The conservationists at a South China Tiger breeding center in east China's Fujian Province are fulfilling their commitment to boosting the population of the endangered species with dedicated work.
Recruited into the Fujian Meihuashan South China Tiger Breeding Research Institute as an assistant engineer at the end of July, the 25-year-old Li Hao has been getting along well with the tigers.
"In addition to getting familiar with the institute over the past couple of days, I have spent more time on learning how to feed and raise tigers. Such as preparing food and cleaning their enclosures. My older work fellows did what I am doing now when they were newly recruited into the institute, because this work serves as a good starting point for me to observe directly and closely the dietary habits and the living environment of the South China tigers," said Li.
Keeping tigers would be Li's main responsibilities for most part of his career.
"Working here is the decision I had made to do what I love. I don't think the work conditions here are tough, and really enjoy the atmosphere here. My older work fellows gave me lots of support and encouragement," he said.
For tiger conservationists, long-time work in remote mountainous areas has posed a challenge for them to achieve work-family balance.
"It is hard to balance. For me, I would like to devote to my career, but my family hopes that I can spend more time with them," said Luo Hongxing, deputy director of the research institute.
However, Luo says the growing population of South China Tigers at the center proves that all his devotion has paid off.
"The bottom line is to preserve the species. Enlarging its population from the original endangered level of over 40 to a relatively larger number. The second task is don't treat them like cats. We hope to restore their wild nature," said Luo.
Conservationists dedicate to boosting population of endangered South China Tiger
