KOREA FOUNDATION

In Buddhism, elephants symbolize power and wisdom. In Lao PDR, which is predominantly a Buddhist country, people often pray for happiness when they see an elephant. The animal has long ago become a symbol for the country. In 1353, the ruler Fa Ngum founded the first unified Lao kingdom of Lan Xang “land of one million elephants.”



Name: Elephant Lifespan: 60~70 years Features The strongest land animal in existence Has excellent olfactory senses Maneuvers its nose as flexibly as a person’s hand Lives in groups Exceptional swimmer, capable of swimming for 5~6hours