Rosewood Phnom Penh Partners with Wildlife Alliance to Showcase ‘Lucky’ the Elephant’s Bold and Beautiful Paintings

Elephants have been an important part of Khmer life, culture and art for millennia, but today these magnificent creatures are at risk of disappearing from Cambodian jungles. As a passionate supporter of the arts, environment and local community, Rosewood Phnom Penh is proud to announce its latest exhibition, “Lucky Goes to Rosewood”, which will feature the remarkable artwork of Lucky, an elephant rescued from illegal trafficking who has a unique talent for painting.

Curated in partnership with Wildlife Alliance, a leading organization striving to protect endangered species and combat climate change by planting new forests, the exhibition seeks to celebrate the beauty of Cambodia’s wildlife while raising awareness about illegal trafficking and habitat degradation. Experts believe between only 500 and 1,000 wild Asian elephants remain in Cambodia. Without intervention and support from groups like Wildlife Alliance, deforestation and ivory poaching will continue to threaten their habitats, health and existence in the wild.

Visitors will be awed and inspired by Lucky’s uplifting artwork, which can be experienced in person from September 28 to October 28, 2022 at the hotel’s gallery on level 35. The exceptionally talented 23-year-old elephant, who lives at the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre (PTWRC), also has a heartwarming story of recovery, affection and empowerment. In 1999, when she was just six months old, the orphaned calf was discovered alone in the jungles of Koh Kong and taken to safety before traffickers could capture her.

PTWRC’s head keeper, Try Sitheng, slowly nurtured Lucky back to health, going so far as to bottle-feed her for two years and even sleep beside her in a hammock to make the young calf feel safe. In time, Try introduced Lucky to painting – a hobby that brings the elephant joy and helps her cope with the trauma she experienced when she was young.

“Lucky’s artwork underlines the importance of protecting Cambodia’s wild animals and forests,” says Dr. Suwanna Gauntlett, CEO of Wildlife Alliance “Her brilliant, emotive paintings also reveal the loving relationships humans and animals can have when interacting in safe, healthy environments. Wildlife Alliance hopes the artwork will help future generations to see these exquisite animals – some of which are close to extinction – and learn more about the illegal wildlife trade. With greater understanding, hopefully, illegal trafficking will diminish.”

The elephant’s vivid brushstrokes and lively, warm personality have turned her into the star ambassador of PTWRC, which rehabilitates all types of animals, from Asian elephants to tigers, gibbons, otters, birds and more. The sprawling, 6,000-acre sanctuary is home to over 1,400 beautiful creatures and is also part of a vast regenerative forest project run by the Cambodian Forestry Administration in partnership with Wildlife Alliance.

“Groups like PTWRC and Wildlife Alliance play a vital role in sharing these messages and advancing Cambodia’s conservation efforts,” “Supporting groups such as these is central to Rosewood’s DNA. Through our Rosewood Impacts program, we aim to inspire, enrich and positively impact people and the planet. We measure that impact in part through Rosewood Sustains, our commitment to protecting our environment for future generations. We are proud to support PTWRC and Wildlife Alliance and do our part to build a brighter future for all of Cambodia.”

Daniel Simon, Managing Director of Rosewood Phnom Penh

“Lucky Goes to Rosewood” will be showcased from September 28 to October 28, 2022 at the Rosewood Phnom Penh Art Gallery on the hotel’s 35th floor. The exhibition is free to the public and open 24 hours daily. Proceeds from painting sales will benefit the food and healthcare of all PTWRC’s rescued animals.