August has been an eventful month at Mekong Elephant Park, filled with moments of celebration and challenges overcome.
Looking Back on World Elephant Day – August 12
On August 12, for World Elephant Day, we took time to reflect on the journey of our residents — rescued from the logging and mass tourism industries — and on the promise we make to them every single day: the promise of a fairer, safer future.
By providing elephants with a space where they can live freely, socialize, and rediscover their natural behaviors — without constraint or exploitation — we demonstrate that another model is not only possible but essential.
This day is also a moment to look beyond the park’s borders.
- In Laos, fewer than 700 elephants remain today, wild and domesticated combined — an alarming figure given that there were thousands only a few decades ago. Poaching, the gradual loss of their natural habitat, exploitation for logging and mass tourism, as well as difficulties with reproduction, all threaten their long-term survival.
- Worldwide, the situation is just as concerning: the Asian elephant population has dropped below 50,000, and the African elephant population below 400,000. Since the 1980s, populations have fallen by 70% and could disappear by the 2040s if nothing changes.
Both species face critical threats that differ slightly: poaching affects African elephants more severely, while habitat loss impacts Asian elephants the most.
Everywhere, the question remains the same: how can we balance human presence with the survival of these giants while respecting their basic needs?
At the Mekong Elephant Park, we believe the key lies in preserving their natural habitat. It is impossible to protect elephants without protecting the environment they depend on, and this must be our priority. We purchase land, plant trees, and eliminate poaching in the protected area we are constantly working to expand.
Of course, this goes hand in hand with awareness and education, so that everyone can work together in the same direction before it’s too late.
This reminds us of the role and importance of APEEL, the NGO that helps us protect the forest and its inhabitants.
APEEL – Association for the Protection of the Elephant Ecosystem in Laos – works to preserve Asian elephants by protecting their natural environment and involving local communities, since their survival depends directly on this balance.
And because action also means celebration, we chose to mark this symbolic date with a special buffet for our elephants, filled with their favorite treats. From juicy fruits to sugarcane and banana trunks, each one enjoyed the moment — and together we shared a joyful and moving occasion, reminding us that every rescued elephant, every acre of forest preserved, counts in this global fight.
If you too would like to take part in this mission and offer your support, every contribution makes a difference.
A Story That Goes Further
This celebration was also the opportunity to highlight, through an immersive video report, the daily life and mission of the Mekong Elephant Park.
The film introduces Wendy, our passionate spokesperson, who explains our goals: recreating a natural environment, encouraging socialization, reuniting elephant families, and inviting visitors to slow down and observe the animals at their own pace. The images also reveal the unique bond between elephants and their mahouts — a relationship built on respect and trust — as well as the challenges still ahead, such as the fight against deforestation.
Created with the invaluable support of Juliette and Gaël, this video perfectly reflects our daily commitment and our desire to raise awareness among a growing audience about the importance of harmonious coexistence between humans and elephants.
Resilience in the Face of the Elements – After Typhoon Wipha
This August was also marked by the recent passage of Typhoon Wipha, which severely affected several regions of Laos, especially the north of the country. The days that followed once again revealed the resilience of the Lao people: rebuilding homes, repairing roads, supporting neighbors… all without electricity or running water, yet always with a profound spirit of solidarity.
We were fortunate that our team and elephants remained safe, and we sincerely thank everyone who sent their thoughts and support.
On the material side, the damage is more significant.
- The day enclosure was heavily damaged and is now out of service, requiring the purchase of a new electric control box.
- The night enclosure suffered a major landslide that destroyed part of the structure as well as the gate.
- Several bridges, paths, and stairways were also washed away during the sudden flooding of a park river.
- Even the natural pool in the river is now nothing more than a pile of stones.
Despite this, the team worked tirelessly to make the park accessible again as quickly as possible. While some repairs cannot be completed until after the rainy season, temporary solutions are already in place. As we wait for materials to arrive from Thailand, the elephants have not yet realized that the fences are no longer electrified; the heightened vigilance of their mahouts ensures safety at all times.
Thanks to collective energy and the support we have received, we move forward with confidence and determination. Yet, we would still need a little of your help to repair the remaining damage. By taking part in rebuilding our fences, you will make a real difference in ensuring the elephants’ safety and well-being — every contribution brings us closer to restoring their facilities as quickly as possible.
Wallpaper of the Month
To close this intense month on a note of serenity, we are offering our August wallpaper: “Bath in the Mekong.” A suspended moment where water, light, and tranquility come together, reflecting the peace we wish for all our residents.
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