Does anyone have any info or have been to Chimelong recently to see the 24 African elephants from Zimbabwe who were taken to the park this year? If so, how are they and what is there currently about them?
Yesterday, Chimelong held a press conference about the young elephants from Zimbabwe. It says the elephants are between 4-8 years old and are in good health condition. The number of introduction is 24, the biggest herd in China, and Chimelong appeared thant they wouldn't be used for commercial use. However the conference didn't mention the rumors that one elephant died soon after arrived. Paul Chikawa, Zimbabwe's ambassador to China said it was an international cooperation to protect African elephant, to help them avoid poaching and get better live and breeding environment, so Zimbabwe government decided send the elephants to China after communicating with China government. The elephants live in a 2 ha exhibit, with clay heap, mud wallow, and water pool. The Zimbabwe's vet Columbas Chaitezvi said the facilities were better than his imagine, they had enough space and water, and the climate was similar to Zimbabwe.
It seems another high quality habitat for African elephants. Very naturalistic. Bodes well for the future. Then again Chimelong's record with pachyderms and large hoof stock (even very endangered local primate species) is quite good.
