Laos Donates Two Elephants to Cambodia to Strengthen Conservation Effortsùm
On May 12, 2024, a special ceremony took place at the Phnom Tamao Zoological, Forest and Botanical Garden to mark the official handover of two young elephants from Laos to Cambodia. This symbolic gesture aims to strengthen the relationship between the neighboring countries and contribute to the conservation of endangered elephants.
A Symbolic and Ecological Donation
Laotian Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Linkham Douangsavanh, personally handed over a pair of elephants, one male and one female, to his Cambodian counterpart, H.E. Dith Tina. “I am confident that this pair of elephants will live peacefully in Cambodia, which shares the same traditions as Laos since ancient times,” stated Linkham Douangsavanh.
These young elephants, aged three years and seven months for the male and three years and nine months for the female, were gifted by Laotian President Thongloun Sisoulith to Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni during a recent state visit.
A 2000-Kilometer Journey
Named Champa and Rumduol, after the national flowers of Laos and Cambodia, these elephants were transported nearly 2000 kilometers from Xayaburi province in Laos to Takeo province in Cambodia. They were warmly received by Cambodian authorities, who see this donation as a strong symbol of friendship and solidarity between the two nations.
Historical and Cultural Significance of Elephants
Cambodian Minister Dith Tina emphasized the historical importance of elephants in both countries. These majestic animals have played crucial roles in transportation, temple construction, and even in warfare. Today, however, elephants face threats worldwide, making this donation even more valuable. The Asian elephant is listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Cambodian law prohibits the hunting and domestication of elephants, highlighting the importance of this conservation effort.
Photo by Thmey Thmey
A New Home for Champa and Rumduol
Cambodia is currently home to between 400 and 600 wild elephants and 75 in captivity. This donation will not only enrich the elephant population but also aid in the preservation of this endangered species. In recognition of this gesture, the Cambodian Ministry of Agriculture has prepared a special enclosure at the Phnom Tamao Zoo, equipped with a pond suited to the biological needs of the elephants. Champa and Rumduol will be cared for by two Laotian mahouts for six months, in collaboration with local staff.
A Warm Welcome at Phnom Tamao
Phnom Tamao already houses four elephants: two females, Lucky (25 years) and Chamroeun (35 years), and two males, Chouk (18 years) and Sakor (32 years). The new arrivals will join this small community and receive the same attentive care.
This donation of elephants marks a significant step in the relationship between Laos and Cambodia, while emphasizing both nations’ commitment to protecting and preserving Asian elephants.
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Author: Tom Starkey
Tom Starkey is an International Development graduate from Sussex University with 12-years of experience across 4 continents, Tom's goal is that he wants to showcase his love for Cambodia, where he lives, works and now happily calls home.
