Mae Noy

History: This elephant was part of a herd rescued from illegal trade with a Middle Eastern zoo, integrated into our rewilding program, and released to Nam Pouy NPA in 2019 with three other elephants. She is now thriving and closely monitored by our ranger team through GPS trackers and forest monitoring. The rescue occurred just before the elephants were to be transported from Vientiane International Airport, following an unprecedented order from the Prime Minister’s office declaring the sale illegal under Lao law. Originally trained to perform degrading circus tricks, she now enjoys life among our herd at the ECC. All 13 rescued elephants are now free from abuse and illegal traders. The government chose the ECC as the only facility in Laos providing adequate conditions for this endangered species, thanks to its unique welfare and conservation program. Through the ECC’s breeding program, we hope these elephants will help regenerate Laos’s declining elephant population.