Saving Laos’ gentle giants

This photo taken on October 13, 2024 shows elephants walking by a pond at the Elephant Conservation Center (ECC) in Sainyabuli province in Laos. Once abundant in the forests of Laos, Asian elephants have been decimated by habitat destruction, gruelling labour in the logging industry, poaching and scarce breeding opportunities. (Photo by TANG CHHIN Sothy / AFP) / To go with 'LAOS-ANIMAL-ELEPHANTS-CONSERVATION,FOCUS' by Stuart GRAHAM

Slow and silent, former logging elephant Mae Khoun Nung emerges from a forest in northern Laos and follows her guide to an animal hospital for a check-up.

Once abundant in the forests of Laos, Asian elephants like her have been decimated by habitat destruction, gruelling labour in the logging industry, poaching and scarce breeding opportunities.