Wildlife Alliance Director of Wildlife Programs, Nick Marx, Receives Prestigious Award
OutdoorHub 05.12.14
On May 6, 2014, the Royal Government of Cambodia awarded its prestigious Royal Order of Sahametrei to Wildlife Alliance’s Director of Wildlife Programs, Nick Marx. The ‘Royal Order of Sahametrei’ is given to distinguished individuals for providing outstanding services to the King and the people of Cambodia. This celebrated award recognizes Nick Marx’s exemplary contribution to the field of wildlife conservation. His tireless efforts have revolutionized the rescue, care and rehabilitation of wild animals in Cambodia.
Accepting the award on Tuesday, Nick Marx was deeply humbled and honored. He also expressed immense gratitude to the Royal Government of Cambodia for their continued support and cooperation in wildlife and forest conservation.
As a dedicated conservationist, Nick Marx has devoted his life to saving endangered animals and has been running Wildlife Alliance’s Care for Rescued Wildlife program for over ten years. He oversees the care of over 1,200 animals rescued from the illegal wildlife trade at Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center. He also advises the Wildlife Rapid Rescue Team – Wildlife Alliance’s anti-wildlife trafficking enforcement unit in Cambodia – on dealing with human-animal conflicts, and has helped shape the team’s efforts in curbing the illegal wildlife trade. It is due to Nick’s dedication and commitment that thousands of animals have been given a second chance at life in the wild and Cambodia’s wildlife now has a more secure future.
Recently Nick partnered with the Cambodian Forestry Administration and the Apsara Authority to release a pair of endangered pileated gibbons in the forest surrounding the Angkor Temple Complex in Siem Reap, Cambodia. This new endeavor is the first of its kind in the high-profile World Heritage site and signals a renewed impetus to protect Cambodia’s natural heritage. Receiving the ‘Royal Order of Sahametrei’ substantiates Nick Marx’ long-standing efforts of protecting and providing a safe haven for rescued wildlife and inspires him to continue to dismantle the illegal wildlife trade in Southeast Asia.
