Myanmar to open new elephant camp in Mandalay

YANGON, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar authorities have planned to open one more elephant camp in Pyin Oo Lwin in Mandalay region by the end of this year, the official Global New Light of Myanmar reported Saturday.

The camp covers 29.9 hectares of land and the arrangements for safe elephant rides are also underway.

The average age of the six elephants are between 10 and 17 years old, excluding an elder one which is 55 years old.

It will cost 3.6 U.S. dollars for local vacationers and 14 U.S. dollars for foreign visitors for riding elephant.

Meanwhile, Myanmar Timber Enterprise and Four Paws International (FPI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding for establishing elephant camps and conservation of elephants with the use of 1.8 million euros (2.1 million U.S. dollars).

Elephant camps have been set up in Wingabaw, Hmawyawgyi, Nathmaw, Pawlangyaintba, Wawma, Warphyutaung, Natmauk, Chaungtha, Kyarzwe and Mokekha.

According to the Hotels and Tourism department, Mandalay region has received 374,221 foreign visitors, mostly from China, Thailand and France. Enditem