A Conservation Experience Like No Other: An Interview with Alicia Northcott of Wildlife Alliance
Cambodia Lifestyle caught up with Alicia Northcott, Coordinator of the Wildlife Conservation and Awareness team at Wildlife Alliance, to discuss her role in connecting people with Cambodia’s unique wildlife. Through the Phnom Tamao Behind-the-Scenes Tour, Wildlife Alliance not only rescues and cares for animals but also inspires visitors to engage with conservation efforts in Cambodia.
For Alicia, her journey with Wildlife Alliance began in June 2019, after she fell in love with Cambodia while traveling in the region. Since then, she has dedicated herself to conservation, ensuring the smooth running of the Phnom Tamao Behind-the-Scenes Tour, organizing conservation education outreach programs for Phnom Penh’s international schools, and developing engaging content to promote Wildlife Alliance’s programs. “It’s an honor to provide people with once-in-a-lifetime experiences multiple times a week,” Alicia says. “On our tour, guests can connect ethically with nature and conservation in Cambodia on a deep level.”
The Behind-the-Scenes Tour at Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre (PTWRC) has been operational for nearly 12 years. Originally created to provide sustainable funding for the care of over 1,300 animals rescued from the illegal wildlife trade, the tour has raised more than $1.5 million to date. Alicia explains, “Before the tour, the majority of our funding was tied into grants. The nature of rescue centers is that you cannot predict the events of the year; therefore, being funded only through grants is unsustainable.”
Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre is the only facility of its kind in Cambodia, serving as a permanent home for animals unsuitable for release and a temporary haven for those undergoing rehabilitation. Each year, over 200,000 visitors explore the center to see rescued wildlife and learn about conservation efforts. The Behind-the-Scenes Tour takes this experience further, offering guests unparalleled access to Cambodia’s most extraordinary species.
Visitors can feed two friendly female elephants, watch positive-reinforcement training as keepers change the prosthetic foot of Chhouk, the youngest elephant at the center, and safely view tigers up close through protective barriers. The day ends with an unforgettable visit to the nursery, where guests interact with a lively troupe of baby monkeys. “Our tour offers experiences guests won’t find anywhere else,” Alicia shares proudly. She also emphasizes the tour’s ethical integrity, noting that 100% of proceeds go directly to the care of the rescued animals.
Beyond its role as a rescue center, PTWRC supports the local community by employing over 200 staff members, from animal caretakers to support teams. It also contributes to the local economy, with small businesses and restaurants catering to visitors. “Phnom Tamao is a magical place for nationals and foreigners alike to experience and learn about the incredible array of Cambodian wildlife,” Alicia says.
The program has received international recognition, including nine TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards, and Alicia is optimistic about the future. With the upcoming launch of the new Phnom Penh airport and the Bakong App making travel more accessible, she hopes even more visitors will discover the center’s vital conservation work.
Reflecting on her time in Cambodia, Alicia says, “I fell in love with Cambodia when I was traveling here in 2018. For the past five years, I’ve been lucky to work with amazing colleagues and live in the vibrant city of Phnom Penh.”
To experience this incredible conservation effort for yourself, visit Wildlife Alliance’s website or contact the team directly:
- Email: wildlifetourspt@wildlifealliance.org
- Text/Call/WhatsApp/Telegram: +855 95 970 175
Embark on a Behind-the-Scenes Tour of Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre and take part in an unforgettable journey that supports Cambodia’s wildlife conservation.
 | Cambodia |
 | https://www.wildlifealliance.org/wildlife-phnom-tamao/ |
 | +855 95 970 175 |
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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.
