STORY: Rescued wild elephant calf in SW China makes good recovery
SHOOTING TIME: Dec. 8, 2024
DATELINE: Dec. 9, 2024
LENGTH: 0:01:28
LOCATION: XISHUANGBANNA, China
CATEGORY: SOCIETY/ENVIRONMENT

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the Xishuangbanna Asian Elephant Rescuing and Breeding Center
2. various of the wild elephant calf
3. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): MO SHIYU, Staffer of Xishuangbanna Asian Elephant Rescuing and Breeding Center

STORYLINE:

Following over three months of treatment and rehabilitation, an injured male wild elephant calf is showing strong signs of recovery after being rescued by an elephant breeding and rescue center in southwest China's Yunnan Province. The elephant has improved to the point where it is able to walk normally again.

The Xishuangbanna Asian Elephant Breeding and Rescue Center said the injured calf was found in August in Dadugang Township, Jinghong City. Drone monitoring identified a visible scar on the calf's right hind leg, causing it to limp while walking.

Staffers rushed to the scene and gave the young elephant glucose and milk powder the following day. They also cleaned and treated the wound on its leg before transferring it to the nearby village for recovery and rest.

When the calf first arrived at the rescue center, it stood at just 90 cm tall and weighed about 100 kg. To date, its height has increased to 130 cm, and it weighs over 300 kg.

SOUNDBITE (Chinese): MO SHIYU, Staffer of Xishuangbanna Asian Elephant Rescuing and Breeding Center
"I've been taking care of the elephant calf since August. With the care of our staffers, it has gained weight, and its injury has been gradually cured. It can go to the wild with the staff to adapt to the environment."

The Xishuangbanna Asian Elephant Breeding and Rescue Center is the only research base in China focused on the rescue, care, and breeding of Asian elephants.

Since its establishment in 2009, the center has successfully rescued and rehabilitated 25 wild Asian elephants, which are species under first-class national protection in China.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Xishuangbanna, China.
(XHTV)