A historic event captivated the world as a herd of 15 wild elephants embarked on a 500-km journey from Xishuangbanna to the bustling city of Kunming

Some time back an extraordinary event unfolded in China: for the first time in recorded history, a herd of 15 wild elephants embarked on an unprecedented journey. Leaving their natural habitat in Xishuangbanna (commonly referred to as Banna), the elephants traveled over 500 kilometers to Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province. Xishuangbanna, an autonomous prefecture for the ethnic Dai people, lies in the southernmost part of Yunnan, bordering Myanmar and Laos.

This remarkable migration captured the attention of the world, with live 24/7 broadcasts and drones following their every move. The Chinese authorities, committed to the conservation of these majestic creatures, responded with care rather than confrontation.

However, their journey caused panic among local residents, who abandoned their homes in fear. Despite trampling crops and cornfields along the way, the elephants did not harm any humans. In some instances, curious jumbos ventured into deserted homes, with one even slipping under a bed. Yet, they remained peaceful throughout their expedition. During their long journey, the elephants maintained their routines, munching on leaves, bathing in mud, and sleeping.

In a touching moment, a calf was born mid-journey. Eventually, after weeks of gentle coaxing and careful management, the herd returned to their home in Xishuangbanna.

The reasons behind this unusual migration remain unclear. Experts speculate that an inexperienced leader might have led the herd astray, or that they were seeking a new habitat due to environmental changes. While conservation efforts in China have resulted in a gradual increase in the elephant population, these efforts are complicated by human activity. Large-scale commercial rubber cultivation, introduced to Banna, has significantly disrupted the region’s rainforest ecosystem.

These plantations, consisting of monocultures of Brazilian rubber trees, replace diverse habitats, further encroaching on the elephants’ range. Asian elephants, an endangered species, number only about 300 in the wild in China, primarily in Banna.

Protecting these animals is a national priority. Emergency workers and volunteers were mobilised during the migration, providing tonnes of corn, pineapples and other food to ensure both the safety of the elephants and the local population. Trucks and drones were deployed to guide the animals along safe paths, offering them a feast akin to a celebratory banquet. Xishuangbanna is a biodiversity hotspot, home to a wide variety of flora and fauna.

The region’s tropical climate and historical isolation have preserved its rich ecosystems. In addition to Asian elephants, the area supports other endangered species such as green peacocks, wild oxen, and monkeys. The Wild Elephant Valley Forest Park, located 47 kilometers north of Jinghong city, serves as a key conservation site. Spanning 369 hectares, this park provides a haven for wildlife and a unique opportunity for visitors to observe elephants.

The reserve features observation towers, allowing visitors to watch wild elephants bathing, playing, and strolling. A cableway provides breathtaking views of the valley, while the park’s elephant-domestication school entertains visitors with performances by trained elephants, including dancing, headstands, and football tricks. Looking ahead, the Chinese government plans to establish an Asian Elephant Breeding Centre in Banna to further conservation efforts. These initiatives aim to protect not only the elephants but also the rich biodiversity of this unique region, ensuring a harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife.

(The writer is a senior journalist; views are personal)