Good news for Laos' wildlife

A country that was once called the land of the million elephants has now literarily eaten up a lot of it's wildlife, turned wild elephants into logging machines and monkeys into pets for monks. Now comes good news: Singapore-based animal charity, ACRES, together with the Lao Zoo, announced today the establishment of the first Wildlife Rescue and Education Center in Vientiane, Lao PDR. We will see if authorities are willing to work with ACRES in a sufficient way. Bear bile farms and monkey in captivity might a priority, but will interfere with interests of local businesses. Let's see if at least in this sector some law enforcement is possible. Oh, and one more thing:

As part of the MOU, ACRES will also be providing technical assistancefor the operation and management of the Lao Zoo.

In more clear words, it means: "You foreigners are allowed to operate the center if you help us with the zoo, since we would like to use the money from the entrance fee for our own purpose."