Unruly elephants to attend school

BANDARLAMPUNG, Lampung: The provincial government has acquired Rp 700 million (US$340,000) to catch and tame 80 wild jungle elephants.

The animals will be sent to the elephant school in Way Kambas where they will be trained to help people move heavy goods, said A.S.M. Panjaitan, chief of the provincial forestry office.

Panjaitan said the decision was made in response to requests from residents whose crops were being destroyed by the beasts protected by law.

The Way Kambas school can accommodate 200 elephants. There are 118 elephants currently undergoing training, Antara reported.

Forestry officials put the number of elephants roaming forests across Lampung at 1,500. (pan)