According to centre director Tran Xuan Phuoc, the elephant named Rok was taken care of by a man in Duc Trong District for two years. However, he faced difficulties in caring for the elephant he wanted to transfer the animal to the authorities.
The man was given a subsidy of VND500 million (USD20,161) for caring for the elephant over the past period, with the money funded by the Animals Asia Foundation.
Dak Lak authorities approved a VND55.4 billion non-refundable project sponsored by Animals Asia Foundation to replace elephant riding services with elephant-friendly alternatives.
The project will last four years, from November this year to December 2026 in Buon Don District, including Yok Don National Park; the Centre for Elephant Conservation, Animal Rescue and Forest Protection Management and tourism companies operating in the district.