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Rambling elephants: When elephants run into humans
CGTN

In the past 40 days, China's famous herd of wandering elephants trekked an incredible 500 kilometers; distance northward from their natural habitat in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture in southwest China's Yunnan Province. According to the latest news of the Forest Fire Brigade of Yunnan Province, the elephants continue to linger in the Shijie Township in the city of Yuxi, southwest China's Yunnan Province as of June 15.

/VCG

/VCG

To ensure the safety of both the giant creatures and nearby residents, local authorities from Yuxi and Kunming City continue to take measures like using drones to monitor the movement of the animals to evacuate people. Besides, heavy trucks and road blockades were also put in place at some key points to prevent them from entering populated areas. Thanks to effective measures, no human or elephant has been harmed on this journey.

/VCG

/VCG

These contingency measures were not put together in one day, as this is not the first time that Yunnan Province authorities have to deal with this kind of situation. The Asian elephants have visited cities like Pu'er, breaking into the villages, causing damage, and even hurting humans. Therefore, residents are very fearful of encountering them.

Herd of wandering elephants in southwest China's Yunnan Province. /CFP

Herd of wandering elephants in southwest China's Yunnan Province. /CFP

For years, Yunnan has been searching and adopting measurements to ease the conflict between humans and elephants, therefore a monitoring system has been established.

/Graphic by CGTN's Yin Yating

/Graphic by CGTN's Yin Yating

(Cover image via VCG. Information provided by Forest Fire Brigade of Yunnan Province. Long image designed by CGTN's Yin Yating.)

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at nature@cgtn.com.)

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