Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife

What Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife does

The Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife (LCTW) is a Lao PDR-headquartered nonprofit organization founded in 2018 that operates the country's only dedicated wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and release center for animals affected by the illegal wildlife trade. Its 389+ resident animals and 426+ cumulative rescues (with 346+ successfully released) are supported by a ~20-person team including a Director (Jeremy Phan), Animal Manager (Shay Brechbuhler, ex–Australia Zoo), Head Veterinarian, and full veterinary, husbandry, maintenance, and visitor services staff. The organization maintains Laos' sole Wildlife Rescue Hotline (1601), runs conservation breeding programs for four critically endangered species (Siamese crocodile, Elongated tortoise, Keeled box-turtle, Yellow-headed temple turtle), and trains government officials and university students in wildlife medicine and conservation practice.

The business model blends earned revenue with philanthropic and grant funding. Earned revenue streams include tiered visitor tours (Discovery Stroll, Bear Forest Walk, Wildlife Adventure Trek, VIP experiences priced up to 2,500,000 LAK per person), paid international volunteer programs (Husbandry, Veterinary, Professional, Internship), free local volunteer engagement, merchandise sales via Bonfire, and in-kind supply donations. Philanthropic and institutional revenue comes through U.S. 501(c)(3) tax-deductible donations via PayPal, Donor-Advised Funds ranging from $5,000 to $300,000+, and grants from a broad coalition including NCX Honda (primary corporate sponsor), IUCN, WWF, Re:wild, Wildlife Conservation Society, Free the Bears, Elephant Conservation Center, EU, DFAT, the British Embassy Vientiane, the Global Wildlife Resilience Fund, MAST (Mandai Nature), and One Percent for the Planet.

LCTW's distribution and customer engagement model is hybrid: in-person visitor traffic at the sanctuary in Xiengletha Village, Pakngum District (Vientiane Capital) adjacent to Phou Khao Khouay National Park; remote supporter engagement through social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok), Patreon ("Uncaged: LCTW Diaries"), email newsletters, third-party media coverage, and a network of channel partners (Mr. Seng, DiscoverLaos EV, Style Motorbikes, Vis Laos, Yorlapa's Adventures) that route 10% of booking fees to LCTW. A U.S.-registered branch (EIN 92-3166871) supports cross-border fundraising. Customer/stakeholder segments span international tourists, school groups, international and local volunteers, government officials, university students, individual donors, and corporate/institutional funders, with no meaningful revenue or operational concentration outside of Lao PDR.

Name

Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife

Legal name

Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife

Website

https://lctwildlife.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

The Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife is a Lao PDR nonprofit (founded 2018) operating the country's only wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and release center for illegal-trade victims, supported by visitor tours, volunteer programs, conservation breeding for endangered species, and institutional grants.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Wildlife Conservation Services

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Zoos and Botanical Gardens (712130)

akta.pro primary industry

Wildlife Rescue, Rehabilitation & Release (BPAGAIAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Wildlife Conservation & Species Protection (BPAGAGAB), Veterinary Charity Clinics & Medical Aid (BPAGAIAD)

Keywords

• Wildlife rescue services
• Wildlife rehabilitation programs
• Conservation breeding programs
• Wildlife sanctuary experiences
• Anti-trafficking conservation

Headquarters

HQ city

Vientiane

HQ country

Laos

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Visitor Tours: Paid admission to wildlife sanctuary tours including Discovery Stroll, Bear Forest Walk, Wildlife Adventure Trek, and VIP guided experiences. Pricing varies by visitor nationality and tour type.
2. Volunteer Programs: International volunteers pay fees for Husbandry and Veterinary programs with accommodation included. Professional volunteers contribute expertise without fees. Local volunteers participate free of charge.
3. Donations and Charitable Contributions: Tax-deductible donations through PayPal, Donor-Advised Funds, and direct contributions supporting wildlife rescue operations, veterinary care, and conservation breeding programs.
4. Merchandise Sales: Online shop through Bonfire and on-site merchandise sales at the visitor center.
5. Supply Donations: Acceptance of in-kind donations including animal enrichment items, tools, medical supplies, and equipment needed for wildlife care operations.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife (LCTW) operates a wildlife sanctuary in Xiengletha Village, Vientiane Capital, Laos, providing rescue, rehabilitation, veterinary care, and release of native Lao wildlife affected by the illegal wildlife trade. The organization also runs conservation breeding programs for four critically endangered species, operates Laos' only Wildlife Rescue Hotline (1601), and offers visitor tours and multiple volunteer pathways (Husbandry, Veterinary, Professional, Local, and Internship programs) at its on-site facility.

Product overview

LCTW operates as a wildlife conservation center offering a unified portfolio of rescue, rehabilitation, and release services for wildlife affected by the illegal trade in Laos. The core offering centers on the Wildlife Center and Sanctuary providing long-term care for non-releasable animals while running Conservation Breeding Programs for critically endangered species. Supporting these core operations are experiential education programs, visitor tours (Discovery Stroll, Bear Forest Walk, Wildlife Adventure Trek, VIP Tours, School Programs), and multiple volunteer pathways (Husbandry, Veterinary, Professional, Local, Internship). Additional services include a Wildlife Rescue Hotline, supply donation program, wildlife crime reporting platform, and Donor Advised Funds for major giving.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Wildlife Rescue, Rehabilitation and Release Services Core conservation service rescuing native Lao wildlife from the illegal wildlife trade, providing veterinary care and rehabilitation, and preparing animals for release back into protected natural habitats.
• Conservation Breeding Programs Breeding initiatives for critically endangered Lao species including elongated tortoise, keeled box-turtle, yellow-headed temple turtle, and Siamese crocodile to reinforce and re-establish wild populations, with 109+ surviving offspring and 47+ released.
• Wildlife Sanctuary and Visitor Tours On-site sanctuary offering guided tours including Discovery Stroll, Bear Forest Walk, Wildlife Adventure Trek, and VIP senior-led experiences for visitors seeking ethical wildlife encounters and conservation education.
• Husbandry Volunteer Program Paid international volunteer program involving hands-on animal care activities including cleaning, feeding, habitat construction, and enrichment preparation, with accommodation included.
• Veterinary Volunteer Program Paid volunteer program for veterinary professionals and students providing hands-on wildlife medical experience, assisting with treatments, health checks, and routine exams.
• Professional Volunteer Program Program for qualified professionals in fields such as marketing or veterinary work to donate their skills with no volunteer fee, in exchange for on-site housing.
• Local Volunteer Program Free program for Lao residents to contribute to wildlife conservation through animal care, education, and habitat improvement, with a monthly hours commitment.
• Internship Opportunities Longer-term internship program integrating participants into wildlife professional teams with 15-25% discounts on volunteer fees for 8-12 week minimum commitments.
• School Educational Programs Educational tours tailored for school groups aligned with curriculum topics including biology, environmental science, geography, and ethics, offered at discounted rates.
• Experiential Learning Programs Practical training in wildlife conservation for volunteers, students, and government officials covering animal care, rehabilitation, and habitat management, having engaged 579+ students and 89+ government officials.
• Wildlife Rescue Hotline Service Laos' only free wildlife rescue hotline accessible by dialing 1601 or via WhatsApp for reporting wildlife in distress or illegal wildlife trade, providing nationwide emergency response coordination.

Quantifiable outcome

• 426+ animals rescued from illegal wildlife trade
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor, major, government and research.

• Nampien Yorla PacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLand partner who offered LCTW space to operate on part of his land during necessary relocation. Owner is a passionate conservationist who recognized the importance of LCTW's work. Jointly working to safeguard Phou Khao Khouay National Park through ecotourism.
• One Percent for the PlanetminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEnvironmental membership organization where member businesses donate 1% of annual revenue to approved environmental nonprofits. LCTW receives support through this network.
• IUCNmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational Union for Conservation of Nature partnership providing scientific credibility and access to global conservation network and best practices.
• World Wildlife Fund (WWF)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal wildlife conservation organization partnership for species protection and habitat conservation initiatives.
• Re:wildmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConservation organization focused on protecting wild animals and wild places, supporting LCTW's species recovery programs.
• Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal organization working to save wildlife and wild places through science, conservation action, and education.
• Free the BearsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-host of first-ever Wildlife Medicine Course with LCTW and Elephant Conservation Center. Partnership for bear conservation and training.
• Elephant Conservation CentermajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated with LCTW and Free the Bears to deliver inaugural Wildlife Medicine Course, building local veterinary capacity.
• EXO FoundationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTravel foundation supporting sustainable tourism and conservation projects in Southeast Asia.
• Asia Wildlife Society (AsiaWild)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional wildlife conservation organization supporting conservation efforts in Asia.
• DOPC Lao PDRgovernmentImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerDepartment of Provincial Administration working with LCTW on wildlife protection and enforcement.
• DEDH-NGOminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerman development organization supporting conservation NGOs in Laos.
• British Embassy VientianegovernmentStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK diplomatic mission supporting conservation and wildlife protection initiatives in Laos.
• Conservation LaosminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal conservation organization working in Laos.
• WVS (World Veterinary Service)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProviding veterinary support and training for wildlife conservation.
• Animal Survival InternationalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational animal conservation organization.
• Species on the BrinkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConservation initiative focused on protecting critically endangered species.
• IRd (Institut de Recherche pour le Développement)researchStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrench research institute supporting scientific research in conservation.
• IUCN Species Survival CommissionmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnical commission providing scientific expertise for species conservation.
• Mr. Seng Private Car ServiceminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTransport partner providing private car service for visitors. 10% of booking fees support LCTW conservation work.
• DiscoverLaos EVminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEV rental and van service partner. 10% of booking fees support LCTW. Self-drive and private van options available.
• Style MotorbikesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMotorbike rental partner providing self-drive options for visitors reaching LCTW.
• Vis LaosminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal tourism platform promoting Lao visitor experiences.
• Yorlapa's AdventuresminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAdventure tour operator offering excursions combined with LCTW visits.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• TRAFFIC: TRAFFIC is the global wildlife trade monitoring network. It is a broader incumbent in the same illegal wildlife trade problem space, providing intelligence, policy, and enforcement support that complements LCTW's on-the-ground rescue work.
• Panthera: Panthera is a global wild cat conservation organization with active programs in Southeast Asia. It is a broader peer operating in the same regional conservation ecosystem and donor network.
• Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS): WCS is a major global conservation organization active in Laos and across Asia. Already a Major-tier LCTW partner, it represents a broader-incumbent peer with overlapping species protection and habitat conservation mandates.

Direct peers

• Free the Bears: Free the Bears operates bear rescue and sanctuary programs across Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. It is a direct peer — already a co-host of LCTW's Wildlife Medicine Course — with the same bear-focused rescue, rehabilitation, and release mandate.
• Animals Asia: Animals Asia operates moon bear rescue centers in Vietnam and China with veterinary care, rehabilitation, and conservation education. A direct peer in bear-focused rescue/sanctuary operations and welfare advocacy.
• Elephant Conservation Center: Based in Sayaboury, Laos, the Elephant Conservation Center runs rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation programs for Asian elephants. It is a direct in-country peer and active LCTW collaborator on veterinary training.
• Wildlife Alliance: Wildlife Alliance operates wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and anti-trafficking programs in Cambodia. It is a direct peer in Southeast Asian wildlife rescue and illegal trade interdiction, with overlapping donor and partner networks.
• Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT): WFFT runs a large wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center in Thailand with international volunteer programs and visitor tours. Highly comparable operating model, geographic proximity, and visitor/donor engagement approach.
• Save Vietnam's Wildlife: Vietnam-based nonprofit operating a wildlife rescue center and conservation breeding programs for endangered species. Direct peer in Southeast Asian wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and species recovery work.

Others

• Mandai Nature (MAST): Mandai Nature is the conservation arm of Mandai Wildlife Group that funds species recovery programs across Asia. Already a Major financial partner of LCTW, it is thematically aligned as a funder rather than a direct operator.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/lctwildlife
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/lao-conservation-trust-for-wildlife
• Instagraminstagram.com/lctwildlife
• TikToktiktok.com/@lctwildlife
• Xx.com/lctwildlife

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife