Department of Forestry and Save Elephant Foundation Advance the Establishment of a National Wildlife Rescue Centre to Strengthen CITES Implementation in Lao PDR

Vang Vieng District, Vientiane Province, Lao PDR, 7 June 2026 — The Department of Forestry (DOF), Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE), together with Save Elephant Foundation (Thailand), conducted a joint site visit to the proposed location for the establishment of a National Wildlife Rescue Centre, marking an important milestone in strengthening Lao PDR’s capacity for wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and the implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

The site visit was led by Associate Professor Dr. Somvang Phimmavong, Director General of the Department of Forestry, and Ms. Saengduean “Lek” Chailert, Founder and President of Save Elephant Foundation, accompanied by officials from the Department of Forestry and representatives of the Foundation.

The proposed Wildlife Rescue Centre will be established at Huay Pa Mom, Vang Vieng District, Vientiane Province, and is planned to serve as a national facility for the reception, emergency care, veterinary treatment, rehabilitation and long-term management of confiscated, seized, forfeited and rescued wildlife. The centre will also provide temporary care for injured, orphaned and vulnerable wild animals requiring professional rehabilitation before appropriate long-term placement or release, where feasible and in accordance with national legislation.

The establishment of the Wildlife Rescue Centre forms an integral component of the Government of Lao PDR’s efforts to strengthen the national wildlife management system and enhance compliance with its obligations under CITES. The facility will support law enforcement agencies by providing a dedicated centre for the proper handling and management of wildlife confiscated during enforcement operations, thereby improving animal welfare while preserving valuable evidence required for criminal investigations and judicial proceedings.

In addition to its rescue and rehabilitation functions, the Centre is expected to strengthen veterinary services, quarantine procedures, wildlife health monitoring, animal identification and record management, while providing technical support for conservation programmes, scientific research, wildlife forensic activities and professional training for government officials. The facility will also facilitate cooperation among relevant national authorities and international conservation partners in improving wildlife management standards and promoting best practices.

During the site visit, both parties discussed the proposed layout, infrastructure requirements, operational planning and future technical cooperation for the development of the Centre. The collaboration reflects the shared commitment of the Department of Forestry and Save Elephant Foundation to improving wildlife welfare, strengthening institutional capacity and supporting long-term biodiversity conservation in Lao PDR.

The Department of Forestry emphasized that the establishment of a National Wildlife Rescue Centre represents a major step forward in enhancing the country’s capacity to respond to wildlife crime and manage confiscated wildlife in accordance with international standards. The Centre will contribute to more effective implementation of CITES, strengthen wildlife law enforcement, improve rehabilitation outcomes for rescued wildlife and support Lao PDR’s broader commitment to protecting its rich biodiversity.

The Department of Forestry expresses its appreciation to Save Elephant Foundation for its continued technical partnership and support. Through close cooperation with national agencies and international partners, Lao PDR remains committed to strengthening wildlife governance, combating illegal wildlife trade and ensuring the conservation of wildlife for present and future generations.