Beloved Elephant Sakor Dies at Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center

Sakor, a well-known and beloved elephant at Cambodia's Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center, has died following a brief illness. The 34-year-old male elephant passed away on September 22 after veterinary teams were unable to treat severe abdominal swelling despite their best efforts.

A Life Shaped by Human-Wildlife Conflict

Sakor was originally from Botum Sakor National Park in Koh Kong province. He was relocated to the rescue center in 2012 after repeated conflicts with local farmers. According to the center, the transfer was necessary to protect both nearby residents and travellers from potential danger.

In the years since his arrival, Sakor became a cherished member of the center's elephant herd. He was particularly known for his close bond with a female elephant named Chamroeun, with whom he lived peacefully.

Tributes and Remembrances

Staff and management at the center voiced their deep sorrow at the loss, extending gratitude to the veterinarians, animal keepers, and everyone else who helped care for Sakor throughout his life.

The Airavata Elephant Foundation also paid tribute, noting that Sakor's name was derived from Botum Sakor National Park — with "Sakor" meaning "sea" in the Khmer language. The foundation highlighted how Sakor's story illustrated the ongoing challenges of human-wildlife coexistence in Cambodia.

Autopsy Planned

An autopsy has been scheduled to establish the exact cause of Sakor's death.