CEO Insights Magazine

Elephant conservation is critical to preserv­ing ecosystem health since these amazing creatures are necessary for seed distribution, waterhole creation, and biodiversity support. Their protection is a crucial component of environ­mental conservation since their survival is closely linked to the harmony of forests and wildlife. The CEO of Mandalao Elephant Conservation, Michael Vogler, has dedicated his professional life to promoting the welfare of elephants. Vogler, who grew up in the Colo­rado Rockies and had a strong passion for the natural world, studied environmental sciences and worked on orangutan and gorilla conservation projects. Af­ter seeing the abuse of elephants on a life-changing trip to Laos in 2012, he founded Mandalao Elephant Conservation, a sanctuary close to Luang Prabang, in 2016. Elephants are allowed to roam 150 hectares of land in a compassionate setting there, and the sanc­tuary integrates conservation, tourism, and commu­nity development. It is run by a committed staff that is committed to giving elephants the respect and care they need.

In a close interview with us, Michael shared his inspiring journey along with his future roadmap to the future. Let’s read on.

How do you find the experiences helpful to steer Mandalao Elephant Conservation towards a strategic direction?

My experiences in rescuing elephants alongside supporting wild elephant conversation drive from the vision we have followed since inception. Moreover, wildlife conservation has been my passion even though it has been challenging from several ends. Most of our guests who come to us already have a clear-cut understanding of our mission and we are more than happy to offer them what we have promised. Though several elephant camps in Southeast Asia engage in greenwashing, we give a higher priority towards ethical care with no chains, natural socialisation, proper diets, and a certified elephant veterinarian. Further, staying true to our principles has helped us to develop faith, and make a strong impact alongside a promising team that delivers what is told.

How do you guide your team to deliver educational and interactive experiences to tourists?

People in Laos are very much engaged with nature through several activities such as hunting, fishing and gathering which supplement subsistence farming. One of our main missions is to identify the foundational values of the ecosystem and the importance of conservation. Hence, by protecting wild elephants, we protect forests alongside many species with them. This, in turn, preserves their livelihood and cultural heritage. Moreover, elephants play a major role in balancing these ecosystems and building a bridge between nature and its people. Furthermore, seeing how rescued elephants flourish at Mandalao Elephant Conservation following years of mistreatment frequently changes local viewpoints on animal care and promotes a more comprehensive understanding of the worth and rights of all living things.

What are the ways you have been increasing the population of wild elephants so far?

The conservation area, which focuses on engaging with local communities to lessen friction between humans and elephants and working with the government to establish laws, is a big step for us. Conflicts arise in many surrounding communities as a result of unsustainable farming methods that invade elephant habitats. We're paying farmers to leave their land undisturbed and assisting them in planting crops unappealing for elephants. Additionally, we have mapped the habitats of elephants and agriculture, assisting with crop losses in agricultural areas but not for encroachment into elephant habitats. To increase the number of elephants and control future fights, we intend to erect electric fences.

Tell us about your leadership approach. What are the guidelines or methodologies you follow as a leader?

I would rather see us all as cooperating to achieve a common objective rather than being referred to as the boss. I work hard to foster a collaborative atmosphere where everyone feels appreciated and connected. To foster friendship, we host occasions like New Year's celebration. According to the adage "Treat others as you would like to be treated", I think everyone should be treated with respect and kindness. Mandalao Elephant Conservation is a very desirable place to work because we pay our employees far more than the going rate and provide several benefits. In exchange for my high expectations, my staff members expect to be treated fairly, work in a positive atmosphere, earn competitive pay, and be heard. I want every one of my 75–80 staff to feel free to come to me personally with any problems or worries. I would rather consider myself a member of the team, collaborating with everyone to achieve a common goal.

Where do you aspire to be, going forward? What is your future roadmap?

The conservation area, which spans 30,000 hectares, is a long-term endeavour with room to grow. Reintroducing captive elephants into the wild is our aim, with an emphasis on those who have little interaction with humans. In the next five to ten years, we want to grow the conservation area and demonstrate its effectiveness, which may result in wider borders. For elephants deemed unfit for reintroduction, we are also establishing a second rescue facility in Muang La, Oudomxai Province, Laos, that will provide an experience akin to Mandalao Elephant Conservation. Our goal is to maintain the area's nature and restrict tourism to day excursions while fortifying the conservation area with additional rangers and an electric fence.

Michael Vogler, CEO, Mandalao Elephant Conservation

As the CEO of Mandalao Elephant Conservation, Michael Vogler is a driven leader who spearheads initiatives to save and rehabilitate abused elephants in Laos. His dedication to moral conservation methods and strong bond with the natural world are the foundations of his leadership.