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World Elephant Day: Migrating elephant family grows after returning to habitat

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      World Elephant Day: Migrating elephant family grows after returning to habitat

      2024-08-12 17:05 Last Updated At:20:57

      An elephant herd who made their name in 2021 with an epic seven-month journey covering nearly 1,300 kilometers in southwest China's Yunnan Province have been once again in the spotlight around the World Elephant Day for their happy life and expanded family.

      Monday marks World Elephant Day, an occasion to raise public awareness about the protection of these giant animals. Three years ago, this herd of wild Asian elephants, known as a "short-nosed" family, captured global attention with their unprecedented migration. Starting from their natural habitat in Xishuangbanna, they left footprints all the way north, almost to the provincial capital city of Kunming.

      They have been living in the dense forests of the Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve since their return in August 2021, and the family has continued to grow over the years.

      The latest footage shows several members of the family have had babies, and some now live together with other herds.

      Peng Jinfu is an elephant monitor, who tracks the movements of the tusked neighbors using different methods to provide early warning for nearby villagers.

      "The elephants we observed today belong to the 'short-nosed' and Ranran families. Typically, they emerge from the forest at around five or six o'clock in the afternoon to forage and return at around six or seven o'clock in the morning. During the summer and autumn months, they often roam the nearby villages," said Peng.

      In addition to monitoring, local authorities have also strengthened efforts to help those in need. A rescue center on the reserve has saved over 20 elephants from the wild so far, either injured or deserted.

      For the first time, the center tried to release one of them into the wild earlier this year after two years of training, which is seen as a breakthrough in conservation efforts.

      "The elephant was released into the wild after two years of training. We've been using drones and infrared cameras to monitor it, and so far, A Bao (elephant's name) has been in a good physical condition," said Wang Bin, director of the Xishuangbanna Asian Elephant Rescuing and Breeding Center.

      Experts say the world still faces multiple challenges and should join hands for the animals' well-being.

      "We hope to have more international exchanges and cooperation in the future. I think China's experience and practices in elephant monitoring, conservation and research are worth sharing with more countries. And we hope for more cooperation to protect this species through sharing these information and knowledge," said Chen Fei, director of the National Asian Elephant Research Center at the National Forestry and Grassland Administration.

      In Yunnan, preparations to establish a national park designated for Asian elephants are in full swing. The facility is expected to provide a larger and more complete habitat for the much-loved mammals.

      World Elephant Day: Migrating elephant family grows after returning to habitat

      World Elephant Day: Migrating elephant family grows after returning to habitat

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      Celebrations ring in Chinese New Year worldwide

      2025-01-22 06:36 Last Updated At:07:27

      Various activities were held worldwide to celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival, which falls on Jan 29 this year.

      Recently, the Chinese Consulate General in Niigata of Japan, in collaboration with the Gansu Provincial Song and Dance Theater, delivered a spectacular visual feast for the overseas Chinese and Japanese audiences in Sendai.

      The performance, featuring the elements of Dunhuang culture and the history and culture of the Tang Dynasty, attracted about 2,000 spectators. Many Japanese people praised the colorful Chinese culture and expressed their hope to go to China to see with their own eyes and understand Chinese culture and traditional Chinese festivals such as the Spring Festival.

      "It's the first time I've seen such a performance. It's so gorgeous. I'm really touched. This Spring Festival event is also an opportunity for Japan and China to further develop friendly relations. If there is any chance for a performance like this in the future, I would like to come and watch it. I also really want to travel to China now," said a Japanese audience member.

      "Happy to know that cultural heritage like the Spring Festival was included on the Representative List of Human Intangible Cultural Heritage, I think it's great to be able to celebrate such a festival in Japan. I really hope everyone can take a look and learn about the Spring Festival," said another audience member.

      "We want to invite performers from Gansu Provincial Song and Dance Theater to present Dunhuang-themed music and dance which is full of Silk Road cultural elements. This will allow local people to see the mutual learning between Chinese and Japanese civilizations," said Cui Weilei, Consul-General of China in Niigata.

      Budapest's Chinatown was alive with energy on Saturday as the streets were filled with music, dance, and the aroma of traditional Chinese delicacies during a two-day Spring Festival celebration.

      The "Happy Chinese New Year" Temple Fair brought together numerous visitors and performers to usher in the upcoming Year of the Snake. They enjoyed the magnificent dragon and lion dances, ethnic performances, sugar-figure blowing, calligraphy demonstrations, and the unique experience of wearing traditional attire Hanfu.

      "We come here because we have a deep appreciation for Chinese culture and Chinese traditions, and a special interest in Chinese music. I think the most important part of Chinese culture is Chinese food because the best way to bring people from all over the world together is to sit around a table and eat together," said a resident in Budapest.

      Colorful celebrations and Spring Festival receptions were also held at many Chinese embassies and consulates around the world.

      By showcasing Spring Festival customs and intangible cultural heritage, these events allowed local communities to experience the festive vibes of the Spring Festival up close.

      In Dubai, over 1,000 performers and artists from around the world came together to blend traditional Chinese culture with modern art through a rich variety of performances, drawing a large number of audience. The airing of the Spring Festival Gala promotional video by China Media Group also became a highlight of the evening.

      A reception was held Wednesday evening in Cairo by the Chinese embassy in Egypt to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival.

      Around 600 attendees including Zhang Tao, charge d'affaires of the Chinese embassy, Ahmed Shaheen, Egyptian assistant foreign minister for Asia-Pacific, Australia, and New Zealand affairs, representatives of the Egyptian government and people from all walks of life were gathered.

      "On the occasion of the coming of the Spring Festival, I would like to send my sincerest wishes to dear Chinese friends," said Shaheen in a speech.

      Celebrations ring in Chinese New Year worldwide

      Celebrations ring in Chinese New Year worldwide

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