The Elephant Doctor of Yunnan: 23 Years of Saving Asian Elephants

The Elephant Doctor of Yunnan: 23 Years of Saving Asian Elephants

From Crisis to Hope: The Story of an Elephant Doctor

In the lush rainforests of Yunnan Province, a life hung in the balance. Longlong, a baby Asian elephant, had been saved by veterinarian Bao Weiming, but a new challenge emerged: without elephant’s milk, how would Longlong survive?

Drawing upon his vast experience and determination, Bao devised an ingenious solution. He turned to goat’s milk as an alternative, nurturing Longlong back to health. Today, Longlong stands tall, a healthy young elephant weighing an impressive 1,000 kilograms.

For the past 23 years, Bao has dedicated himself to the care and preservation of Yunnan’s Asian elephant population. His journey has been fraught with challenges, and there were moments when he questioned his path. Yet, his commitment never wavered. Bao continues to serve as the region’s revered “elephant doctor,” symbolizing hope and resilience.

“Every life in the rainforest is precious,” Bao reflects. “Seeing Longlong thrive reminds me why I chose this path.”


Asian elephants are an integral part of Yunnan’s rich biodiversity. Conservation efforts led by individuals like Bao are critical for their survival amid environmental changes and human-wildlife conflicts.

As Bao tends to the gentle giants of the rainforest, his story inspires others to value and protect Asia’s natural heritage.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back To Top