The elephant was important during the Khmer Empire evidenced by ancient stone carvings at nearby Angkor. Their primary roles were transportation and heavy labor. They were also used during battles. The cultural reverence of this magnificent animal is still reflected by modern statues like this one in Siem Reap. Unfortunately, Cambodia’s population of Asian elephants is now very small. This decline has occurred despite protection laws signed since the 1990’s preventing their capture or harvesting. It is estimated only 200 to 600 live in the wild across the country. And because they are rarely bred in captivity, the domestic population is also dying out.
