At one point in the footage a calf on its back stirs itself, trunk and feet sprawled in the air, before hauling itself onto a sleeping adult and nodding off again.

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Wandering elephants in China stop for a nap after 500 kilometre journey

Wandering elephants in China stop for a nap after 500 kilometre journey

The adventures of the huge mammals have captivated the nation, with hundreds of millions taking to social media to discuss their journey.

The elephants have been closely monitored by authorities as they lumber through lush countryside. More than 400 people have been mobilised to ensure public safety, and dozens of drones follow their every step.

Convoys of trucks have lined roads in a bid to keep the herd away from densely populated areas, including the more than 8 million people who live in nearby Kunming.

The local government has warned villagers not to leave corn or salt out in their yards that might attract the animals.

It has also evacuated residents in the elephants’ path and distributed more than 2 tonnes of feed to the scavenging herd.

Experts are unsure why the group first migrated away from their original habitat, a nature reserve in the province.