In a groundbreaking operation, Kenya is relocating about 100 elephants from Mwea National Reserve to Aberdare National Park due to overpopulation. Mwea's elephant herd has swelled to 156, straining its ecosystem. The park, which held 49 elephants in 1979, has a maximum capacity of 50. The surge has been hailed by Kenya Wildlife Service Director General Erustus Kanga as proof of conservation success and lower poaching rates.
The relocation that commenced last week has already successfully moved 44 out of the targeted 50 elephants to Aberdare, with the remaining scheduled for movement soon. Tourism Minister Rebecca Miano, who oversaw part of the operation, noted, "This will go down in history as a record, as it is the biggest exercise of its kind." More than 100 specialists, helicopters, and trucks are involved in executing this mammoth task. The translocation aims not only to balance the ecological pressure but also to reduce human-elephant conflicts in the area.
Residents, like Boniface Mbau, expressed relief at the operation. "We are very happy that the government has decided to reduce the number of elephants from the area," he stated, highlighting the impact on local farms. Projected costs for the first phase of relocation are reported to be at least 12 million Kenyan shillings ($93,000). While a second phase to move the second set of 50 elephants is in the pipeline, no dates have been specified. Kenya remains a beacon for wildlife tourism due to its rich biodiversity and well-preserved habitats. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
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