On a journey spanning more than 1300 km and lasting more than one year, China’s most famous elephants are finally returning to the Xishuangbanna Biosphere Reserve in southwest China after exploring the Yunnan province.
The herd of 14 wild Asian elephants roaming around in Yunnan is approaching their traditional habitat. At about 8 p.m. Sunday, the herd crossed the Yuanjiang River.
In a migration that has baffled scientists, the herd of 14 elephants crossed a bridge over the Yuanjiang River, returning south towards the nature reserve after a 17-month absence.
Officials say that all the elephants are in stable condition and that no elephants or people were injured along the way. Authorities went to great lengths to ensure the elephant’s safe passage, with road closures and more than 150 000 people evacuated along the route.
Over 25 000 police officers and staff were dispatched and drones were deployed to monitor the herd. 180 tonnes of food was also provided throughout their migration.
The elephants also had the freedom for a night out on the town, where they made their way through Kunming city, a metropolitan of 6 million.
As interesting as this migration is, some experts are concerned that the reason the elephants chose to migrate is due to the continued fragmentation of their habitat.
Shen Qingzhong, an expert with the Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve Management Bureau, told Reuters that it is likely the elephants will head north again in the future.
For now, though, there is cause for celebration as the elephants return to their original home in a protected reserve, to the relief of China’s authorities.
Also read:
Update on China’s marauding elephants as they baffle scientists
Picture: Xinhua News Agency
