Local forestry officials had captured the elephants after they had damaged crops and homes near Libo Forest.

WWF, which provided daily care and medical treatment for the elephants after their discovery, accompanied the authorities as they released the elephants to ensure that the release was done safely.

WWF was concerned, however, that Tesso Nilo was not a suitable release site as it was too small to provide habitat for more elephants.

But more good news followed at the end of May when the Indonesian Ministry of Forestry and the Government of Riau Province publicly committed to expand the Tesso Nilo National Park from 38,000 to 100,000 hectares. This will provide much larger habitat for the elephants and help ensure that future conflicts with humans can be reduced.

WWF applauds the quick action of the Indonesian authorities in showing a strong commitment to protect remaining elephant habitats in Riau and also prosecuting those who have killed elephants or destroyed elephant habitats. Recent police seizures of ivory in Medan, North Sumatra, are a good indication of this commitment. We hope more cases will be uncovered in the future and the perpetrators will be brought to justice.

Thank you to everyone who took action. With your help we are making a real difference.

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