Laos plans elephant festival next month

Vientiane, Laos - Laos is to host an elephant festival next month in an effort to promote local appreciation of the endangered species, state media reports said Monday. The 2010 Elephant Festival, with 50 pachyderms in attendance, is scheduled for February 20-21 in Viengkeo village, Hongsa district, Sayabouly province, the Vientiane Times reported.

"The festival is a significant way to let local people and visitors learn about the plight of the endangered species," said Gilles Maurer, manager of ElefantAsia, the Laos-based conservation organization behind the annual event.

"This year we are also collaborating with the Lao Illegal Wildlife Trafficking Campaign in order to highlight the need to protect the nation's species from extinction," he added.

This will be Laos' fourth elephant festival since the event was first held in 2007.

Activities will include elephant processions, bathing, rides, ceremonies, a logging demonstration, treks and an Elephant of the Year competition.

Source: Earth Times.
Link: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/305583,laos-plans-elephant-festival-next-month.html.