NEWS!!! Captured Sumatran elephants released

[Omaha Steve]

Success! Captured Sumatran elephants released and commitment in place to expand their habitat


On 14 May eight endangered Sumatran elephants were released into Tesso Nilo National Park, seven weeks after they were found chained to trees without food or water in central Riau, Indonesia. Local forestry officials had captured the elephants after they had damaged crops and homes near Libo Forest.

WWF, which provided daily care and medical treatment for the elephants after their discovery, accompanied the authorities as they released the elephants to ensure that the release was done safely.

We were concerned, however, that Tesso Nilo was not a suitable release site as it was too small to provide habitat for more elephants.

But good news followed just a few days ago when the Indonesian Ministry of Forestry and the Government of Riau Province publicly committed to expand the Tesso Nilo National Park from 38,000 to 100,000 hectares. This will provide a much larger habitat for the elephants and help ensure that future conflicts with humans can be reduced.

This is great news! We applaud the quick action of the Indonesian authorities in showing a strong commitment to protect remaining elephant habitats in Riau and also prosecuting those who have killed elephants or destroyed elephant habitats.

Thank you to everyone who took action. With your help we are making a real difference.

The WWF Passport team



The elephants being released into the Tesso Nilo National Park and members of the WWF team with the Riau Governor

[peacebuzzard]

1. So good to hear good news for a change.....

thank you for posting. thank you for worrying about these gracious creatures.