15 wild elephants that escaped natural reserve last year have caused losses worth $1 million, 500km trail of destruction

A herd of 15 wild Asian elephants escaped from a nature reserve in south-western China in March last year and created a lot of destruction by smashing barnes and eating whole fields of corn.

According to The Guardian, wild elephants were spotted meandering through the residential area. It is estimated that the trail of destruction is up to 500 km outside their natural reserve.

Videos that have gone viral show the elephants are seen ruining crops and forests that come in their way. According to the authorities, the clan has destroyed 56 hectares of crops, causing an estimated $1.07 million in losses.

It is still unclear how come the rampant clan escaped from Xishuangbanna national nature reserve in Yunnan province. But since they left the reserve, the clan has covered 500 km in their journey. And is being closely monitored by authorities to ensure public safety.

So far, no casualties have been reported as the locals are guiding the elephants with food and blocking roads, with trucks, which head to residential areas. China’s state media reported that the wild animals are 20km away from the provincial capital of Kunming, which is home to millions of people.

The government had immediately set off a task force, including 360 first responders, 76 cars, and nine drones to monitor the elephants. According to authorities, the rampant clan started their journey in March 2020. They further took a stop in Yunnan’s Pu’er. Wild elephants settled there for 5-6 months as one of the females gave birth to babies. And after months, they have started their journey all over again.

Drone footage revealed that there are 3 male adults, 6 females, 3 juveniles, and 3 calves in the clan.