Editor's Note:
The Elephant Festival kicked off in Sayaboury Province in Laos on February 18, 2017. The event features elephant rides and a parade, all of which aims to raise awareness for protecting the animals, according to organizers. Photos: Phoonsab Thevongsa /CFP
People ride elephants in a parade during an Elephant Festival, which aims to raise awareness for protecting the animals in Sayaboury Province, Laos on February 18, 2017. Photo: Phoonsab Thevongsa /CFP figcaption > People ride elephants in a parade during an Elephant Festival, which aims to raise awareness for protecting the animals in Sayaboury Province, Laos on February 18, 2017. Photo: Phoonsab Thevongsa /CFP figcaption >