As dawn broke over Luang Prabang, a sense of tranquility enveloped the town. We awoke to the soft sounds of nature, taking a much-needed moment for wellness and reflection. This wellness time allowed us to take an adventure of our own choosing. Class 53 chose to schedule an optional hike in the morning to Phousi Hill, a small mountain in the center of Luang Prabang nestled between the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers. Phou Si, which means “sacred hill,” is about 328 feet high and provides breathtaking 360-degree views of Luang Prabang, the two rivers, and the forested mountains.
We commenced our hike on the first of 355 steps up the mountain. As we climbed, we saw a display of golden-colored Buddhas in several symbolic hand or body gestures known as mudras. We witnessed the Buddha holding an alms bowl, a Buddha image in the calling for rain mudra, a Buddha in the meditation mudra sheltered by the hood of the multi-headed serpent Mucalinda, and many more. As you reach the summit, you come across a golden pagoda topped with a 7-tiered parasol, built by a King named Anourat in 1804. It seems everywhere you trek in Laos you’ll be steeped in rich history and splendor.
As you make your way to the ledge, you are mesmerized by the beautiful city tucked into the mountains of Luang Prabang. The mighty Mekong River flows to the north of the city, and the bustling town below is waking up. While watching the panoramic views of the city, you could hear the life of the city come alive. The sounds of cars, tuk-tuks, and motorcycles echo between the streets, while the smell of coffee, tea, and pastries engulfs the air, accompanied by the laughter and play of school children. Viewing the beautiful city of Luang Prabang awakening from its slumber on our last full day was a perfect moment of reflection for our class. We have experienced enriching learning and moments of awe and wonder in this city filled with beautiful people of Laos who are kind, generous, and welcome you with a warm smile and kind “Sabaidee.”
After our peaceful morning and beautiful hike, we set off to the Mandalao Elephant Conservation Center, our hearts eager for the adventure that lay ahead. The journey through the lush Lao jungle was mesmerizing, each twist and turn revealing the vibrant greens and earthy tones of this enchanting landscape. Upon arriving at the conservation center, we were greeted by the passionate caretakers of this cause. We received a background lesson on the need for elephant conservation, the history of the specie and the leadership lessons learned from those who risked boldly to engage in this work. Here, we learned that these majestic creatures played a crucial role in Lao culture and development, a testament to their strength and significance in this region.
After a boat ride across a nearby river we were greeted by gentle giants themselves—elephants. You could feel the class collectively gasp as we laid eyes on these beautiful artifacts of creation. In Lao culture, elephants are believed to possess the same 32 spirits as humans, embodying a shared destiny to do good in the world. It was a reminder of the deep connection between humans and elephants, a bond that has persisted through the ages. Not a one of us would have dared disbelieve the connection is profound and grounded in a relationship to the cosmos. It defies description.
As we immersed ourselves in the experience, we discovered fascinating facts about these animals. Did you know that an elephant can consume up to 700 pounds of food daily? Yet, they only digest half of it. This high-fiber diet results in a unique byproduct which the conservation center cleverly repurposes to produce methane gas for cooking and as a material for paper. The center works with local farmers to supply feedstuffs for the elephants in a model of symbiosis. For example, highland rice farmers adjacent to the farm encourage the elephants to graze in their fields post-harvest, eliminating the need to burn the rice stocks and enhancing the fertilizer content of the soil in one fell swoop. These sustainable practices aim to support self-sufficient farming, allowing both elephants and the local population to thrive.
The conservation center was a sanctuary for many rescued elephants, a place where they could heal and learn to survive in the wild. We learned about the center’s mission to increase the wild elephant population, a noble endeavor initiated by dedicated individuals since the 1980s. Once known as “The Kingdom of a Million Elephants”, the pachyderm population in Laos had plummeted from over a million to just 800, with only 300 of those living freely in the wild. Those in captivity are subject to horrific conditions- the stuff of nightmares, to be honest. These stark, sobering realities fueled our commitment to learn about and support Mandalao’s cause.
After taking a boat across the river, we had the chance to feed the elephants bananas and sugar cane. Their gentle, curious nature made the interaction unforgettable. We then hiked deeper into the dense jungle, accompanied by these magnificent creatures as we guided them back to their natural habitat, a symbolic act of restoration and hope.
In that moment, surrounded by the beauty of the Lao jungle and the presence of these powerful creatures, we felt a profound connection to the mission at hand- to use the resources at our disposal to do something meaningful; to make a difference in whatever way we each can. Today was a day filled with learning, compassion, and a renewed sense of purpose, one that reminded us of the importance of preserving not just elephants, but truly caring for the innocent in every extraordinary part of the world.
As we reflect on our journey, it becomes clear that our experiences extend far beyond our immediate surroundings. The connection between humans and elephants at the Mandalao Elephant Conservation Center underscores our shared responsibility to protect the natural world. Leadership at Mandalao Elephant Conservation is a powerful example of vision and ethical commitment transforming an industry. Founded by two passionate Americans and a Thai elephant biologist, the center embodies a leadership approach rooted in compassion, sustainability, and conviction. The founder’s conservation-driven vision set the foundation, seeing in Mandalao the potential to redefine human-elephant interaction through education and community involvement. Through their innovative partnership, they forged a path for Mandalao that not only rescues elephants from exploitation but also offers visitors a humane, immersive experience. Their leadership exemplifies how integrity and a clear mission can inspire change, creating a sanctuary that stands as a beacon of ethical conservation in Laos. Their work is catching on, with similar efforts being replicated in other parts of Southeast Asia, demonstrating to us that local actions can lead to global change.
The key takeaway for us is that true leadership inspires collective action, fostering a community-driven movement for change. By prioritizing education and community engagement, leaders empower others with the knowledge and tools to advocate for something better, creating ripples of positive impact that extend far beyond the initial vision. When leaders invest in people, they build a foundation where individuals feel equipped and motivated to contribute to a shared mission, resulting in a lasting legacy of collaboration, progress, and ethical stewardship.
Ultimately, our time in Laos has deepened our appreciation for the interconnected, delicate balance of life and the vital role we can all play in preserving it. Let us carry these lessons forward, fostering a world where we can all thrive alongside one another. Moreover, the conservation center is the true epitome of conviction. The importance of true conviction is essential for leaders to possess when they set out to foster change regarding injustices in the world. Together with care, conviction, and unity- leaders can move earth and rock to generate everlasting change for future generations to come.
With gratitude and conviction,
Ariana, Taj, Tomas and Class 53
One Response
I love that you all bought those pants! When I see them, I think about traveling through SE Asia.