets or have become abandoned. A monkey that has lived with people may have experienced circumstances very different from those of a wild animal. It may have become dependent on humans for food, shelter, or interaction, and may lack important survival skills. For these animals, simply putting them back into the wild may not be responsible. They may first need medical care, rehabilitation, behavioral assessment, and time to develop greater independence. Our planned Primate Rehabilitation Center is intended to provide a safer and more appropriate place for this process.
A Small Organization Making a Difference
WCPO is not a large organization. We work with limited resources and have not yet received grant funding. Much of what we have accomplished has been possible because of the dedication of our team and the generosity of people who care about wildlife. We cannot help every animal, but we continue to help where we can. Every rescue, every treatment, every recovery, and every successful return to an appropriate natural environment is meaningful to us. We are working step by step to build the resources and facilities needed to help more wildlife in the future.
Our work is simple: help wildlife in need, provide appropriate care, support recovery, and give every animal the best possible chance for a better future.