Protecting Primates, Preserving Culture: Jahoo’s Mission in Cambodia
Jahoo camp inside Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary. Photo credit Tong Len/Jahoo
Located in the remote forests of Mondulkiri, Jahoo is quietly reshaping the conversation around conservation in Cambodia. With a focus on protecting endangered primates and preserving the culture of the Indigenous Bunong community, this community-owned ecotourism initiative has gained recognition far beyond the country’s borders. Having recently made headlines by winning the coveted ‘Planet – Non-profit/Social Enterprise’ category at the EXO Foundation Awards, Cambodia Lifestyle sat down with the team to talk more about their decade-long commitment to sustainable tourism and wildlife protection.
“The win is more than just a trophy, it’s a significant recognition of our team’s relentless hard work in establishing Jahoo as a world-class venue for gibbon conservation and ecotourism. The award highlights our growing role in promoting sustainable gibbon and wildlife watching across Asia—a cause that resonates with people.”
Jahoo’s impact isn’t just about accolades; their commitment to conservation and community has captured hearts worldwide. This was evident when Jahoo also scooped up the ‘People’s Choice’ award under the ‘Planet’ category, racking up an impressive 441 votes.
Why did so many people rally behind Jahoo? According to the team, it’s because their work encompasses more than just wildlife. “Jahoo champions everything from preserving the Indigenous Bunong culture to protecting the habitat of some of the world’s most threatened primates—all through sustainable tourism,” they explain.
Responsible Tourism
Jahoo’s sustainable tourism practices aren’t just buzzwords; they’re tangible actions that prioritize both wildlife and visitors. Tours are capped at seven guests to minimize disturbance to wildlife. When it comes to gibbon watching, Jahoo adheres to strict protocols, allowing only one hour-long tour per day to ensure the critically endangered primates remain undisturbed. These practices follow best-practice guidelines from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), demonstrating that responsible tourism and wildlife protection can go hand in hand.
But running a world-class conservation project in Cambodia hasn’t been without its challenges. As Jahoo’s operations expanded, they faced the delicate task of balancing ecotourism, community development, and conservation research. “All three are interdependent,” they say. “We had to ensure that one area of work didn’t inhibit another.” To achieve this, Jahoo invested in infrastructure, creating a lounge and dining area for guests alongside a dedicated research center for workshops and training.
Guests wildlife-watching in Jahoo. Photo credit Tong Len/Jahoo. Photo credit Senglim Suy/Jahoo
Community Conservation
At the core of Jahoo’s success is its partnership with the local community of Andong Kraloeng. Unlike many conservation initiatives that treat communities as passive beneficiaries, Jahoo places them front and center. “The local community isn’t just a beneficiary; they are full partners in Jahoo,” the team emphasizes.
One of the standout initiatives is the Gibbon Fund. Every guest booking includes a $30 donation to this community-managed fund, which has raised over $50,000 since 2017. The money goes toward a range of community development projects, from supporting elderly residents to funding ceremonies and cultural events.
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“It’s about more than just wildlife conservation,” the team says. “It’s about safeguarding the culture and identity of the Indigenous Bunong people while ensuring that their ancestral home remains a thriving ecosystem.”
Adult female Southern yellow-cheeked crested gibbon with her five month old infant. Photo credit Moeurk Hong/Jahoo
A Milestone in Conservation
Last year, Jahoo achieved a significant milestone by expanding its area of protection to 700 hectares—a critical habitat for the endangered Southern yellow-cheeked crested gibbon. This expansion wasn’t just a bureaucratic exercise; it was a community-led effort that involved biodiversity monitoring and scout activities to ensure the land remains a sanctuary for wildlife.
Visitors to Jahoo aren’t just passive spectators; they become part of this conservation story. Guided by local Indigenous Bunong guides, tours take a slow-paced, immersive approach. Guests learn to identify medicinal plants, spot colorful invertebrates, and understand each species’ role in the ecosystem. It’s an experience that leaves visitors with a deeper appreciation of the natural world—and the vital importance of preserving it.
Looking Ahead
Jahoo isn’t resting on its laurels. The team has big plans for the future, including the construction of an en-suite family hut using locally sourced bamboo and grass to minimize environmental impact. They’re also introducing new experiences, such as nocturnal wildlife walking safaris, aimed at enhancing the guest experience and deepening their connection with the forest.
“We want to continue elevating our guests’ experience while staying true to our core mission of conservation and community empowerment,” they say.
Get Involved
For those inspired by Jahoo’s work, the best way to support them is simple: visit. “Our 1, 2, or 3-day tours offer a chance to experience the incredible wildlife Cambodia has to offer while learning about the rich culture of the Bunong people,” the team shares. “By visiting, you’re directly supporting our efforts to safeguard both the community and the critical habitat of some of the world’s most threatened species.”
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As a final message to their supporters, the Jahoo team expressed gratitude for the overwhelming vote of confidence. “Thank you for showing that wildlife-based tourism has a place in Cambodia. Initiatives like Jahoo can respect the values of Indigenous communities, empower local leadership, and conserve the environment simultaneously.”
Indeed, Jahoo is a testament to what community-led conservation can achieve. It’s not just about protecting endangered species; it’s about preserving a way of life, a culture, and a future where humans and wildlife coexist harmoniously.
For more information on Jahoo and how to book, check out the website and experience world-class wildlife and gibbon conservation.
Indigenous people’s day parade in Andong Kraloeng supported by the Gibbon Fund. Photo credit Tong Len/Jahoo
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Author: Tom Starkey
Tom Starkey is an International Development graduate from Sussex University with 12-years of experience across 4 continents, Tom's goal is that he wants to showcase his love for Cambodia, where he lives, works and now happily calls home.
