WORKING TO IMPROVE THE WELFARE OF ASIAN ELEPHANTS IN LAO PDR
TRACY BROOKSHAW / ElefantAsia
Tusker Times... October 2011 Edition Announcement of Lao Elephant Festival 2012 With the dark nights starting to draw in, it is only natural to start dreaming of your next getaway..... we bet you can feel the sand between your toes already. But what about exploring your adventurous side and doing something a little different? Take one week out of your hectic schedule and come to Lane Xang or the ‘Land of a Million Elephants’ and join Lao’s largest and most ellie-brated pachyderm party! You’ve rocked the music festivals, had your fill of the full moon parties, but how many festivals have you attended that worship an endangered animal? The 2012 Elephant Festival will span three days: 17th, 18th & 19th of February held in the city of Sayaboury. Although the drive from Lao’s capital city Vientiane may not be for the fainthearted, Green Discovery Laos are here to take the stress out of the journey or convenient flights are available flying directly between Vientiane and Sayaboury. Take the opportunity to indulge your love for elephants by extending your stay and visiting the newly established Elephant Conservation Center in Sayaboury. You could even push the boat out with a detour to the beautiful World Heritage city of Luang Prabang which is just three short hours away from the festivals location. Sayaboury is in the province of Sayaboury, a region of Laos steeped in domesticated elephant worship and folklore. Up to 60 elephants will be attending the 2012 festival. If you haven’t been to a previous elephant festival, check our photos here to see what you’ve been missing! Things to expect include elephant processions, ancient baci ceremonies, elephant rides, bathing in the river and food offerings. Stay in either a guesthouse or directly support the local community by choosing an authentic homestay, the best and only way to experience real life in Laos.
CEPF Ecosystem Profile Update Process Stakeholder Consultation Workshop, Laos Communications Consultant, Tracy Brookshaw represented ElefantAsia at the Laos workshop held by donors Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) in August. The workshop was specifically designed to update the CEPF Ecosystem profile for the Indo-Burma Hotspot as a guide for potential future investment in the region by funders interested in engaging civil society in bioversity conversation. Significant workshop outcomes for Laos included; identification of additional threats to biodiversity (since the last consultation process in 2003) such as hydropower, climate change; a shift in donor funding leaning towards projects involving major climate change components; Priority Species identified for CEPFs next round of funding in 2013 were a selection of cats, ungulates, primates and of course, the Elephas maximus. Trunks up to that!
TRACY BROOKSHAW / ElefantAsia
Keep an ELEPHANT SIZED EAR out for news on the 2012 Elephant Festival website www.laoelephantfestival.com
With wild and captive Asian elephant populations declining across the Lao PDR, all new baby jumbos born in Lane Xang or ‘the Land of a Million Elephants are cause for major celebration, however ElefantAsia is presently awaiting one very special delivery at their newly developed Elephant Conservation Center. Situated on the banks of the Nam Tien lake, ElefantAsia has created a tranquil natural retreat for pregnant and nursing elephants, as well as the occasional ambling traveller. The first of its kind in Laos, the Elephant Conservation Center encompasses an elephant hospital and laboratory, elephant nursery, botanical gardens and ecotourism facilities in 106 hectares of undisturbed natural elephant habitat in Sayaboury province. With marked reduction in reproduction within captive populations primarily due to the financial implications of breeding and subsequent loss of income during pregnancy and nursing, together with a growing demand for captive elephants within the logging industry and tourism sectors, temptation to illegally capture and tame wild elephants is significantly increased. ElefantAsia’s concept works to alleviate such pressure by combining the conservation of the Asian elephant and ecotourism: thus creating a unique opportunity for elephants and tourists alike. Introduction of the Conservation Center’s elephant breeding programme will work to promote an increase in numbers within captive populations, whilst free veterinary care available to mothers and babies throughout pregnancy and nursing, as well as other domesticated elephants needing medical attention will ensure the health and wellbeing of elephant populations within the province.
Mae Boungn or and her one year old baby
nt of new phants in fro Resident ele tion accommoda
DUFFILLOT / ElefantAsia
Whilst the Center will be open for visitors later this year, several elephants have already settled into their new abode, these include Mae Boungnor and her one year old baby, and pregnant Mae Thongkhoun. Freely translated to ‘Precious Gold’, Mae Thongkhoun is 21 months pregnant and expected to give birth this month, for ElefantAsia this will mark the first of hopefully many successful new babies born at the Conservation Center and be cause for a double ellie-bration as the organisation works toward the Centers’ opening.
SEBASTIEN
Visitors to the Conservation Center staying one day through to a whole month will not only support the conservation of the Asian elephant, but have opportunity to observe this magnificent species in their natural environment, while also sharing the life of the Mahout and learning the basics of this age old craft.
Daily exerc ise at Center
Be the first to visit our Elephant Conservation Center! See our website for details.
Jumbo Stocking Fillers Tired of giving the same old, same old..... socks and smellies! With Christmas just around the corner why not shake things up a little this festive season and give an unique gift that keeps giving. Thrill your family and friends by adopting an elephant on their behalf or supporting the Elephant Conservation Center’s elephant breeding programme. Check out our ElephantShop for our range of products including our newly published book ‘32 Souls’. All purchases will support elephant conservation in Laos. Payment can be made through our secure PayPal system.
Final word... Again, the ElefantAsia team would like to extend a trumpet of thanks and gratitude to all our friends and supporters. Relying totally on private donations, the Asian elephants of Laos would be in a far worse situation if it wasn’t for kindhearted individuals and organisations supporting us. Anything you can give, including second-hand veterinary equipment is hugely appreciated. You can offer donations at our secure donations page.
Khop chai lai lai (thank you very much) from Laos!
CHECK OUT OUR FACEBOOK PAGES ElefantAsia Elephant Conservation Center
WWF.PANDA.ORG
ElefantAsia, PO Box 3804 Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic www.elefantasia.org