Elephant Park

who we are

The Elephant XL Camp near Xieng Lom village was established in 2003 to protect the Asian elephants in Laos. As the forests disappear, the elephants which used to help with logging can become neglected. Our aim is to give these elephants a brighter future. So far six elephants have been freed from logging work and given a new home in the park. Experienced mahouts (elephant keepers) and vets help the elephants adapt to their new environment, with sick or older elephants receiving special attention.

what we do

Our project gives the elephants a more comfortable retirement by providing professional medical care, nutritious food, caring staff and a natural environment. It also provides jobs to local people and supports the community, as well as helping to support rural development out of Luang Prabang. Most importantly, our project provides both communities and local businesses with an example of sustainable tourism and how to successfully link conservation with tourism.

As well as protecting the Asian elephant, all tours benefit the communities in the area. Guides, cooks, mahouts and maintenance staff at the Elephant Park come from the surrounding villages. We have also funded the construction of the community's water supply and profits from the project help fund the nearby Xieng Lom School. In the future, the Project plans to convert elephant dung into biogas, fertilizer and even paper.

The Elephant Park Project is located 15km out of Luang Prabang town, on the banks of the Nam Khan River.