Luang Prabang, Sept. 9 -- India-based wildlife conservation organisation Vantara and Mandalao Elephant Conservation have launched a new programme aimed at strengthening elephant welfare, veterinary care and conservation in Laos.

The initiative, formalised through a memorandum of understanding between the two organisations, will expand veterinary services, provide retirement and lifelong care for elephants in need, and support efforts to protect Laos' declining wild elephant population.

Laos, historically known as Lan Xang, or the "Land of a Million Elephants", is now estimated to have about 400 wild elephants and more than 400 elephants in captivity.

Both populations face significant challenges. Wild elephants are threatened by habitat...