The Mondulkiri Project is a program organized by the Cambodia Elephant Rescue Organization (CERO), which operates in the heart of a vast forest area in Mondulkiri to prevent deforestation. Deforestation is the primary threat to the survival of elephants in Cambodia. The organization currently cares for 5 of the 41 elephants living near the town of Sen Monorom. The goal is to ensure their conservation while also assisting the Phnong communities, an ethnic minority in Cambodia, in the area. The organization rents this large sanctuary to the Phnong people and provides jobs to help sustain the site. Deforestation has greatly impacted these communities, which sometimes have to migrate in search of the necessary resources for their daily lives.
Mr. Tree, the founder of the Cambodia Elephant Rescue Organization, emphasizes his desire to integrate more elephants into the Mondulkiri Project, especially a male to ensure reproduction. Tourism funding plays a crucial role in supporting this project. Princess, Sophie, Happy, Comvine, and Lucky are the five elephants currently living in the sanctuary. All of them are females.
To fund the project, Mr. Tree relies heavily on tourism. He offers treks through the Mondulkiri jungles and opportunities to meet the elephants. Travelers can, for one or two days, feed the elephants, walk with them for long distances, and accompany them to their "shower" under a forest waterfall. Beyond supporting the sanctuary's development and funding for the elephants, the proceeds from tourism activities greatly assist the Phnong communities. Local residents involved in the project have learned English and are now employed full-time as tour guides. The funds not only create employment but are also used to provide medicine and food for disadvantaged families.