The Cambodian Wildlife Sanctuary is a couple of hours drive from Siem Reap. On arriving we were shown around the area by Chet who would be leading us during our stay, our accommodation which was totally different from the Elephant Nature Park was quite airy as you can see below. This really meant we were at one with nature as the days that followed were going to show. The toilets were in a toilet block just beside the hut alongside the showers.
Chet told us that it was a bucket shower and asked if we knew how to use one. We went "Oooh a bucket shower, no." So he opened the shower door and we saw a bucket and a tap. Ah, now it was clear, basically you chuck a bucket of water over your head.
We were basically set to work straightaway which pleased David as he wanted to be more hands on and active than at the Elephant Nature Park. Our first job was to help rebuild the dam which had been partly washed away the night before, due to very heavy rains. This involved us filling sandbags and putting them into position to create the dam wall. The sandbags were very heavy and it was hard work in the afternoon sun. Unlike the elephant park there were only three volunteers for the week, but we did have help from staff at the sanctuary which includes rangers and soldiers.
Filling the sandbags
The water is usually at chest level so you can see how far it has gone down. This is where one of the elephant comes to have a bath, so the water level needs to be higher.
After doing this we headed back to the main area and washed the melons to feed the elephants. On the way to the sanctuary we had stopped at a roadside fruit seller, our driver jumped out , priced and checked the melons then bought them all! She was pleased and amazed, and wondered why we needed so many. An early finish for her as all her stock was sold out.
There are only two elephants at the park at the moment as it is still in the process of being set up. This was the end of our work for that day so it was time for our first bucket shower before tea.
After an interesting night of listening to crickets, frogs , roosters (who can't tell the time) ducks and geckos, who make a lively sound we were ready for the next day. After breakfast our first job was to feed the monkeys. It didn't get off to a good start on entering the first cage one of the monkeys took a dislike to me, jumped on me and took a bite, nothing major , didn't break the skin but it was obviously saying clear off. David on the other hand made many friends.
This gibbon was lovely so gentle.
This is Nan she looks after the monkeys.
David tickling the gibbon's tummy which made them both smile.
Straight after this we headed off to rescue a monkey which had been spotted living in horrible conditions a couple of weeks earlier. It was tied to a post close to the Thailand border, after discussions had taken place with its owner it was going to be brought to the sanctuary to live.
Here is the monkey tied to its post and then in its transportation cage. The rescue was very straight forward, easy and friendly. The monkey is now at the sanctuary but will not be joining the other monkeys until he finishes his time in quarantine.
After dinner we went up to check on the dam to see if it had held, thankfully it had and the water was already starting to fill up. Then along came one of the elephants for a scrub. Great fun was had by all!
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