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Podcast Episode

Frenchwoman buys elephants from abusive owners in Laos

Down to Earth··6 October 2026·4 min

About this episode

Once known as "The Land of a Million Elephants", only an estimated 800 elephants remain in Laos, as deforestation and exploitation push the species closer than ever to the brink of extinction. Despite the dwindling numbers, a Frenchwoman has made it her mission to give ageing elephants a new home, buying them from their abusive owners. Our France 2 colleagues report, with FRANCE 24's Andrew Hilliar.