Kenya relocates hundreds of elephants

Hundreds of rangers from the Kenya Wildlife Service today began to relocate more than 400 elephants to a national park to end repeated conflicts with local people.

It is the largest relocation operation ever in the East African country.

The first bull elephant was darted by a ranger in a helicopter shortly after dawn today, with dignitaries looking on.

The exercise will transport the elephants from Shimba Hills National Reserve more than 218 miles to the northern part of Tsavo East National Park, wildlife service officials said.

The government is funding the relocation. Shimba Hills has too many elephants, resulting in the animals moving into populated areas where they have destroyed crops and injured people.