People have fallen in love with this wild elephant in search of a new habitat in China

In April, a group of 15 Chinese elephants traveled more than 800 kilometers from the city of Pu’er to the city of Kunming in June, and drew a large number of fans along the way.

The herd, officials said, was finally arriving in a sheltered habitat in southwest China’s Yunnan province, migrating in search of food and a home, though no one knew exactly where they were going. According to ReutersEfforts to protect the state have doubled the population of wild elephants in the Chinese state of Xishuangbanna since 1978. Prohibited hunting activities have also made elephants ready to enter human communities.

More than 150,000 people were evacuated from the houses on the elephant trail, but the animals have become a favorite of the locals as fans continue their progress. On the occasion of World Elephant Day on August 12, we’ll take a look at some of the highlights of their trip.