Laos was once known as “Lan Xang,” or the “Land of a Million Elephant,” however current estimates suggest that fewer than 400 elephants now live in the wild here.
Since 1976, Asian elephants have been listed as “Endangered” however, this has not stopped the population decline because of human encroachment into the land on which elephants could once safely roam, industrialization of protected areas, illegal wildlife trade, and degradation of their habitat.
We had the opportunity to visit an elephant conservation project out of Luang Prabang where we were lucky enough to meet 6 of MandaLao’s 14 protected elephants
ranging from 4 to over 60 years of age.
Magical encounters.
Our guide found a cicada shell. A lucky escapee from the plate.
These elephants have spent the majority of their lives working together in logging camps and and low welfare tourist attractions but with new regulations limiting logging operations across Laos, and concern over elephant welfare, MandaLao has been able to offer them a dignified and comfortable life with freedom to roam, plentiful feed and health care when needed.
We started our visit to MandaLao learning about the gruelling environments that the elephants had been rescued from…(mostly tourist riding camps)…and sadly, having ridden elephants on at least 3 occasions in the past I felt pretty culpable.
Snuggling up close.
After crossing the river we reached their protected land, hundreds of hectares, rented from the local community which then provides them with income and a reason not to harm these amazing animals,
Three beautiful elephants came to the river bank where got to feed them bananas and bamboo shoots. (they need more than 150kg of food every day)
Feeding bananas straight into the mouth instead of via the trunk. They have very big fat tongues and only 4 powerful teeth
Andrew scratching this one behind her ears, which she loved.
This one tapped Andrew in the shoulder to request more bananas
Initially a bit nervous we all relaxed after a while. Feeling comfortable enough to pat or stroke the animals.
Humans and elephants then headed into the forest together, walking for around an hour, just chilling with them as they ate and drank.
We marvelled and listened to them as they chatted to each other in their rumbling language, all the while learning more about the environment and these marvellous animals from the guides who accompanied us.
We also tried out the tamarind pulp that turns red with after crushing in your fingers and can be used for lipstick or rouge.
What a privilege to have this opportunity.
Comments
Post a Comment