Mae Keo Khoun’s journey reflects resilience and hope. Once a logging elephant, she spent many challenging years in heavy labor before being transferred to the Lao Zoo, then primarily a holding facility for animals in Laos.

In 2018, the zoo transformed into the Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife (LCTW), a dedicated rescue center, where Mae Keo Khoun began to receive the care and compassion she needed to heal. In 2023, her journey continued as LCTW entrusted her to the Elephant Conservation Center. Now in Thongmixay, a protected forested area, Mae Keo Khoun lives a near-wild life, foraging, socializing with other elephants, and thriving in a natural habitat.

Her story is a testament to collaboration for animal welfare, and we thank LCTW for their trust and partnership in ensuring Mae Keo Khoun’s freedom and well-being.

History: Mae Champa is a spirited young elephant with a playful nature that shines, especially during bath time, where she eagerly dives underwater, splashing and playing alongside her companions Mae Noy and Mae Boua Ngeun. Her youthful energy brings joy to the herd, and her cheeky personality has started to reveal itself more as she grows, with her sometimes playfully ignoring her mahout’s gentle guidance or even her mother’s watchful eyes. Mae Champa’s lively spirit and natural curiosity make her a delight to observe, and she is full of promise for the future. As she matures, we look forward to her becoming a vital part of our breeding and rewilding programmes, where she can carry forward the legacy of conservation and contribute to the survival of her species.

Thong Khoun spent most of his life working in the logging industry. When the government banned logging, he and his mahout suddenly found themselves without work. He was then rented out to a Chinese tourist camp in Sayaboury province, where he worked as a stud. After two years, the camp shut down, and Thong Khoun, along with other elephants, returned to their villages. We reached out to his owner to see if they would consider including Thong Khoun in our breeding program. Now, he spends most of his time in the forest with female elephants. Thong Khoun is also part of our “male research” project, with the ECC team collecting his fecal samples twice a week to monitor his testosterone and other hormone levels.

History:

This elephant was one of thirteen saved by the Lao government from an illegal trade intended for a Middle Eastern zoo. Just as they were about to board a plane at Vientiane International Airport, an urgent order from the Prime Minister’s office halted the sale, declaring it illegal under Lao law—a historic first. Originally forced into performing degrading circus tricks, she now enjoys a new life of freedom and safety at the ECC.

The Lao government ultimately chose ECC as the only center capable of providing these endangered elephants with the unique care and conservation programs they need. The hope is that through ECC’s breeding program, these elephants will help restore the dwindling elephant population in Laos.

While she once spent her time in solitude, a remarkable friendship bloomed during her journey from Xayaboury to Thongmixay with Mae Bounmy Noy and Mae Kham Peng. Now, they share their days together, and she continues to thrive under our care in Thongmixay district. All 13 rescued elephants are now safe, free from abuse, and protected from illegal traders.

History: Mae Bounmy Nyai, one of 13 elephants rescued from an illegal sale abroad, has a calm and thoughtful gaze that seems to carry the weight of her past. Just as she and the others were about to be flown out of Laos, the Prime Minister intervened, stopping the sale in a historic move to protect the nation’s elephants. Mae Bounmy Nyai is part of the release program, where she is undergoing rewilding alongside the other elephants in the initiative.

History: Mae Seng embodies a solitary and shy nature, characterized by her independence and preference for minimal social interaction. With her distinct dark skin and ears, she stands out among her peers. Her history includes a lengthy period spent in a circus show, where she performed alongside Pai Joun Ban. Despite the years of public performance, she has retained her innate tendency to avoid socialising, choosing instead to explore her surroundings on her own. Her independent spirit is a testament to her resilience and adaptability, making her a unique and fascinating member of the Elephant Conservation Center.

History: Mae Boun Nam was born in Ban Namon Village, Thongmixay District, Sayaboury Province, where she lived with her mother, Mae Thong, and her mahout’s family. Mae Thong had three calves, including a male named Phai Kham Sing, who also resides at the Elephant Conservation Center (ECC).
At the age of 11, Mae Boun Nam began her work in Hongsa District, transporting tourists during forest treks. Due to her young age, she was never involved in logging activities.
Throughout her life, Mae Boun Nam has experienced three pregnancies with mixed outcomes. Her first calf, a healthy male, was sold when he was four years old and now lives at the ECC. Tragically, her second pregnancy ended when she was shot by a frightened farmer, resulting in the loss of her calf. Her third pregnancy in 2013 sadly resulted in a stillbirth.

History: Joum Ban is known for his remarkable gentleness and composed demeanour. Despite his considerable size, he is incredibly kind-hearted and approachable with both males and females in the group. His past includes a significant chapter as part of a casino attraction, where he, alongside Mae Seng, would wait near the stage during performances, allowing visitors to feed them or take pictures.

Since leaving the casino, Joum Ban has adapted exceptionally well to life at the Elephant Conservation Center. He enjoys the company of other males in his bachelor group and often spends time with them, though he also socialises with the female groups. His gentle nature has made him a beloved and respected figure among both elephants and caretakers alike.

History: Boun Pheng hails from Hongsa District, where he worked for many years in the logging industry alongside Thong Khoun. After their time in logging, they transitioned to a construction company in Vientiane for about two years. Unfortunately, the construction company faced financial difficulties, leading the bank to take both elephants as payment for its debts. Unsure of how to handle the situation, the bank reached out to the Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Office (PAFO), the authority responsible for overseeing the captive elephant population in Laos. A PAFO official then contacted our team to see if we would be interested in rescuing the two males. A few months later, Boun Pheng and Thong Khoun arrived at the Elephant Conservation Center (ECC) with their former mahouts and are now valuable members of our breeding programme.

History: Mae Kham Pheng was born in Thongmixay Province and spent her early years working in the logging industry. She was later moved to a tourist camp in Vang Vieng, where she lived and worked alongside her companion Mae Thong Bay for 10 years; both belonged to the same owner. After their time in Vang Vieng, they were relocated briefly to another tourist camp in Luang Prabang. However, Mae Kham Pheng’s partial blindness and Mae Thong Bay’s advancing age made them unsuitable for further work. Wanting a better future for them, their owner decided to sell the pair, ensuring they would not be put back to work. He reached out to the ECC, and Mae Kham Pheng and Mae Thong Bay soon arrived together at the Center, where they have been inseparable ever since. Today, Mae Kham Pheng is part of the ECC’s breeding program and gave birth to Mae Champa in 2020.