[Explanation] In the past 30 years, under the situation that the total number of Asian elephants in the world has been decreasing, the number of wild Asian elephants in China has increased to about 360 at present, showing a gradual increase trend.
[Explanation] In Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, there is an Asian Elephant Rescue and Breeding Center.
The center is currently the only scientific research base in China that focuses on Asian elephant shelter, rescue and breeding research.
Since its establishment, the center has participated in the rescue of wild Asian elephants for more than 20 times, successfully rescued more than 10 wild Asian elephants, and artificially bred 9 baby elephants.
[Concurrent] Chen Jiming, a staff member of the Asian Elephant Rescue and Breeding Center in Xishuangbanna
Under the company and care of so many years, I think this elephant is still a relatively intelligent and spiritual species, and although its individual is relatively large, in fact, if we come into contact with it, it is not scary for this elephant. Then it's more human.
[Explanation] The staff here have a common name - "Elephant Dad".
They spend more than 10 hours every day with the rescued Asian elephants, take care of the Asian elephants, and give them physical examinations, cleaning and bathing.
[Concurrent] Chen Jiming, a staff member of the Asian Elephant Rescue and Breeding Center in Xishuangbanna
"Like Dad" is also very hard work.
When we first came, like our "sheep girl" and baby elephants like "Dragon Dragon", we "like father" were like our own children, taking care of them for a long time, no matter if it was our own. Whether it is an elephant or our baby elephant, it has a particularly harmonious relationship with our "elephant dad".
[Explanation] Young elephants injured by iron clips, female elephants injured by accidents, male elephants who were injured in fights for their mates, orphan elephants abandoned by the elephants... They have been traumatized physically and mentally, with fear and pain Coming here, under the care of a group of "elephant dads", their wounds were healed and their hope of survival was rekindled.
[Concurrent] Chen Jiming, a staff member of the Asian Elephant Rescue and Breeding Center in Xishuangbanna
Sometimes after returning to work (from vacation), this little elephant is very happy when he sees it. It will run over from far away, and then touch you with its little nose, and get close to you.
It may also want to express, oh, "Dad", where have you been these days, I miss you so much, I haven't seen you (reaction) for several days, in fact, these elephants are like their own children, Protect them like your own family, take care of them.
[Explanation] In the rescue center, in addition to receiving treatment and growing healthily, Asian elephants also return to the virgin forest to contact nature, exercise and restore their wildness.
The main method of "wild training" is to bring Asian elephants back to the tropical rainforest every day, and let them forage and live on their own.
According to the staff, the actual "wild training" time is no less than 7 hours a day, and it is hoped that they can return to nature as soon as possible.
[Concurrent] Chen Jiming, a staff member of the Asian Elephant Rescue and Breeding Center in Xishuangbanna
I hope we rescued elephants can return to nature and their home through their own efforts and through the efforts of our "Elephant Dad".
If there is a day when it can really return to nature, I am actually quite reluctant to part with it.
But it is very reluctant, and there is no way, just like its own child, it grows up, one day, it will leave us, it will find its own life, its own direction.
Reporter Du Xiaoxiao reports from Xishuangbanna, Yunnan
Responsible editor: [Yue Chuan]