On this special day we are thrilled to take you on a journey deep into the tropical forest with our field team, where we believe Saola still roam. This short film, created by our award winning Media Lead Souksamlan Laladeth, offers a powerful and beautifully shot introduction to the Saola Foundation and our flagship mission to find and save the Saola in the wild. From ground-breaking field techniques to meaningful collaboration with local communities, the video captures the heart of our conservation work. We hope it inspires you as much as it inspires us. Watch now and share with your friends to help us spread the word: https://youtu.be/tO4BcXeHnkQ
Why World Saola Day Matters
World Saola Day, celebrated on July 9th, shines a spotlight on one of the world’s rarest and most mysterious animals, the Saola, often called the “Asian unicorn.” Discovered only in 1992 and critically endangered, the Saola is a symbol of both the rich biodiversity and the urgent conservation challenges in the Annamite Mountains. With possibly fewer than 100 individuals left in the wild and none in captivity, this elusive species faces imminent extinction due to habitat loss and poaching. World Saola Day raises awareness of the Saola’s plight and serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to find and save this unique animal. It also highlights the importance of protecting the fragile ecosystems of the Annamite Mountains the Saola calls home, habitats that support countless other endangered and endemic species.
Voices from the Annamites: Field Team Q&A
In recognition of World Saola Day, we sat down with Chanthasone Phommachanh, Lao Programs Director, and Vilayvone Sengmany, Deputy Technical Team Leader, to hear directly from the Lao team about our work in the Annamite Mountains and how we are making a real impact on the ground.
From field surveys and detection dog teams to collaborating with global partners, Chanthasone and Vilayvone share our scientific approach, passion and hope to save the elusive Saola from extinction.
Enter Our Saola Plushie Raffle!
Celebrate World Saola Day with a chance to win an exclusive Saola plushie! Every entry helps fund our work in the field.
We are raffling one beautiful, handmade plushie generously gifted to us by Quilts & Art, a company with a mission to provide training and meaningful work to the deaf and otherwise disabled victims of Polio. The Saola plushie is made with a unique beaded fabric that emphasizes traditional patterns hand-woven by a women’s cooperative in A Luoi commune, located in the Vietnamese part of the Annamite Mountains in the province of Hue. Quilts & Art excels in giving people with disabilities a unique opportunity to learn valuable life skills and find employment in a safe environment.
How to enter:
Donate: Please make a donation of at least $10 here or via the donation button below.
Confirm Your Entry: Reply to your automatic payment email with the word “Raffle” to info@saolafoundation.org.
Multiple Entries: You can enter as many times as you wish with repeat donations.
Last Day for Entries: End of the day on Sunday 13th July at 00:00 BST.
Winner Notification: The winner will be contacted via email on Monday 14th July. Please respond within 48 hours to claim your prize. If we don’t hear back from you, we will draw the raffle again.
Warm regards,
The Saola Foundation Team
Don’t forget to follow us on social media, share our message, and spread awareness about the incredible Saola and Annamite Mountains. Your voice matters.
Stretching over 1,100 km along the border of Lao and Viet Nam and extending into Cambodia, the rugged Annamite Mountains are a little known biodiversity hotspot, hosting a high concentration of endemic species facing global extinction. Despite not receiving the global attention it deserves, there is more at stake in this region than in almost any other part of the world.
Join our exclusive webinar where Robert Timmins, Saola Foundation Technical Director, will share what makes this such a special place, why it is irreplaceable, and highlight some of the incredible, endemic wildlife whose origins can be traced back to over 10 million years ago.
Hosted by Dr. Lorraine Scotson, CEO of the Saola Foundation, and moderated by Chanthasone “Olay” Phommachanh, Saola Foundation’s Lao Programs Director, this is a seminar not to be missed.
The seminar is free, but registration is required, which you can do here. Local times for the talk are listed below.
Meet the Speaker
Robert Timmins, Saola Foundation Technical Director, is probably the most experienced survey biologist in Indochina, specializing in mammals, birds, and turtles. He has over 30 years of field experience in the most remote areas of Lao, Viet Nam, and Cambodia, and has helped describe several new species to science from the region. He holds a BA Hons. Natural Science from St. John’s College, Cambridge. Robert is an active member of several prestigious associations, including the IUCN—SSC Asian Wild Cattle Specialist Group and Saola Working Group. As the Technical Director of the Saola Foundation, he leads our conservation efforts. Throughout his career, he has undertaken various research projects, conservation assessments, and biodiversity impact assessments in the region.
Seminar local times on Friday 20th June: 06:00 am US Pacific 07:00 am US Mountain 08:00 am US Central 09:00 am US Eastern 14:00 London 15:00 most of continental Europe 20:00 Vientiane/Hanoi/Bangkok 21:00: Singapore/Beijing/Hong Kong/Taipei
Missed our previous seminars? Catch up on our YouTube channel! Explore the exciting discovery of an undescribed species of leaf monkey and learn about the Critically Endangered Large-Antlered Muntjac. Don’t miss these fascinating insights into some of the world’s rarest wildlife!
From all of us at the Saola Foundation, many of whom are proud Lao nationals working tirelessly to protect the Annamite Mountains – we extend our warmest wishes for happiness, health, and renewal to you and your loved ones during Lao New Year (Pi Mai).
This year, Lao New Year takes place from Monday, April 14 to Wednesday, April 16. It is a vibrant and deeply meaningful celebration, marking the start of the traditional solar year and the coming rainy season – a time of fresh beginnings for people, nature, and communities alike.
What Happens During Lao New Year (Pi Mai)? Lao New Year is a time of joy, tradition, and connection. Here are some of the meaningful ways it’s celebrated:
Water blessing and playful splashing, symbolizing the washing away of misfortune and the welcoming of a clean, bright new year.
Temple visits and rituals, where families offer food to monks, wash sacred Buddha statues, and build sand stupas to earn merit.
Baci ceremonies (ບາສີ), where white strings are tied around the wrists to offer blessings of health, good luck, and harmony.
Family gatherings and honoring elders, as loved ones come together to share meals, stories, and traditional blessings.
Parades and cultural events, with traditional music, dancing, and colorful processions throughout towns and villages.
Festive foods, such as laap (minced meat salad), sticky rice, papaya salad, and sweet rice treats like khao tom.
Home and village cleaning, clearing away the old year to make room for new blessings and good fortune.
Acts of merit, donating to temples, and helping those in need.
A deep connection to nature, as the festival aligns with seasonal rhythms and the hopes of new life and growth.
This time of year, reminds us of our deep connection and responsibility to our natural world and the importance of our work to protect the irreplaceable Annamite habitat.
Throughout the year we remain committed to saving the Saola and the many other species facing imminent global extinction. Thank you for your ongoing support.
Historic Agreement Signed to Save the Saola! Representatives and guests from the Saola Foundation, the Department of Forestry and Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the Provincial Office of Bolikhamxay Province, the Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Office of Bolikhamxay, the District Agriculture and Forestry Offices of three districts covered by the MoU, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of National Defense, and other officials from the Government of Lao PDR, pose for a photo after signing the MoU
We are thrilled to share an exciting milestone for Saola conservation and the Annamite Mountains. The Saola Foundation has signed a transformative Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR). This landmark agreement, ratified in February 2025, sets the stage for unprecedented collaborative conservation efforts in the Annamite Mountains.
Dr. Lorraine Scotson, CEO of the Saola Foundation, and Dr. Oupakone Alounsavat, Deputy Director General of the Department of Forestry, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, from the Government of Lao PDR, signing the MoU agreement
What This Means
Over the next two years, the Saola Foundation will lead critical initiatives in Bolikhamxay Province, including:
Intensive Saola search activities – Searching tirelessly to locate and protect this elusive species with our dedicated Annamite Mountains Research and Conservation Team.
Capacity building – Strengthening the skills and expertise of both our Annamite Mountains Research and Conservation Team and technical staff from our partner, the Department of Forestry.
Sustainable conservation – Developing long-term strategies to preserve Annamite biodiversity while engaging local communities.
“This is a landmark partnership,” says Dr Lorraine Scotson, CEO of the Saola Foundation. “…critical to our race to save Saola and a first step in our broader mission to save overlooked species facing global extinction in the Annamite Mountains.”
With this partnership, we are committed to applying cutting-edge research, innovative conservation strategies, and strong community involvement to ensure the survival of the Saola and the many other species facing imminent global extinction and their critical habitat. Our planned intensive Saola search activities sets a new benchmark for conservation efforts in Southeast Asia!
The Saola Foundation celebrating after the MoU signing
Thank You for Your Support!
We couldn’t have reached this historic moment without your dedication and belief in our mission. Your ongoing support, whether through spreading awareness, engaging with our updates, or contributing directly, fuels our conservation work in the Annamite Mountains.
If you would like to further support our work, please consider making a donation. Every contribution, big or small, helps us take another step toward securing the future of the Saola and the rich biodiversity of the Annamite Mountains. Donate here.
Thank you for being part of this journey—we look forward to sharing more updates soon. Together, we can make a difference!
Innovation in Research on the Road to Success for the Large-antlered Muntjac
Minh Nguyen’s CLP team/SWG/Asian Arks/Khammouane PAFO and DAFO
Join us on Saturday 29th March as the Saola Foundation Research Associate, Minh Nguyen, explores the secretive life of one of the rarest and probably most threatened deer species, the Critically Endangered Large-antlered Muntjac. Less than one-fourth the size of Red Deer and Wapiti, this muntjac inhabits a challenging world hidden in the dense forests of the Annamites. Over hundreds of thousands of years, the species has adapted to survive the dangers of the Annamites, but a new risk has emerged. Humans are now encroaching on its world; will the species manage to escape extinction?
The talk is free, but registration is required, which you can do here. Local times for the talk are listed below.
Meet the Speaker
Minh is a Vietnamese biologist with a passion for Annamite Mountains biodiversity conservation. She’s a PhD candidate at Colorado State University, researching the impact of snaring on the Critically Endangered Large-antlered Muntjac. Minh started her conservation career in 2009 as an undergraduate volunteering on amphibian and reptile field research. Minh then went on studying the population viability of Indochinese Silvered Leaf Monkey for her master’s degree and joined the Wildlife Conservation Society Vietnam Program, working on the illegal wildlife trade. She’s a 2018 National Geographic Explorer, an alumni of both the Conservation Leadership Programme and the ASAP Women in Conservation Leadership Program, and an active member of the IUCN Deer Specialist Group.
Seminar local times on Saturday 29th March: 07:00 am US Pacific 08:00 am US Mountain 09:00 am US Central 10:00 am US Eastern 14:00 London 15:00 most of continental Europe 21:00 Vientiane/Hanoi/Bangkok 22:00: Singapore/Beijing/Hong Kong/Taipei
Catch up on our past seminars on our YouTube channel! Watch The Mystery Monkey: What it Takes to Reveal Yet Another New Species in the Annamite Mountains and explore the fascinating journey of discoveryhere.
The Mystery Monkey: What it Takes to Reveal Yet Another New Species in the Annamite Mountains
Join us on Saturday 22nd February as the Saola Foundation team members, Souksamlan (Toun) Laladeth and Phonesouk (Hamnoy) Chanthalavong, along with Dr. Daosavanh Sanamxay from the University of Laos, present the story of how they obtained the first photographic evidence of what they believe is a new species of leaf monkey in the Annamite Mountains.
They will provide an introduction to the limestone karst landscape, describing the challenges of conducting the survey, including logistical difficulties, weather conditions, and the teamwork required to achieve their goal. They will also discuss the team’s emotions upon finally discovering the monkey, the potential threats it faces, and the next steps in their research.
The talk is free, but registration is required, which you can do here. Local times for the talk are listed below.
Meet the Speakers
Souksamlan (Toun) Laladeth Media Lead at the Saola Foundation
Souksamlan Laladeth is a nature photographer. He is fascinated by science and the thinking behind the sustainability of human life, understanding flora and fauna, and human relationships with habitat. He spends half of every year in Lao nature reserves. His self-taught skills and experience taught him much about flora and fauna and helped uniquely chronicle Laos. For over a decade, Souksamlan has had the opportunity to use photography, video, and audio equipment in various locations all over Laos, including the Annamite Range. This experience increased his passion for such media as a means to record Laos’ incredible and diverse natural heritage.
Phonesouk (Hamnoy) Chanthalavong Technical Field Team Leader at the Saola Foundation
Phonesouk Chanthalavong is the Technical Field Team Leader at the Saola Foundation. Since finding his mentors and spending years conducting field research in various locations with different experts, he has gained experience that has significantly increased his confidence in field research. His commitment began when he decided to lead a field research team in the Annamite Mountains, which required working with people from different villages and regions. Over the past decade, his experiences have given him a deep understanding of grassroots conservation and effective team management. To protect flora and fauna, it is essential to first understand what exists—which requires learning how to discover them and how to conserve them.
Dr. Daosavanh Sanamxay Lecturer at the University of Laos
Daosavanh Sanamxay has been a lecturer at the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, National University of Laos, since 2013, where he currently serves as the Vice Head of the Postgraduate Studies Division. His academic background includes a Ph.D. in Systematic Zoology from Kyoto University (2020), an M.Sc. in Ecology from Prince of Songkla University, Thailand (2013), and a B.Sc. in Environmental Science from the National University of Laos (2010). He is a biologist, and his work focuses on the taxonomy of rodents, ecology, conservation, and zoonotic diseases. Since 2011, Daosavanh has collected small mammals throughout the country to create a zoology collection.
Seminar local times on Saturday 22nd February: 07:00 am US Pacific 08:00 am US Mountain 09:00 am US Central 10:00 am US Eastern 14:00 London 15:00 most of continental Europe 21:00 Vientiane/Hanoi/Bangkok 22:00: Singapore/Beijing/Hong Kong/Taipei
Happy Holidays from all of us at the Saola Foundation!
Dear Friends of Saola and the Annamite Mountains,
The Red-shanked Douc (Pygathrix nemaeus), depicted in the stunning painting above by the talented artist Dao Van Hoang, is Critically Endangered, like the Saola. We are delighted to feature this painting in our holiday season newsletter, as it symbolizes our broader mission to prevent the extinction of other Threatened species in the Annamite Mountains beyond the Saola. You can learn about Dao Van Hoang and see more of his works here.
As 2024 comes to a close, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support. Your dedication to our conservation efforts means the world to us, and we are so thankful for the role you play in our mission.
This year has been a thrilling journey for us, and it ends on a high. Whilst we can’t yet give you the news that the Saola has been found, we do have plenty other good news to share!
In 2024 we concentrated heavily on training our Annamite Mountains Research and Conservation Team, preparing them to hit the ground running in 2025. A highlight of the past year for our apprentice animal trackers was a transformative study tour to Khao Yai National Park, Thailand, where they honed their skills with support from their incredible mentors from CyberTracker International. This workshop not only enhanced the tracking abilities of the apprentices, but it also provided their first experience in a well-managed protected area, igniting a newfound pride and passion for their conservation roles.
Another highlight in 2024 was a workshop on Global Information Systems (GIS) and data management which equipped our Annamite Mountains Research and Conservation team with essential skills to process and analyze the unprecedented levels of biodiversity data that they gather while searching for the Saola.
Looking ahead to the New Year, stay tuned for a formal announcement of our newly formed partnership with the Government of Lao PDR as we jointly commit to saving the Saola and preserving Annamite Mountains biodiversity. Keep your eyes peeled for the launch of our Strategic Plan, which outlines our exciting vision and the steps we will take to contribute to Annamite Mountains biodiversity conservation in the coming years. Finally, get ready for the revelation of yet another new species in the Annamite Mountains – see below!
Saola Foundation’s Winter Seminar Series – A Teaser
In our upcoming Winter Seminar Series, we will explore the breadth and scope of the work of the Saola Foundation through four exclusive seminars (further details and dates to be announced in the New Year):
• The Mystery Monkey: What it Takes to Reveal Yet Another New Species in the Annamite Mountains Learn about the Saola Foundation’s groundbreaking discovery of a new species of leaf monkey in the Annamite Mountains, and the surveys conducted to get photographic evidence to confirm its existence.
• Innovation in Research on the Road to Success for the Large-antlered Muntjac Learn about world-leading innovative field research and its application in saving the Critically Endangered Large-antlered Muntjac.
Credit: Minh Nguyen’s CLP team/SWG/Asian Arks/Khammouane PAFO and DAFO
• Bald Bulbuls, Stripy Rabbits and More: Three Decades of Discoveries Hear tales of discovery from one of Southeast Asia’s most prolific wildlife researchers, Rob Timmins, our Technical Director, and how his extensive expertise is helping to shape our strategy.
• The Indigenous Roots of the Annamite Mountains Research and Conservation Team Discover the incredible cultural diversity of the Saola Foundation’s Annamite Mountains Research and Conservation Team, and what the Annamites represent for them.
Once again, we would like to say that we are deeply grateful for your support, as together we can achieve so much for the Saola and other biodiversity in the Annamites!
Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a happy New Year!
As the holiday season approaches, many of us are searching for meaningful gifts that give back to the community. If you’re still thinking of ideas, why not consider something unique that also supports a great cause? Enter the raffle for a chance to win an exclusive Saola plushie! You have until December 4th to enter. See the details below on how to participate and make this holiday season extra special for you and for conservation efforts in the Annamite Mountains.
Enter Our Raffle to Win a Handmade Saola Plushie!
Dreaming of something truly rare and unique? Now’s your chance! We are raffling one beautiful, handmade plushies generously gifted to us by Quilts & Art, a company founded in 2003 with a mission to provide training and meaningful work to the deaf and otherwise disabled victims of Polio. These plushies are made with a unique beaded fabric that emphasizes traditional patterns hand-woven by a women’s cooperative in A Luoi commune, located in the Vietnamese part of the Annamite Mountains in the province of Hue. Quilts & Art excels in giving people with disabilities a unique opportunity to learn valuable life skills and find employment in a safe environment. All profits from Quilts & Art go directly back into their project to further support people with disabilities. Learn more about Quilts & Art and their mission by visiting their website here.
Enter our raffle with a minimum entry fee of $5 by Wednesday 4th of December to ensure the plushie arrive at your home in time for the holidays. You only have 5 days to participate, so don’t miss out! Please note that a shipping fee will apply if you are a chosen winner. Each entry supports the Saola Foundation’s Annamite Mountains Research and Conservation Team, funding critical equipment and salaries to ensure continuation of our mission to find and save Saola and other species facing imminent extinction in the Annamite Mountains. Not only do you get a chance to win a delightful Saola plushie, but you will also contribute to our conservation work in Laos.
How to enter:
Donate: Make a donation of at least $5 here or via the donation button below.
Confirm Your Entry: Reply to your automatic payment email with the word “Raffle” to info@saolafoundation.org.
Multiple Entries: You can enter as many times as you wish with repeat donations.
Winner Notification: Winners will be contacted via email on December 11th. Please respond within 24 hours to claim your prize. If we don’t hear back from you, the plushie will be given to another raffle participant.
A limited number of our exclusive plushies are available for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis, for a minimum donation of $50 each. These adorable collectibles are perfect for any enthusiast or supporter of our cause. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to own a unique plushie and support our foundation. For more information and to secure your plushie, please contact Lorraine at lorraine@saolafoundation.org. Act quickly, as supplies are limited!
Don’t forget to sign up to the Saola Foundation’s exclusive Annual Get-Together on Tuesday 3rd December. Click on the Zoom link below to register.
Location: Online [Zoom Link Here] Timing for the talk is shown at the bottom of this page.
Holiday Appeal
Become a Monthly Donor
Your support can make a world of difference. Monthly donations help support and sustain our incredible field team in Lao PDR. By becoming a monthly donor, you provide a steady stream of funding that allows us to plan and execute long-term conservation projects. Monthly donations help us ensure the continuity of our vital work in the Annamite Mountains. Sign up today and be a consistent force for good in conservation of the Annamite Mountains.
Join Our Pay for a Day Campaign! Every day counts in our mission to find and save the critically endangered Saola. By contributing to our Pay for a Day Campaign, you can directly support our efforts to survey and find the Saola before it is too late. Your donation will fund daily operations, including research, conservation activities, and community engagement.
General Donations Every bit helps in our mission to save the Saola. Your support directly aids the people of Lao and each contribution propels us forward towards our mission making a lasting change. Together, we can make a significant impact. Donate today and join us in our commitment to ensuring a future for the species facing imminent extinction in the Annamite Mountains. Thank you for your generosity and support. Together, we can make a difference.
Support our cause while treating yourself or a loved one to a unique, eco-friendly fragrance inspired by the Saola’s natural habitat. Each purchase of the Saola Fragrance contributes to our conservation efforts, helping to fund essential research and fieldwork. Experience a scent that embodies the essence of the Annamite Mountains and supports a noble cause.
7:00 AM US Pacific 8:00 AM US Mountain 9:00 AM US Central 10:00 AM US Eastern 3:00 PM London 4:00 PM Most of Continental Europe 9:00 PM Vientiane/Hanoi/Bangkok
Warm regards,
The Saola Foundation Team
If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@saolafoundation.org
Did you know that the Saolas has strikingly long, parallel horns that can grow up to around 20 inches (~50 cm) in length? Living exclusively in the forests between Laos and Vietnam, this remarkable species faces immense threats from habitat loss and poaching. On World Saola Day, we celebrate not only the mysterious and critically endangered Saola of the Annamite Mountains but also the dedicated efforts of our Annamite Mountains Research and Conservation Team.
We are deeply grateful to all who have become monthly donors to the Saola Foundation. Your support sustains our Lao team’s crucial conservation work that will benefit all endangered species in the Annamite Mountains.
One way your donations have helped conservation efforts is through our recent collaboration in Thailand with Lee Gutteridge and Dr. Kersey Lawrence of CyberTracker Conservation. Our wildlife trackers and technical team have honed their skills in observing various species’ movements, spaces, forms, and functions, particularly those of the antelope. This training also enhanced their ability to interpret evidence and identify a range of species, from birds to mammals. Moreover, it has provided our team with new perspectives and a deeper understanding of conservation.
We would also like to thank ASAP for funding our travel, food, and accommodation and therein making this collaboration possible. Stay tuned for more information about their journey!
If it’s in your means to do so, please consider becoming a monthly donor to our program. Every donation supports the search for Saola while providing livelihoods and career opportunities for the individual members of our incredible Lao field team, creating a true longstanding impact on conservation efforts in Laos and the Annamite Mountains. Join us in helping the many wonderful species of the Annamites by becoming a monthly donor to the Saola Foundation today by clicking here.
An ungulate footprint photograph was taken during our tracker training workshop in Thailand, training our Lao wildlife trackers to track and identify various species and their signs.
Listen To Our Latest Podcast Episode: Three Biologists at Midnight Reflect on Decades of Experience in Conservation Research in the Annamite Mountains
Join CEO Dr. Lorraine Scotson, Technical Director Rob Timmins, Research Associate Minh Nguyen, and Rob’s son, Ben Timmins, as they reflect on decades of work in conservation and research and the role that Saola plays in creating meaningful change for conservation in the Annamite Mountains. Click here to listen.
Watch the Team Survey for the Large-antlered Muntjac and the Results!
In February, the Saola Foundation’s Wildlife Trackers, Mai and Onkeo, and Logistics Team Leader, Somsay, joined Minh Nguyen, Research Associate to the Saola Foundation, on a survey focused on the elusive Large-antlered Muntjac (Muntiacus vuquangensis) – another Critically Endangered species of the Annamite Mountains. Here is a video of them on the survey. Thank you again to Synchronicity Earth for being able to make this happen.
Watch Minh, Somsay, Onkeo and Mai working on the Large-antlered Muntjac survey.
And here is the video showing the different species spotted by the camera traps!
Watch to see all the special moments captured by the camera traps.
Species spotted by the camera traps (with statuses according to the IUCN Red List):
News from the Field – The Race is on to Find Saola
Our Annual Report 2023 can be downloaded here. In addition, we have a 5-minute video version, viewable here – Enjoy!
In 2024 to date, our Annamite Mountains Research and Conservation Team have kicked the search for Saola into top gear. The combined efforts of our human and canine trackers are demonstrating an incredible ability to find ungulate dung— collecting more than 900 samples this year already (adding to the 1500 collected in 2023). Hundreds of these have undergone testing, with more to go. At this level of effort, if Saola is out there we believe we will find it!
Vatsana with the Saola Foundation scent detection dogs, Norman (left) and Bertie (right).
Congratulations to Vatsana Chanthavong, our Scent Detection Dog Team Leader, for being awarded a place in the Asian Species Action Partnership (ASAP) Women in Conservation Visible Leadership Programme! Thank you ASAP for championing women in conservation.
A Special Appeal and a New Way to Join the Search
We are in a race against time to find Saola. At this time of great progress, we need your help more than ever to keep our team in the field. There are a number of ways you can support our program. Every donation, no matter the size, helps us towards our mission to find and save Saola.
Introducing ‘Pay for a Day’
Embark on an extraordinary journey with us through our Pay for a Day Campaign! For just US$1,000, you can sponsor a full day of our Saola search, supporting an elite scent detection dog and wildlife tracking team as they search the Annamite Mountains for Saola. By sponsoring a day or more, you’re contributing to vital Annamite Mountains conservation efforts, and you will receive exclusive perks and benefits as a token of our appreciation.
Spaces for sponsorship are limited, with current bookings available from August 1st, 2024, to July 31st, 2025. Don’t miss out— secure your spot today via our website.
Become a Monthly Donor
For as little as US$30 per month, you can play a vital role in supporting our dedicated team on the ground. Your monthly contribution will support essential field supplies (e.g. food and first aid) and support the salaries of our incredible Lao team. This is a simple yet powerful way to make a tangible difference in the fight to save Saola. To become a monthly donor and join us in our conservation journey, visit our website or reach out to us directly at info@saolafoundation.org. Your generosity will directly impact the lives of our team members and contribute to the broader mission of biodiversity conservation in the Annamite Mountains.
Equipment Donation
You can target your contributions to support critical field equipment, such as resupplies of DNA testing equipment that allows us to test dung samples for Saola DNA, or camera traps to help with our monitoring efforts. If you are interested in making a contribution in this way, please reach out at info@saolafoundation.org.
Nashville Zoo supported us by donating this truck!
Annamite Mountains Conservation Movement
There are numerous ways to support the Saola Foundation beyond donations. Engage with our social media, share our content, and spread awareness among your network. Your involvement strengthens our community and helps protect endangered species and important Annamite Mountains habitats. You can find us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Expressing our Gratitude for Major Donations in 2024
A special welcome to Working Dogs for Conservation with support from the Seadream Foundation as our newest Saola Gold Partner for their incredible co-funding support of US$135,000 in 2023 for our Scent Detection Dog Team.
Gold Partners contribute at least US$50,000 within an annual period. You can read more about the benefits of becoming a partner here. These partnerships represent our most committed and valued supporters, and we are so grateful for the work that they make possible. If you are interested in joining the Gold Circle, please reach out to us at info@saolafoundation.org
We extend our deepest gratitude to all of our generous donors and supporters. In particular, we want to acknowledge the following individuals for their substantial contributions since the beginning of this year:
