Herd of elephants wandering in China may finally be on their way home

China’s wandering elephants that left the locals and people around the world awestruck by making a yearlong journey into urbanised southwest China may finally be heading home. During their journey, they even raided farms and even a retirement home for food.

According to Associated Press, local authorities have got trucks and drones moving to monitor the herd of elephants. They have also deployed workers to make sure that the elephants reach home safely. Roads were evacuated for them to pass safely and food, too, was used to steer them away from populated areas.

Despite their entrance into villages and a close approach to the Yunnan provincial capital of Kunming, no animals or humans have been injured.

The 14 Asian elephants were guided across the Yuanjiang river in Yunnan on Sunday night. With this done, a path is being opened for them to return to the nature reserve where they lived in the Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture.

As per an AP report, the herd left the reserve more than a year ago for unknown reasons and roamed more than 500 kilometers (300 miles) north.

They turned south after reaching the outskirts of Kunming, which is a center for business and tourism.

One male that separated from the herd was subsequently tranquilized and returned to the reserve.

Asian elephants are among the most highly protected animals in China and their population has grown to around 300, even while their habitat has shrunk because of expanded farming and urban growth.

As of Sunday night, the herd was still in Yuanjiang County, approximately 200 kilometers (125 miles) from the reserve.

However, the National Forestry and Grassland Administration said the animals were in a “suitable habitat” after crossing the river.

A notice issued by the provincial government said the herd’s progress was significant. The authorities also said that they will continue to work on getting the elephants back in their natural habitat soon.