Chinese elephant herd walks from home to global stardom Part 1

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Category: Science/Environment

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. chronicle / ˈkrɒn ɪ kəl / (v.) – to create a record of something
    Example:

    Anna chronicles her daily life as a fitness instructor in her vlogs.


  2. antic / ˈæn tɪk / (n.) – funny, silly, or amusing action or behavior
    Example:

    We laughed a lot during the show because of the actor’s funny antics.


  3. calf / kæf / (n.) – a baby/young cow, elephant, whale, or other large mammal
    Example:

    Cows are amazing. Did you know that calves usually learn how to walk just one hour after being born?


  4. irrigation ditch / ˌɪr ɪˈgeɪ ʃən dɪtʃ / (n.) – a man-made passage that connects dry land to a water source
    Example:

    The farmers created an irrigation ditch to supply water to their crops.


  5. trot / trɒt / (v.) – to run at a slow pace using small, quick steps
    Example:

    We saw horses trotting along the field when we visited a farm.


Article

Read the text below.

Already famous at home, China’s wandering elephants are now becoming international stars.


Major global media are chronicling the herd’s more than yearlong, 500-kilometer trek from their home in a wildlife reserve in mountainous southwest Yunnan province to the outskirts of the provincial capital of Kunming.


Twitter and YouTube are full of clips of their various antics, particularly those of two calves who slipped into an irrigation ditch and had to be helped out by older members of the group.


The 15-member herd has been caught at night trotting down urban streets by security cameras, filmed constantly from the air by more than a dozen drones and followed by those seeking to minimize damage and keep both pachyderms and people out of harm’s way.


They’ve raided farms for food and water, visited a car dealership and even showed up at a retirement home, where they poked their trunks into some of the rooms, prompting one elderly man to hide under his bed.


While no animals or people have been hurt, reports put damage to crops at more than $1 million (¥109 million).


Sixteen animals were originally in the group, but the government says two returned home and a baby was born during the walk.


What exactly motivated them to make the epic journey remains a mystery, although they appear to be especially attracted to corn, tropical fruit and other crops that are tasty, plentiful and easy to obtain in the lush tropical region, which is home to about 300 of the animals. Others have speculated their leader may be simply lost. (AP)


To be continued…


This article was provided by The Japan Times Alpha.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • The elephants haven’t harmed any people or animals, but they’ve caused about $1 million worth of damage to crops. Do you think farmers should ask the government to pay for this damage? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • The elephants have raided farms for food and water, visited a car dealership, and even showed up at a retirement home, where they poked their trunks into some of the rooms, prompting one elderly man to hide under his bed. What would you do if you encountered the elephants up close (ex. hide, try to pet them)? Why? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • Do you think that the wandering elephants should be captured and taken to a place where they can be cared for (ex. a zoo, a wildlife center)? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • What exactly motivated the elephants to make the epic journey remains a mystery. In your opinion, why are the elephants making the more than yearlong, 500-kilometer trek to a new home? Discuss.