An organisation devoted to elephant conservation in Cambodia is calling for $1 donations for its For Elephant’s Smile campaign to conserve elephants and the communities that care for them in the foothills of Kulen Mountain.

On Tuesday, Domrei announced the launch of its second-generation project on Facebook and TikTok, with a call for donations to support its efforts to conserve elephants and help local villagers. Its goal is to provide smiles and love to both the elephants and villagers in the remote area of Siem Reap province.

Poung Oung Nay, co-founder of Domrei, explained that elephants are a species with great strength and that the idea for the initiative came about when her school asked her to do a project. She and her group launched the first generation in 2022 to explore the Elephant Reserve, experience life in the Bos Thom Village Community, and raise awareness about elephants among Cambodian people.

The first project was launched last year to explore the Elephant Reserve, experience life in the Bos Thom Village Community, and raise awareness about elephants. Kiripost/supplied

Hong Nay, one of the group members, said, “Siem Reap is a popular place and has one place to conserve and raise 17 elephants without earning a living but has provided food and freedom for them with nature, so we may need support.”

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In addition to supporting Kulen Elephant Forest, Domrei is also donating to villagers in the area, providing groceries, clothes, and other necessities.

Chour Zana, a member of the public relations team for the second-generation project, expressed her love for charity work, especially helping elephants that have been injured in tourist transport or abandoned. She emphasised that maintaining the animals is their first priority.

“Kulen Elephant Forest has contributed massively to the lives of elephants to preserve the remaining elephants of Cambodia. Their contribution includes providing support and assistance, advising, educating, exchanging resources, or hosting elephants in need of care, to the captive elephant community of Cambodia,” according to the paper proposal.

Zana added that she decided to join the Domrei second-generation project to provide more love and care to elephants, especially the wounded and elderly. The project will start on May 15.

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“Now Domrei is still facing a bit of a challenge to find funds because we are a small organisation, but we are working hard to find sponsors, especially local and international donors. After we got tired, we saw an increase of helpers donate through Facebook," she added.

Zana confirmed, "The funds we receive are not just for supporting Kulen Elephant Forest, but also for creating jobs for farmers, who care for the elephants with a monthly stipend."

She noted, “Their contribution includes providing support and assistance, advising, educating, exchanging resources, or hosting elephants in need of care, to the captive elephant community of Cambodia.”

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