The herd began its journey in the southwestern province of Yunnan, traveling from a nature reserve in Xishuangbanna to Yuxi, a city of 2.6 million people.
In photos: China's herd of wandering elephants
The herd began its journey in the southwestern province of Yunnan, traveling from a nature reserve in Xishuangbanna to Yuxi, a city of 2.6 million people.
Xinhua/Sipa

Updated 2:16 PM EDT, Wed June 9, 2021

A herd of 15 elephants has wreaked havoc in China, trampling crops and causing more than $1 million worth of damage so far after the animals escaped from a nature reserve last year.

At least a dozen buzzing drones monitor them around the clock. Wherever they go, they're escorted by police. And millions have tuned in to watch them on livestreams.

The elephants have trekked more than 500 kilometers (311 miles) across the country. It's still unclear why they are making the journey north. Some have posited that shrinking rainforests in their home may have prompted the trip. Others say they could just be lost.

The elephants have traveled more than 500 kilometers (311 miles) and left a trail of destruction in their wake, according to China's state news agency Xinhua.
The elephants have traveled more than 500 kilometers (311 miles) and left a trail of destruction in their wake, according to China's state news agency Xinhua.
Xinhua/Sipa
It is unclear why the elephants left the Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve in in southwestern China. The reserve is near China's border with Laos and Myanmar.
It is unclear why the elephants left the Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve in in southwestern China. The reserve is near China's border with Laos and Myanmar.
He Xinwen/VCG/Getty Images
Officials prepare a drone to monitor the elephant herd in Eshan County of Yunnan province on May 29.
Officials prepare a drone to monitor the elephant herd in Eshan County of Yunnan province on May 29.
Hu Chao/Xinhua/AP
A drone's infrared imaging system is used to track and monitor the elephants.
A drone's infrared imaging system is used to track and monitor the elephants.
Chine Nouvelle/SIPA/Shutterstock
The herd roams through a neighborhood near Shuanghe Township in Yunnan province.
The herd roams through a neighborhood near Shuanghe Township in Yunnan province.
Yunnan Forest Fire Brigade/AP
Of the 15 elephants, one male has broken free from the herd and is currently about 4 km to the northeast of the group, according to the on-site command tracking the elephants.
Of the 15 elephants, one male has broken free from the herd and is currently about 4 km to the northeast of the group, according to the on-site command tracking the elephants.
Xinhua/Sipa
A government official shows the migration route of the elephants in Eshan County on May 28.
A government official shows the migration route of the elephants in Eshan County on May 28.
Chine Nouvelle/SIPA/Shutterstock
More than 360 people, 76 police cars and dirt trucks and nine drones are part of a task force following the elephants.
More than 360 people, 76 police cars and dirt trucks and nine drones are part of a task force following the elephants.
Xinhua/Sipa
The creatures have caused significant disruption during their trek. Residents were told to stay indoors while pedestrians and vehicles were evacuated in the town of Eshan after the elephants roamed the streets for six hours.
The creatures have caused significant disruption during their trek. Residents were told to stay indoors while pedestrians and vehicles were evacuated in the town of Eshan after the elephants roamed the streets for six hours.
He Xinwen/VCG/Getty Images
Officials use a drone to track the herd in Kunming, Yunnan province, on June 5.
Officials use a drone to track the herd in Kunming, Yunnan province, on June 5.
Chine Nouvelle/SIPA/Shutterstock
Monitoring images show the herd is comprised of six female adults, three male adults, three sub-adults and three calves.
Monitoring images show the herd is comprised of six female adults, three male adults, three sub-adults and three calves.
Xinhua/Sipa