In the spring of 2018, veteran ornithologist Zhou Haixiang and his family came across an injured Siberian crane in the Liaohe River Basin of northeast China. Recognizing the endangered status of the species, Zhou carefully tended to the crane’s wounds at his home, nurturing it back to health.
Once the crane was strong enough, Zhou fitted it with a tracking device, hoping to monitor its journey and contribute valuable data to conservation efforts. “We wanted to ensure it could continue its migration safely,” Zhou explained.
Over the following months, Zhou tracked the crane’s movements as it navigated vast distances. Then, a year later, Zhou decided to embark on a journey of his own. Following the tracking signals for over 600 kilometers, he arrived at the Ertailong River Basin in Jilin Province. There, amid the sprawling wetlands, he spotted the familiar silhouette of the crane he had rescued.
“Seeing the crane thriving in its natural habitat brought tears to my eyes,” Zhou recounted with emotion. “It was as if we were old friends meeting again.”
The Siberian crane, known for its striking white plumage and migratory endurance, is classified as critically endangered, with only a few thousand remaining in the wild. Zhou’s reunion underscores the importance of individual efforts in wildlife conservation and the profound connections that can form between humans and animals.
Conservationists highlight the significance of the Liaohe and Ertailong river basins as crucial habitats for migratory birds. Efforts are ongoing to protect these ecosystems from threats such as habitat loss and pollution.
Zhou hopes that his story will inspire others to take action in preserving wildlife. “Every small act can make a big difference,” he said. “Our natural world depends on each of us stepping up to protect it.”
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
