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People Have Fallen In Love With This Herd Of Wild Elephants Looking For A New Habitat In China

More than 150,000 people were evacuated from homes in the elephants' path, but the animals have become local darlings as fans track their progress.

By by Pia Peterson

BuzzFeed News Photo Editor

Posted on August 12, 2021, 1:01 pm

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In April, a herd of 15 elephants in China meandered more than 800 miles from the city of Pu'er to the city of Kunming in June, gaining legions of fans along the way.

The herd, which officials said was finally reaching a protected habitat in southwest China's Yunnan province, had been migrating in search of food and a home, though no one knew exactly where they were going. According to Reuters, state protection efforts have enabled the wild elephant population of the Chinese state of Xishuangbanna to double since 1978. A ban on hunting activities also made elephants more willing to enter human communities.

More than 150,000 people were evacuated from homes in the elephants' path, but the animals have become local darlings as fans track their progress. For World Elephant Day this Aug. 12, we look at some of the highlights of their journey.

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A wild Asian elephant strolls through a Chinese village, Aug. 7, 2021.

{ "id": 127559950 } Vcg / VCG via Getty Images

Three wild Asian elephants in China's Yunnan province

{ "id": 127559951 } VCG via Getty Images { "id": 127559792 } VCG via Getty Images { "id": 127560232 } Aly Song / Reuters

A tourist feeds fruit to a tamed elephant in the Xishuangbanna Wild Elephant Valley in Yunnan province, July 6, 2021.

{ "id": 127560260 } Aly Song / Reuters

A wild female elephant grazes in the Xishuangbanna Wild Elephant Valley, July 6.

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A wild Asian elephant strolls through a village in Yunnan province.

{ "id": 127559946 } VCG via Getty Images

The herd moves through the village.

{ "id": 127559953 } China Daily / Reuters

The Asian elephants rest in the city of Kunming's Jinning district on June 7.

{ "id": 127559956 } VCG via Getty Images { "id": 127560264 } China Daily / Reuters

The elephants forage and play in Yimen County in the Yunnan province, June 16.

{ "id": 127559957 } VCG via Getty Images

The herd moves through a village.

{ "id": 127559959 } Vcg / VCG via Getty Images { "id": 127559960 } VCG via Getty Images { "id": 127560124 } China Daily / Reuters

The elephants cross the Yuanjiang river, heading back to their traditional habitat.

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  Pia Peterson is a photo editor at BuzzFeed News, and is based in Brooklyn.

  Contact Pia Peterson at [email protected].

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