In 2021, the northward migration of 16 wild elephants in Yunnan triggered attention and positive comments on China’s ecological protection from the world’s public opinion. This Chinese story in the new era, which is rare and full of love, remains deeply rooted in the hearts of people around the world.
The work The Baby Elephant Mengbao was inspired by the elephant herd in Yunnan migrating northward and returning to the south. With the theme being the co-existence and mutual development of people and elephants in Xishuangbanna, it tells a legendary story of local people in Yunnan protecting and rescuing elephants.
The wild Asian elephant is very rare and the oldest elephant species. The number of wild Asian elephants is decreasing year by year around the world. However, the number of wild Asian elephants living in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, China, has been increasing. The story of The Baby Elephant Mengbao happened in Xishuangbanna, a paradise for wild Asian elephants. A group of heroes who take it as their duty to protect wild Asian elephants and the rainforest in Xishuangbanna, a lush and beautiful tropical rainforest, a group of wild Asian elephants tied up with human beings, a lively, lovely, and magical baby elephant... On the fertile land of Xishuangbanna, The Baby Elephant Mengbao is a legend of co-existence and mutual assistance between people and elephants.
The Baby Elephant Mengbao was written by Xiangnv, a famous children’s literature writer who lives in Yunnan, so that such a story could be written most vividly and meticulously and would bring every reader an immersive reading experience. Xiangnv’s works have been characterized by rich themes, passionate words, free and smooth language, bright and clear moods, and vivid and intricate plots. They fully show the beautiful natural scenery, colorful border customs, and rich minority cultures in Yunnan. She has shaped many images of children in the border areas, who advocate nature, bravely face hardships, and have love and dreams in their hearts. Images such as the “small tree elf” Xiaoman the she sketched in The Baby Elephant Mengbao still impress the readers.