China’s famed wandering elephants are on the move again, heading southwest while a male who broke away from the herd still keeps his distance.
The group left a wildlife reserve in southwestern Yunnan province more than a year ago and have traveled 500 kilometers (300 miles) north to the outskirts of the provincial capital Kunming.
They were spotted on Saturday in Shijie Township in Yuxi City, more than 8 kilometers (5 miles) southwest of the Kunming suburb where they arrived last week, according to state media.
The lone male was 16 kilometers (10 miles) away, still on the outskirts of Kunming.
The direction of their journey could be a good sign, as authorities hope to guide them back to their original home in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest of Kunming.
Authorities have tried to keep the elephants away from local residents, either by blocking roads leading into villages or with tempting food. Despite that, the 15 pachyderms have looted farms, wandered urban streets, and scavenged for food in villages and even a home for the elderly.
All the animals are reportedly healthy and no person has been injured in encounters with them. Officials have issued strict orders not to stare at them or try to drive them away with firecrackers or other means.
China’s roughly 300 wild elephants enjoy the highest level of protection, as does the panda, the country’s unofficial mascot.
Extra precautions are being taken amid steady rains in the region and the anticipation of many Dragon Boat festival goers.
Additional emergency workers, vehicles and drones have been deployed to monitor elephant movements and protect local residents, according to reports. Some 2.5 tons of food were scattered on Friday for the animals.
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