A group of wild Asian elephants entered a border checkpoint in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Southwest China’s Yunnan Province, in the early hours of July 5, according to media reports on Tuesday.

Around 4 a.m., three adult elephants and one baby elephant passed by the gate of the station one after another, with five adult elephants gathering at the gate and leaving after wandering for about three minutes. Subsequently, three elephants entered the station from one side of the fence, relaxing in a corner and on the basketball court. By 5 a.m., the trio exited from the opposite side of the fence and rejoined the herd, heading toward the forest.

The police at the checkpoint promptly notified the local forestry and grassland administration and alerted neighboring residents by telephone.

Public Safety Advisory
Officials have reminded the public to maintain a safe distance of at least 100 meters from wild elephants. People should avoid making noise, attempting to get close for photos, or using flash photography to prevent disturbing the animals.

Drivers encountering wild elephants should turn around as soon as possible, drive cautiously, and keep the roads clear. If the elephant herd approaches or enters a village, residents should seek shelter in a safe area or sturdy building and avoid trying to drive the elephants away.